Letters to the Editor 12-21-2004
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Deer Crashes - Media Discrimination - Short Lunch - Thanks To Blood Donors - Syracuse Council - Decorations Stolen - Warehouse Fire - Three Men And A Baby - Political Correctness - Nothing Natural - License Snafu - Truth Of God
Deer Crashes
Editor, Times-Union:In the Dec. 7 issue of the Times-Union, there was a very interesting article titled "Deer-Car Crashes Becoming More Frequent in Indiana." It stated that more than 14,000 deer-vehicle crashes were reported in Indiana last year, and the frequency of crashes was increasing according to a state research biologist of Indiana's DNR. It also stated that an estimated 11.5-million deer-vehicle collisions occur nationwide every year resulting in $1.1 billion in damage.
The article did not state the number of deaths attributed to deer-car crashes, nor the number of crashes that are not reported.
Personally, we have had more non-reported deer-car crashes than those we have reported. Why? If the repair is less than your deductible, the insurance will not pay. And reports, no matter what size of damage, all add together to make your premiums go higher.
Insurance claims have multiplied because of deer-car crashes, but that's good for the insurance companies. As long as the public has to pay higher premiums, this is a win-win situation for insurance! Why should they want Indiana's DNR to control the state's escalating deer population? It's putting money into the insurance company's pockets at the public's expense.
Not one of the 14,000 deer-vehicle crashes in Indiana was the result of deer being raised on a "deer farm." Not one fatality was due to captive cervida. So why the opposition to deer farms?
Deer behind a fence do not cause car accidents nor fatalities. Deer behind a fence do not jump into your car and cost you money, whether it's fixing it yourself or turning it into the insurance company. Deer behind a fence are taken good care of because they are the owner's possession. Compare them to other livestock, would the public like it if all livestock ran free? I doubt many people would have the patience to wait on a farmer's cattle to cross the road anytime the cattle wanted to, as the deer do daily as we travel down the highway.
Let's get off this kick of "canned deer" posters in yards. Let's say there's room for both deer farms and wild deer. If we want to focus on something, let's focus on getting the DNR to control the deer population so that so many accidents don't happen. It would also help the huge expense the farmers in our area face each year due to deer damage to their crops. At least on the deer farms, the owner is feeding those deer, not all the farmers!
Lenore Lewis
Mentone
via e-mail
Media Discrimination
Editor, Times-Union:One of the things that I do not like in our country is the discrimination that the media did about the Republicans and Democrats during the presidential election this year. The media stated that Republicans are religious and the Democrats are not. This is wrong. I have friends that are both Republicans and Democrats and both are just as religious as the other, for they go to my church.
Through the media you would think we had a teenage rivalry between Bush and Kerry. The media like to blow up things that each presidential candidate says, which can give a wrong implication of what the candidates are saying. I do not like the media implying things or trying to brainwash people because they, the media, think we, the people of this country, are too stupid to understand what the candidates have said, after their debates, that they, the media, and others have to tell us or try to brainwash us, to think their way.
A week after election, the media is telling us what went wrong with Kerry. How he should have done this or that.
This nation was not founded on what should have been, the election is over and the people need to unite together, for it is stated, United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
The news media must put this election behind, for it is over and thanks to people who have the intelligence, not the media, to unite and stand behind our government when there are other important matters as a war in Iraq. The media have peevish ways to cut this nation down, which is creating discrimination, which we do not need.
Also, when President Bush selected Mr. Gonzales to be our Attorney General, why does the media imply Spanish-American, when he is an American? This too is discrimination, if one is a born American, whatever descent one comes from should not be implied.
There is too much Spanish-American, Italian-American, Jewish-American, African-American and so forth. Let us get rid of this kind of insults of people and their descendants or bloodline. This shows discrimination of the media to these people.
Let us stand behind our country and be glad we live in a free nation, where everyone is equal and has certain right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
To the media, let us stop putting people down because of your own peevishness, which is day a great nation, so let us put our prejudices away and become united.
The media is wrong when they stereotype people who are Democrats or Republicans, in the way they have this presidential election.
Joyce A. Phaneuf
North Webster
Short Lunch
Editor, Times-Union:My name is Jordan and I go to Akron Elementary School, and the reason that I am writing this letter to you is because I would like to have a longer lunch period at my school. I do not have enough time to eat all of my food and I end up throwing part of my lunch away every day. Ten or 15 minutes is not long enough for me to eat my lunch. My mom came to my school to visit a couple of weeks ago, and she couldn't believe that we had to eat so fast just so we could go outside and have recess. She made me wait on her so she could finish all of her lunch. When I had to wait on her to eat, then I didn't have anytime for recess. I also want noon recess to be longer. Maybe if you put this in the paper, someone from my school will read it and give us a longer lunch and recess. My mom helped me write this letter because I am only 8 years old and I didn't know how to say everything that I wanted to say. Thank you for reading my letter.
Jordan Nieman
Akron
Thanks To Blood Donors
Editor, Times-Union:A big thanks to all donors who gave blood at the Center Lake Pavillion in the name of Max Hay.
Thanks Mike and Marsha for thinking of such a great gift.
Max Hay and family
Warsaw
Syracuse Council
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is being written in response to a letter in the Mail-Journal titled, "Support For Town Council President."
I respect the writer of the letter. I have a different perspective on some issues having been involved as a former council member.
I too respect the position of the presidency of the town council. It is made up of five elected officials each holding an equal vote on all decisions made.
I agree the presidency must allow for public debate but in the end, by law, they as a group must make the final decision.
I take issue at the statement former members ran unoppsoed. That is not true of all. Both Paul Stoelting (current council member) and myself (former member) ran unopposed and won.
Former town councils and the two former town managers worked with SWADCO on procuring land for industrial development. The present land was being considered and efforts at procurement took place prior to Larry Siegel.
The Chamber of Commerce and councils of the past, along with Ball State University, worked together financially on at least two plans for the developmeent of Syracuse. Some of the last plan is presently being developed and was started prior to the last year.
I was personally invovled with past councils for the past 16 years concerning the development of curbs on the Ind. 13 project. Last fall, 2003, I met with Larry Siegel, the Chamber president and others with the INDOT representative concerning this matter. We were assured at that time the curbs would be installed north of the railroad tracks to the first street south of Main Street. The storm drains were part of the highway project. The installation of the sidewalks were the joint decision of the present council.
I certainly respect Mr. Siegel's energy and intelligence. I do believe it takes five elected officials, working together, to make decisions for a community. Each of these members are due the respect and should receive the credit for their joint decisions.
We have capable people on our council, all of who have as much tenure as Mr. Siegel had when he became Town Council president.
Carol Koble
Syracuse
Decorations Stolen
Editor, Times-Union:Right now I am very ashamed I live in Warsaw. At 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning, a nice man knocked on our door to tell us some young people had stolen some of our yard decorations. They were in a Suburban. They stole two reindeer and a sled. The reindeer you stole were the first ones we bought years ago and one of them has a special red bulb in his nose. My husband is retired and each year he spends hours putting these things together so other people can enjoy them. You can see them from U.S. 30 so travelers can enjoy them too. We never thought some young people would sneak in our yard in the wee hours of the morning and take things that were not theirs. I guess you were not taught by your parents not to take what is not yours. It really hurts that we have young people in Warsaw like that.
Roy and Jean Bradbury
Warsaw
Warehouse Fire
Editor, Times-Union:Thanksgiving definitely took on a whole new meaning for our families this year. On Nov. 15 something happened to my brother and myself that I thought only happened to others and that was a fire. We have a wholesale business (Triple A Warehouse) inside of Steer Inn in Silver Lake and our wood-burning stove had caused a fire to start in the ceiling. By the time we noticed the fire, it was already too widespread for us to do anything. Once the 911 call was made, Silver Lake Fire Department arrived within three minutes. They immediately called for backup from Claypool, Akron, Burket, Sidney, Warsaw and Winona Lake. Words can never expense the thanks and gratitude that we have for all of these individuals. We thank God every day that no one was hurt and that there are people who feel a calling to be a firefighter or EMT. Now whenever we hear a siren or see a fire truck going out on a call, we think of that day. Due to the quick response of Silver Lake and the call for immediate backup, they were able to save the main brick building and some of our inventory. After a few weeks of cleanup, we were able to re-open our business. Again, thank you will never be enough to express our feelings of gratitude.
Carl & Joyce Arnett & Family
Clyde & Becky Arnett & Family
via e-mail
Three Men And A Baby
Editor, Times-Union:As we celebrate the Chirstmas season, I think of "Three Men and A Baby." No, not the '80s movie but three men in the Bible - and their response to the Christ Child.
Who are these men? First, "The Man Who Missed Christmas." The Inn Keeper who "had no room for them." How sad. How searching. This man missed Christmas. Sure his inn was crowded, his mind was busy and his hands were full. But in the process, he was too preoccupied to notice, and receive, a woman who was about to give birth to a child who would become the most famous man in all of history - and more than a man, a Savior.
Sadly, this is the response of millions today. Like the Inn Keeper, they cannot "find room" for Christ. All the accomodations in their heart are already filled. They are overcrowded with other interests. There is no room for Jesus. They are not necessarily hostile or agnostic, but they are indifferent, apathetic, complacent. They are just too busy, too preoccupied. And they miss Christmas.
The second man is, "The Man Who Fought Christmas." This was King Herod and his response. A response of outright hostility, anger and hatred. Tragically, this is the response of many today. Like Herod also, others are pretenders, false worshippers - and secretly hostile to Christ and Christianity.
The third man is Simeon, "The Man Who Welcomed Chrsitmas." His response was one of finding, receiving and sharing the Christ and the good news. Simeon welcomed and embraced the Christ and like millions today, and throughout history, his life was dramatically impacted and he is eternally grateful for it.
Three Men and A Baby. Their stories are found in Matthew 2 and Luke 2. My hope and prayer is that this Christmas season each reader will stop and ask him or herself: "Which one am I?"
Pastor Tim Morbitzer
North Manchester
Political Correctness
Editor, Times-Union:An intesting observation in Gary Gerard's column - the phrase "political correctness gone awry" seems like a redundancy. Seems to me that the phrase "Political Correctness" is itself an oxymoron.
Howard Woodward Jr.
Warsaw
via e-mail
Nothing Natural
Editor, Times-Union:The death of a child is a devastating loss. I want to publicly express my gratitude to all who have taken the time to share with me their memories and special stories of my son, Burdett Wappes, who died suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004.
It has been an encouragement to hear how he touched the lives of others in our community. So many people have spoken about his kindness, and his willingness to help others. He served as an acolyte and enjoyed activities at St. Anne's Episcopal Church. He generously gave great hugs and his beautiful smile to family and friends.
We remember him with his headphones on listening to music, weight-lifting, doing handsprings, taking care of his car, doing well as a junior at Warsaw High and worrying about his girlfriends. Burdett was a happy 17-year-old looking forward to driving, to graduating from high school, joining the military and to becoming a policer officer one day.
It seems impossible that this healthy, happy young man's life could end so suddenly. Because so many people have asked questions about his death, I want to share what we have learned from the autopsy. Burdett was ill with what seemed to be the flu. He saw a doctor at Medstat on Friday afternoon, Oct. 8, 2004, and was prescribed an antibiotic, cough medicine and fever reducer for an upper respiratory infection. Less than 48 hours later, he passed away in his sleep.
The autopsy showed that Burdett died of double pneumonia. The toxicology report states that there was neither a drug overdose nor a drug reaction. As hard as it is to understand, he simply died of congestion in his lungs. "Natural causes" is the official phrase. Of course, nothing is natural about a young life ending far too soon. Thank you for remembering Burdett and for your kindness to me and our family.
Annette Wappes
Warsaw
License Snafu
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Mrs. Trowbridge's letter concerning the mishap with her daughter's insurance and license. My husband last fall had the same situation happen to him, but the accident was when he had hit a deer THREE years before! My father-in-law just experienced the same situation last month on an accident that happened in 1999! Can you believe it? He had changed insurance companies and when he approached them for the information, they told him they only keep their information for two years.
What a mess ...
I am so sorry this has happened to you, and do hope it gets straightened out soon.
Please, as Mrs. Trowbridge mentioned, call your state representative.
Heather Slater
Leesburg
via e-mail
Truth Of God
Editor, Times-Union:The Church World in the last election got really involved mostly about gay marriages or homosexuality in general. If they understood their Bible, they would know why it is running rampant today.
The Book of Romans tells us plainly why Paul surely was talking about Sodom Gomorrah.
Romans 1-21 - Because when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish hearts was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of God into an image and made unto corruptible man and to birds and four-footed beast and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lust of their own hearts to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.
Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature (Creation) more than the creator who is blessed forever.
Verse 28, and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient.
The Lord and Satan talking about Job. Job 1:8-10 Hath thou not made a hedge about him.
Maybe God put a hedge around this young nation, but are we sure it is still there?
We had our first Thanksgiving with the Indians, fed them real good before we started killing them for their land. We needed workers for our land so we enslaved the Negroes to work it. How about the Chinese along our railroads from Chicago to San Francisco that we buried in mass graves.
I am not anti-American. I love this country but we have our faults just like my wife loves me in spite of my faults.
Pastors let us look at ourselves. We preach against homosexuality. Lot of people sitting in our congregations out of wedlock, that isn't so bad is it. Ephesians 5:3-6, the sex sins are fornication, adultery, uncleanness, whoremongers sounds bad. How about a covetness person. Verse 6 the wrath of God comes on a nation with this kind of people.
Think about this, prayer in our Senate and Supreme Court. But not in our school, remove the 10 Commandments from all government offices. But on our currency in God we trust.
The Bible plainly tells us our children are gay - our hypocrisy as a country has caused it.
So the next time you say how much you hate those people. Just think maybe we as a nation has caused it.
Let us pray to God that he will put the hedge back around us as he did Job.
Pastor Ralph Dotson
Silver Lake
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- Deer Crashes - Media Discrimination - Short Lunch - Thanks To Blood Donors - Syracuse Council - Decorations Stolen - Warehouse Fire - Three Men And A Baby - Political Correctness - Nothing Natural - License Snafu - Truth Of God
Deer Crashes
Editor, Times-Union:In the Dec. 7 issue of the Times-Union, there was a very interesting article titled "Deer-Car Crashes Becoming More Frequent in Indiana." It stated that more than 14,000 deer-vehicle crashes were reported in Indiana last year, and the frequency of crashes was increasing according to a state research biologist of Indiana's DNR. It also stated that an estimated 11.5-million deer-vehicle collisions occur nationwide every year resulting in $1.1 billion in damage.
The article did not state the number of deaths attributed to deer-car crashes, nor the number of crashes that are not reported.
Personally, we have had more non-reported deer-car crashes than those we have reported. Why? If the repair is less than your deductible, the insurance will not pay. And reports, no matter what size of damage, all add together to make your premiums go higher.
Insurance claims have multiplied because of deer-car crashes, but that's good for the insurance companies. As long as the public has to pay higher premiums, this is a win-win situation for insurance! Why should they want Indiana's DNR to control the state's escalating deer population? It's putting money into the insurance company's pockets at the public's expense.
Not one of the 14,000 deer-vehicle crashes in Indiana was the result of deer being raised on a "deer farm." Not one fatality was due to captive cervida. So why the opposition to deer farms?
Deer behind a fence do not cause car accidents nor fatalities. Deer behind a fence do not jump into your car and cost you money, whether it's fixing it yourself or turning it into the insurance company. Deer behind a fence are taken good care of because they are the owner's possession. Compare them to other livestock, would the public like it if all livestock ran free? I doubt many people would have the patience to wait on a farmer's cattle to cross the road anytime the cattle wanted to, as the deer do daily as we travel down the highway.
Let's get off this kick of "canned deer" posters in yards. Let's say there's room for both deer farms and wild deer. If we want to focus on something, let's focus on getting the DNR to control the deer population so that so many accidents don't happen. It would also help the huge expense the farmers in our area face each year due to deer damage to their crops. At least on the deer farms, the owner is feeding those deer, not all the farmers!
Lenore Lewis
Mentone
via e-mail
Media Discrimination
Editor, Times-Union:One of the things that I do not like in our country is the discrimination that the media did about the Republicans and Democrats during the presidential election this year. The media stated that Republicans are religious and the Democrats are not. This is wrong. I have friends that are both Republicans and Democrats and both are just as religious as the other, for they go to my church.
Through the media you would think we had a teenage rivalry between Bush and Kerry. The media like to blow up things that each presidential candidate says, which can give a wrong implication of what the candidates are saying. I do not like the media implying things or trying to brainwash people because they, the media, think we, the people of this country, are too stupid to understand what the candidates have said, after their debates, that they, the media, and others have to tell us or try to brainwash us, to think their way.
A week after election, the media is telling us what went wrong with Kerry. How he should have done this or that.
This nation was not founded on what should have been, the election is over and the people need to unite together, for it is stated, United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
The news media must put this election behind, for it is over and thanks to people who have the intelligence, not the media, to unite and stand behind our government when there are other important matters as a war in Iraq. The media have peevish ways to cut this nation down, which is creating discrimination, which we do not need.
Also, when President Bush selected Mr. Gonzales to be our Attorney General, why does the media imply Spanish-American, when he is an American? This too is discrimination, if one is a born American, whatever descent one comes from should not be implied.
There is too much Spanish-American, Italian-American, Jewish-American, African-American and so forth. Let us get rid of this kind of insults of people and their descendants or bloodline. This shows discrimination of the media to these people.
Let us stand behind our country and be glad we live in a free nation, where everyone is equal and has certain right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
To the media, let us stop putting people down because of your own peevishness, which is day a great nation, so let us put our prejudices away and become united.
The media is wrong when they stereotype people who are Democrats or Republicans, in the way they have this presidential election.
Joyce A. Phaneuf
North Webster
Short Lunch
Editor, Times-Union:My name is Jordan and I go to Akron Elementary School, and the reason that I am writing this letter to you is because I would like to have a longer lunch period at my school. I do not have enough time to eat all of my food and I end up throwing part of my lunch away every day. Ten or 15 minutes is not long enough for me to eat my lunch. My mom came to my school to visit a couple of weeks ago, and she couldn't believe that we had to eat so fast just so we could go outside and have recess. She made me wait on her so she could finish all of her lunch. When I had to wait on her to eat, then I didn't have anytime for recess. I also want noon recess to be longer. Maybe if you put this in the paper, someone from my school will read it and give us a longer lunch and recess. My mom helped me write this letter because I am only 8 years old and I didn't know how to say everything that I wanted to say. Thank you for reading my letter.
Jordan Nieman
Akron
Thanks To Blood Donors
Editor, Times-Union:A big thanks to all donors who gave blood at the Center Lake Pavillion in the name of Max Hay.
Thanks Mike and Marsha for thinking of such a great gift.
Max Hay and family
Warsaw
Syracuse Council
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is being written in response to a letter in the Mail-Journal titled, "Support For Town Council President."
I respect the writer of the letter. I have a different perspective on some issues having been involved as a former council member.
I too respect the position of the presidency of the town council. It is made up of five elected officials each holding an equal vote on all decisions made.
I agree the presidency must allow for public debate but in the end, by law, they as a group must make the final decision.
I take issue at the statement former members ran unoppsoed. That is not true of all. Both Paul Stoelting (current council member) and myself (former member) ran unopposed and won.
Former town councils and the two former town managers worked with SWADCO on procuring land for industrial development. The present land was being considered and efforts at procurement took place prior to Larry Siegel.
The Chamber of Commerce and councils of the past, along with Ball State University, worked together financially on at least two plans for the developmeent of Syracuse. Some of the last plan is presently being developed and was started prior to the last year.
I was personally invovled with past councils for the past 16 years concerning the development of curbs on the Ind. 13 project. Last fall, 2003, I met with Larry Siegel, the Chamber president and others with the INDOT representative concerning this matter. We were assured at that time the curbs would be installed north of the railroad tracks to the first street south of Main Street. The storm drains were part of the highway project. The installation of the sidewalks were the joint decision of the present council.
I certainly respect Mr. Siegel's energy and intelligence. I do believe it takes five elected officials, working together, to make decisions for a community. Each of these members are due the respect and should receive the credit for their joint decisions.
We have capable people on our council, all of who have as much tenure as Mr. Siegel had when he became Town Council president.
Carol Koble
Syracuse
Decorations Stolen
Editor, Times-Union:Right now I am very ashamed I live in Warsaw. At 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning, a nice man knocked on our door to tell us some young people had stolen some of our yard decorations. They were in a Suburban. They stole two reindeer and a sled. The reindeer you stole were the first ones we bought years ago and one of them has a special red bulb in his nose. My husband is retired and each year he spends hours putting these things together so other people can enjoy them. You can see them from U.S. 30 so travelers can enjoy them too. We never thought some young people would sneak in our yard in the wee hours of the morning and take things that were not theirs. I guess you were not taught by your parents not to take what is not yours. It really hurts that we have young people in Warsaw like that.
Roy and Jean Bradbury
Warsaw
Warehouse Fire
Editor, Times-Union:Thanksgiving definitely took on a whole new meaning for our families this year. On Nov. 15 something happened to my brother and myself that I thought only happened to others and that was a fire. We have a wholesale business (Triple A Warehouse) inside of Steer Inn in Silver Lake and our wood-burning stove had caused a fire to start in the ceiling. By the time we noticed the fire, it was already too widespread for us to do anything. Once the 911 call was made, Silver Lake Fire Department arrived within three minutes. They immediately called for backup from Claypool, Akron, Burket, Sidney, Warsaw and Winona Lake. Words can never expense the thanks and gratitude that we have for all of these individuals. We thank God every day that no one was hurt and that there are people who feel a calling to be a firefighter or EMT. Now whenever we hear a siren or see a fire truck going out on a call, we think of that day. Due to the quick response of Silver Lake and the call for immediate backup, they were able to save the main brick building and some of our inventory. After a few weeks of cleanup, we were able to re-open our business. Again, thank you will never be enough to express our feelings of gratitude.
Carl & Joyce Arnett & Family
Clyde & Becky Arnett & Family
via e-mail
Three Men And A Baby
Editor, Times-Union:As we celebrate the Chirstmas season, I think of "Three Men and A Baby." No, not the '80s movie but three men in the Bible - and their response to the Christ Child.
Who are these men? First, "The Man Who Missed Christmas." The Inn Keeper who "had no room for them." How sad. How searching. This man missed Christmas. Sure his inn was crowded, his mind was busy and his hands were full. But in the process, he was too preoccupied to notice, and receive, a woman who was about to give birth to a child who would become the most famous man in all of history - and more than a man, a Savior.
Sadly, this is the response of millions today. Like the Inn Keeper, they cannot "find room" for Christ. All the accomodations in their heart are already filled. They are overcrowded with other interests. There is no room for Jesus. They are not necessarily hostile or agnostic, but they are indifferent, apathetic, complacent. They are just too busy, too preoccupied. And they miss Christmas.
The second man is, "The Man Who Fought Christmas." This was King Herod and his response. A response of outright hostility, anger and hatred. Tragically, this is the response of many today. Like Herod also, others are pretenders, false worshippers - and secretly hostile to Christ and Christianity.
The third man is Simeon, "The Man Who Welcomed Chrsitmas." His response was one of finding, receiving and sharing the Christ and the good news. Simeon welcomed and embraced the Christ and like millions today, and throughout history, his life was dramatically impacted and he is eternally grateful for it.
Three Men and A Baby. Their stories are found in Matthew 2 and Luke 2. My hope and prayer is that this Christmas season each reader will stop and ask him or herself: "Which one am I?"
Pastor Tim Morbitzer
North Manchester
Political Correctness
Editor, Times-Union:An intesting observation in Gary Gerard's column - the phrase "political correctness gone awry" seems like a redundancy. Seems to me that the phrase "Political Correctness" is itself an oxymoron.
Howard Woodward Jr.
Warsaw
via e-mail
Nothing Natural
Editor, Times-Union:The death of a child is a devastating loss. I want to publicly express my gratitude to all who have taken the time to share with me their memories and special stories of my son, Burdett Wappes, who died suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004.
It has been an encouragement to hear how he touched the lives of others in our community. So many people have spoken about his kindness, and his willingness to help others. He served as an acolyte and enjoyed activities at St. Anne's Episcopal Church. He generously gave great hugs and his beautiful smile to family and friends.
We remember him with his headphones on listening to music, weight-lifting, doing handsprings, taking care of his car, doing well as a junior at Warsaw High and worrying about his girlfriends. Burdett was a happy 17-year-old looking forward to driving, to graduating from high school, joining the military and to becoming a policer officer one day.
It seems impossible that this healthy, happy young man's life could end so suddenly. Because so many people have asked questions about his death, I want to share what we have learned from the autopsy. Burdett was ill with what seemed to be the flu. He saw a doctor at Medstat on Friday afternoon, Oct. 8, 2004, and was prescribed an antibiotic, cough medicine and fever reducer for an upper respiratory infection. Less than 48 hours later, he passed away in his sleep.
The autopsy showed that Burdett died of double pneumonia. The toxicology report states that there was neither a drug overdose nor a drug reaction. As hard as it is to understand, he simply died of congestion in his lungs. "Natural causes" is the official phrase. Of course, nothing is natural about a young life ending far too soon. Thank you for remembering Burdett and for your kindness to me and our family.
Annette Wappes
Warsaw
License Snafu
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Mrs. Trowbridge's letter concerning the mishap with her daughter's insurance and license. My husband last fall had the same situation happen to him, but the accident was when he had hit a deer THREE years before! My father-in-law just experienced the same situation last month on an accident that happened in 1999! Can you believe it? He had changed insurance companies and when he approached them for the information, they told him they only keep their information for two years.
What a mess ...
I am so sorry this has happened to you, and do hope it gets straightened out soon.
Please, as Mrs. Trowbridge mentioned, call your state representative.
Heather Slater
Leesburg
via e-mail
Truth Of God
Editor, Times-Union:The Church World in the last election got really involved mostly about gay marriages or homosexuality in general. If they understood their Bible, they would know why it is running rampant today.
The Book of Romans tells us plainly why Paul surely was talking about Sodom Gomorrah.
Romans 1-21 - Because when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were they thankful but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish hearts was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of God into an image and made unto corruptible man and to birds and four-footed beast and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lust of their own hearts to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.
Who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature (Creation) more than the creator who is blessed forever.
Verse 28, and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient.
The Lord and Satan talking about Job. Job 1:8-10 Hath thou not made a hedge about him.
Maybe God put a hedge around this young nation, but are we sure it is still there?
We had our first Thanksgiving with the Indians, fed them real good before we started killing them for their land. We needed workers for our land so we enslaved the Negroes to work it. How about the Chinese along our railroads from Chicago to San Francisco that we buried in mass graves.
I am not anti-American. I love this country but we have our faults just like my wife loves me in spite of my faults.
Pastors let us look at ourselves. We preach against homosexuality. Lot of people sitting in our congregations out of wedlock, that isn't so bad is it. Ephesians 5:3-6, the sex sins are fornication, adultery, uncleanness, whoremongers sounds bad. How about a covetness person. Verse 6 the wrath of God comes on a nation with this kind of people.
Think about this, prayer in our Senate and Supreme Court. But not in our school, remove the 10 Commandments from all government offices. But on our currency in God we trust.
The Bible plainly tells us our children are gay - our hypocrisy as a country has caused it.
So the next time you say how much you hate those people. Just think maybe we as a nation has caused it.
Let us pray to God that he will put the hedge back around us as he did Job.
Pastor Ralph Dotson
Silver Lake
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