Letters to the Editor 12-24-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Flag Respect - Farmland Plan - Gun Laws - Deadly Weapons - Concert Thanks - ABATE Says Thanks - Firemen Say Thanks - Missing Dog ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ - Christmas Spirit
Flag Respect
Editor, Times-Union:It has been a while since I wrote an article. Some say the less you are involved the less you have to worry about.
Today, I received a letter from The American Legion concerning our U.S. flag. I admit I, like most people, take too many things for granted. I also did not realize the problems concerning our flag.
When I read the letter from the legion, it does upset me and makes me think back about things.
All my life I believed it is my responsibility and true belief to support and respect our flag. I believe all countries have their own flag and they are to be respected.
I cannot understand the certain groups we have here and the amount of people that are, for some reason, wanting to get rid of it.
For many years, we have maintained and we were taught to respect this flag. As some seem to think, yes it is a piece of cloth, I believe that to be true about any other country's flag.
We lost a lot of good people during the past wars that looked at our flag with respect. I believe we owe them the honor and respect to maintain our flag in their honor.
Some of the things I read concerning these new groups I do not agree with but I believe this is a free country and people have a right to different opinions. I will not change!
This is just a suggestion to some of you younger people. You say you cannot make the money you desire. From what I understand about the Indiana National Guard concerning enlistment pay you receive and very good benefits including help for college. Some of you should maybe think about this. I am sure you could spare one weekend a month.
Dester Bell, North Webster
Farmland Plan
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, I attended the County Planners meeting and am glad that I did. All too often, we (I) sit back and say, "What can I do about any governmental activity?" After all, I'm only one voice. Well as it turned out, I did speak at the meeting and the planners appeared to welcome the input. They might continue with their plan as it is or they might alter it because of what they heard. Regardless of the outcome, the point is, they listened.
The problem the county faces is urban sprawl and the county faces the rapid loss of prime farmland. The proposed plan is to raise the minimum acre sell-off to 40 acres for a "subdivision" development. A problem this creates for a farmer who, as part of their retirement, have planned to sell smaller parcels according to the county's current plan. The proposed plan would force more acres to be sold off or none if the landowner had not planned to sell it all. It appears this could cause land to go out of production at a faster rate than it currently does.
The inequity of the matter is that, if the farm is close to the city or town, it is more likely to be allowed to be sold off in smaller parcels and at higher prices just because it fits "the plan." But, for the land, say in the next mile out, it goes to larger minimum acres. Larger minimums would lower the per-acre selling price. The majority of the people want to get as much as possible, particularly when it comes to their retirement fund, because after that there isn't anymore.
I'm not certain that farmers need to be told how to sell their land. If the government (that's all of us) believes they need to control the destiny of farmland, the planners need to devise a method that makes the sell-off as equitable to those they are controlling for farmland conservation as it is to those next to urban areas. This would require funding which I doubt that many would favor.
Conservation of farmland vs. urban sprawl is a huge problem. I'm glad I'm not on the planners committee ... it's heck if they do and heck if they don't! Good luck, planners.
Merl Montel, Pierceton
Gun Laws
Editor, Times-Union:A federal law was enacted in 1995 banning all guns from within 1,000 feet of a school (including legally permitted guns). Obviously this didn't stop the shooting at Columbine and the ones after Columbine High.
What really happens when you take away the guns? Read this quote: "This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer; our police, more efficient; and the world will follow our lead into the future." - Adolph Hitler, 1935.
History shows all guns were taken away from the people. Then the efficient police proceeded to kill 6,000,000 unarmed people.
Fact: In every county in Texas, where the number of people legally licensed to carry handguns is high, the crimes committed with handguns are dramatically low.
Fact: Legally licensed handgun owners have saved more than 100,000 lives last year (you wouldn't believe the actual number).
Fact: Over 100,000 people were killed in automobiles last year. (A very high percentage of the drivers were legally drunk.)
Yet I hear nobody trying to ban the cars for killing these people or calling to ban the alcohol that contributed to many of the 100,000 deaths last year. So if you take away the right to bear arms and to protect ourselves, all the rest of our rights: freedom of speech, religion, etc., will surely be lost, too. Remember one thing -Êhistory repeats itself.
Stephen R. Kuhn, Warsaw
Deadly Weapons
Editor, Times-Union:I've had enough, I love the constitution as much as anyone, but it's time that we outlaw the deadly weapons that are killing our children. The statistics tell a frightning story - across America roughly 9 children are killed everyday; nearly 1,000 are injured. Yet for me the statistics alone didn't mean much until this epidemic of young lives tragically lost to violent death hits close to home.
Not too long ago 3 youngsters were killed and several others seriously wounded in another senseless tragedy involving teen-agers and deadly weapons. I suppose if it had happened at a school it might have made the national headlines. Instead the tragedy only made a local splash. Otherwise, I'm sure the usual voices would be raised on behalf of our children. The silence from the politicians is deafening, usually they are the first to seize the moment to call for more "controls" when youngsters die violently. Perhaps they weren't aware of the tragedy. In truth, this was just another typical incident of the havoc one youngster can wreak with a loaded weapon in his hands. Surely he must have known the weapon was loaded. After all it belonged to him. He had even undergone extensive training to use it.
Whenever something like this happens we can only ask why. Do we better educate kids on how deadly these weapons are? Have we somehow failed to instill proper values? Should we blame Hollywood and music industry for glorifying these weapons of destruction? There are no clear cut answers, only the ongoing loss of life and the accompanying grief.
That is why we must change the laws now! Think of the innocent lives which will be saved. Constitutionalists will raise a fuss asserting their rights and freedoms.But folks, we are squandering our most precious natural resource. Is any freedom worth that?
I never thought it would come to this. I never thought that I, as a conservative would ever suggest it.But I see no other choice.
We must take CARS out of the hands of teen-agers!
Steve Vaus, via e-mail
Concert Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Many thanks to the Lakeland Community Concerts Association for presentation of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert recently performed at Rodeheaver Auditorium. We are grateful for Lila O'Connell and her committee for the hours of work that went into this project.
Both the Lakeland Community Concerts Association and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic send holiday cheers and heartfelt thanks to (all those) who made the concert financially possible.
Colleen Benninghoff, Regional Touring Director, Fort Wayne Philharmonic
ABATE Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I'd like to thank all the businesses in the county for donating raffle items and door prizes to our 11th Annual Toys for Tots; the Warsaw Eagles for the use of the building; Faultline, who provided music, you really helped me out; all the people who collected toys and helped at our event, we couldn't have done it without your support. Looking for your support in the future. Thanks again.
Kirby Le Mond, representative Kosciusko County ABATE
Firemen Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department wishes to thank the Silver Lake Lions Club for their generous donations in purchasing two new nozzles for the grass truck and for purchasing the lighting and lettering for the new equipment truck.
Silver Lake Fire Dept.
Missing Dog ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ
Editor, Times-Union:Our 13-month-old Boxer dog is missing from the Rosemont Avenue and Old Road 30 area. It is the kids family pet (got him as a puppy for Christmas last year).
If you have seen him or know where he is, the kids would like to have him back for Christmas. He answers to the name of Martial. My oldest daughter named him that to go with the taekwondo she takes. Please call 268-0511, we would really like to have him home for Christmas.
Samantha, Sabrina, Stephen Jr., Virginia and Steve
Christmas Spirit
Editor, Times-Union:Special thanks to the kind samaritans along the highway on Dec. 15. My niece, Marcia, was taking me to the doctor when our vehicle stopped a few miles south of Warsaw on County Farm Road. Sleet was falling and, with the wind chill, it was only a few degrees above zero. Most cars buzzed around us, however, one great soul stopped and offered to call my niece's husband when he got to work. Thanks so much to him.
Then a lady delivering papers with a fur hat also stopped and was so concerned and bubbly. After hearing we were getting help, she drove on.
My niece's husband, Homer (who has helped me so much), came and pulled us to a driveway where the owner, Schue's Landscaping, called the garage.
Just then the lady with the fur hat stopped by again smiling, jumped out of her car and handed us a peach pie. She said we needed it more than her. How thoughtful!
I made it to the doctor and eventually admitted to KCH ... but not without the kindness and help of all mentioned.
Angels do surround us! The true meaning of Christmas was shown that day. Blessings and Merry Christmas.
Viola Fisher, North Manchester
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- Flag Respect - Farmland Plan - Gun Laws - Deadly Weapons - Concert Thanks - ABATE Says Thanks - Firemen Say Thanks - Missing Dog ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ - Christmas Spirit
Flag Respect
Editor, Times-Union:It has been a while since I wrote an article. Some say the less you are involved the less you have to worry about.
Today, I received a letter from The American Legion concerning our U.S. flag. I admit I, like most people, take too many things for granted. I also did not realize the problems concerning our flag.
When I read the letter from the legion, it does upset me and makes me think back about things.
All my life I believed it is my responsibility and true belief to support and respect our flag. I believe all countries have their own flag and they are to be respected.
I cannot understand the certain groups we have here and the amount of people that are, for some reason, wanting to get rid of it.
For many years, we have maintained and we were taught to respect this flag. As some seem to think, yes it is a piece of cloth, I believe that to be true about any other country's flag.
We lost a lot of good people during the past wars that looked at our flag with respect. I believe we owe them the honor and respect to maintain our flag in their honor.
Some of the things I read concerning these new groups I do not agree with but I believe this is a free country and people have a right to different opinions. I will not change!
This is just a suggestion to some of you younger people. You say you cannot make the money you desire. From what I understand about the Indiana National Guard concerning enlistment pay you receive and very good benefits including help for college. Some of you should maybe think about this. I am sure you could spare one weekend a month.
Dester Bell, North Webster
Farmland Plan
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, I attended the County Planners meeting and am glad that I did. All too often, we (I) sit back and say, "What can I do about any governmental activity?" After all, I'm only one voice. Well as it turned out, I did speak at the meeting and the planners appeared to welcome the input. They might continue with their plan as it is or they might alter it because of what they heard. Regardless of the outcome, the point is, they listened.
The problem the county faces is urban sprawl and the county faces the rapid loss of prime farmland. The proposed plan is to raise the minimum acre sell-off to 40 acres for a "subdivision" development. A problem this creates for a farmer who, as part of their retirement, have planned to sell smaller parcels according to the county's current plan. The proposed plan would force more acres to be sold off or none if the landowner had not planned to sell it all. It appears this could cause land to go out of production at a faster rate than it currently does.
The inequity of the matter is that, if the farm is close to the city or town, it is more likely to be allowed to be sold off in smaller parcels and at higher prices just because it fits "the plan." But, for the land, say in the next mile out, it goes to larger minimum acres. Larger minimums would lower the per-acre selling price. The majority of the people want to get as much as possible, particularly when it comes to their retirement fund, because after that there isn't anymore.
I'm not certain that farmers need to be told how to sell their land. If the government (that's all of us) believes they need to control the destiny of farmland, the planners need to devise a method that makes the sell-off as equitable to those they are controlling for farmland conservation as it is to those next to urban areas. This would require funding which I doubt that many would favor.
Conservation of farmland vs. urban sprawl is a huge problem. I'm glad I'm not on the planners committee ... it's heck if they do and heck if they don't! Good luck, planners.
Merl Montel, Pierceton
Gun Laws
Editor, Times-Union:A federal law was enacted in 1995 banning all guns from within 1,000 feet of a school (including legally permitted guns). Obviously this didn't stop the shooting at Columbine and the ones after Columbine High.
What really happens when you take away the guns? Read this quote: "This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer; our police, more efficient; and the world will follow our lead into the future." - Adolph Hitler, 1935.
History shows all guns were taken away from the people. Then the efficient police proceeded to kill 6,000,000 unarmed people.
Fact: In every county in Texas, where the number of people legally licensed to carry handguns is high, the crimes committed with handguns are dramatically low.
Fact: Legally licensed handgun owners have saved more than 100,000 lives last year (you wouldn't believe the actual number).
Fact: Over 100,000 people were killed in automobiles last year. (A very high percentage of the drivers were legally drunk.)
Yet I hear nobody trying to ban the cars for killing these people or calling to ban the alcohol that contributed to many of the 100,000 deaths last year. So if you take away the right to bear arms and to protect ourselves, all the rest of our rights: freedom of speech, religion, etc., will surely be lost, too. Remember one thing -Êhistory repeats itself.
Stephen R. Kuhn, Warsaw
Deadly Weapons
Editor, Times-Union:I've had enough, I love the constitution as much as anyone, but it's time that we outlaw the deadly weapons that are killing our children. The statistics tell a frightning story - across America roughly 9 children are killed everyday; nearly 1,000 are injured. Yet for me the statistics alone didn't mean much until this epidemic of young lives tragically lost to violent death hits close to home.
Not too long ago 3 youngsters were killed and several others seriously wounded in another senseless tragedy involving teen-agers and deadly weapons. I suppose if it had happened at a school it might have made the national headlines. Instead the tragedy only made a local splash. Otherwise, I'm sure the usual voices would be raised on behalf of our children. The silence from the politicians is deafening, usually they are the first to seize the moment to call for more "controls" when youngsters die violently. Perhaps they weren't aware of the tragedy. In truth, this was just another typical incident of the havoc one youngster can wreak with a loaded weapon in his hands. Surely he must have known the weapon was loaded. After all it belonged to him. He had even undergone extensive training to use it.
Whenever something like this happens we can only ask why. Do we better educate kids on how deadly these weapons are? Have we somehow failed to instill proper values? Should we blame Hollywood and music industry for glorifying these weapons of destruction? There are no clear cut answers, only the ongoing loss of life and the accompanying grief.
That is why we must change the laws now! Think of the innocent lives which will be saved. Constitutionalists will raise a fuss asserting their rights and freedoms.But folks, we are squandering our most precious natural resource. Is any freedom worth that?
I never thought it would come to this. I never thought that I, as a conservative would ever suggest it.But I see no other choice.
We must take CARS out of the hands of teen-agers!
Steve Vaus, via e-mail
Concert Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Many thanks to the Lakeland Community Concerts Association for presentation of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert recently performed at Rodeheaver Auditorium. We are grateful for Lila O'Connell and her committee for the hours of work that went into this project.
Both the Lakeland Community Concerts Association and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic send holiday cheers and heartfelt thanks to (all those) who made the concert financially possible.
Colleen Benninghoff, Regional Touring Director, Fort Wayne Philharmonic
ABATE Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I'd like to thank all the businesses in the county for donating raffle items and door prizes to our 11th Annual Toys for Tots; the Warsaw Eagles for the use of the building; Faultline, who provided music, you really helped me out; all the people who collected toys and helped at our event, we couldn't have done it without your support. Looking for your support in the future. Thanks again.
Kirby Le Mond, representative Kosciusko County ABATE
Firemen Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department wishes to thank the Silver Lake Lions Club for their generous donations in purchasing two new nozzles for the grass truck and for purchasing the lighting and lettering for the new equipment truck.
Silver Lake Fire Dept.
Missing Dog ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ
Editor, Times-Union:Our 13-month-old Boxer dog is missing from the Rosemont Avenue and Old Road 30 area. It is the kids family pet (got him as a puppy for Christmas last year).
If you have seen him or know where he is, the kids would like to have him back for Christmas. He answers to the name of Martial. My oldest daughter named him that to go with the taekwondo she takes. Please call 268-0511, we would really like to have him home for Christmas.
Samantha, Sabrina, Stephen Jr., Virginia and Steve
Christmas Spirit
Editor, Times-Union:Special thanks to the kind samaritans along the highway on Dec. 15. My niece, Marcia, was taking me to the doctor when our vehicle stopped a few miles south of Warsaw on County Farm Road. Sleet was falling and, with the wind chill, it was only a few degrees above zero. Most cars buzzed around us, however, one great soul stopped and offered to call my niece's husband when he got to work. Thanks so much to him.
Then a lady delivering papers with a fur hat also stopped and was so concerned and bubbly. After hearing we were getting help, she drove on.
My niece's husband, Homer (who has helped me so much), came and pulled us to a driveway where the owner, Schue's Landscaping, called the garage.
Just then the lady with the fur hat stopped by again smiling, jumped out of her car and handed us a peach pie. She said we needed it more than her. How thoughtful!
I made it to the doctor and eventually admitted to KCH ... but not without the kindness and help of all mentioned.
Angels do surround us! The true meaning of Christmas was shown that day. Blessings and Merry Christmas.
Viola Fisher, North Manchester
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