Editor, Times-Union: I have had great difficulty appreciating the columns written by David Slone in the past because I often differ with his outlook on things. His column on April 16, "I Won't Vote For Souder" was, in my opinion, his worst effort yet.
Slone's protestation of being required to declare a party allegiance in order to vote is without foundation. In the general election, when one votes for whomever he pleases, no such requirement exists. However, when a political party is seeking to determine whom they will run in the general election against candidates from other political parties or independent candidates from no party, they are permitted to hold a "primary" election to select "their" candidate. Mr. Slone is not required to vote in the "primary" of either party if indeed he considers himself independent. I personally believe it is unethical for someone to enter a polling place for a "primary" election and state they are "democrats" or "republicans" if they are not. If Mr. Slone is not a Republican then he should not vote in the Republican primary. Crossing over in the primary may be legal but legal isn't necessarily ethical.
Most of the reasons Slone states for not voting for Mark Souder are reasons I have chosen to vote for him. Mr. Souder's willingness to take a stand against his alma mater IPFW because they would not take a stand against the play "Corpus Christi" is evidence of his courage and conviction. The play was blasphemous to God and repulsive to many citizens whose taxes provided the venue for the play. People of faith all over the state were outraged and those public figures who were willing to take a stand are, I think, to be applauded, not scorned.
If Slone would get "his head out of the sand" and read his U.S. history books (the non-revisionist versions) he would discover our nation was founded by God-fearing men who implored the assistance of God repeatedly in the Declaration of Independence and were not ashamed of their faith in Him.
"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
This is our country, our land and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining , whining and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.
Ronnie Sams Warsaw via e-mail
Accident Thanks
Editor, Times-Union: I was involved in an accident this past Sunday, 4-14-02, at county roads 100E and 250N in which I suffered a 4-inch laceration to my foot and broke my toe and had to have surgery on it. I would like to send a special thank-you to the paramedics and others who helped me out at the accident scene and also to the nurses and techs in the KCH ER who helped me.
Michael "Joey" McGrath Warsaw via e-mail
Responds To Miner
Editor, Times-Union: Dear Mr. Miner: I guess we all can decide for ourselves what Mr. Gerard's "clear insinuation" was regarding the Fisher trial. For me it was the total lack of competence by the County Prosecutor.
This would imply a positive regard for those that participated in the Fishers' defense. After all, you and Ralph's attorney did what you were supposed to do, devise and execute a strong and successful defense strategy.
But perhaps it would be well for you to allow your success to be now mingled with the fond memories of another age or, as they say on the street, "Give it a rest."
You say you were ready and confident to see Jason acquitted. Ralph has already been acquitted. I guess Kathy Vroman shot herself, stuffed herself in the trunk of a car, drove herself to Michigan and finally expired in a field. Further that Jason Fisher had no knowledge or participation in these events in any particular.
Your "clear insinuation" to the public and Mr. Gerard is they are entitled to believe only some variation of my rendition above. Is that correct?
Richard Burkett Fort Wayne via e-mail
Agrees With Gerard
Editor, Times-Union: Three cheers for Managing Editor Gary Gerard! My husband and I completely agreed with his article in your News Views in the April 13th issue. Someone in Kosciusko County has gotten away with murder! What is wrong with our judicial system, anyway? There should have never been an agreement to drop charges against anyone involved in Kathy Vroman's murder until all facts and truths were investigated thoroughly. Obviously this wasn't the case. If the father had an airtight alibi right from the beginning of the investigation, then someone investigating this case should have realized that the father could not have murdered Mrs. Vroman. Kosciusko County residents should really think about who they want to vote for in the upcoming election. Our local judicial system should take whatever steps are needed to make sure someone else in this county never gets away with murder again. Our hearts go out to Mrs. Vroman's family.
