Editor, Times-Union: Let me tell you a few things about Angie Hughes. She and her husband supported Redeemer School with their time, tuition and tithes. Not only did she paint the walls of the school during summer break, she donated hours of time trying to raise money for the school. She and her husband also have been known to 'adopt' needy students at Christmastime. Angie and Joe Hughes work hard for their money and they are two of the most generous people I know. I was employed by Redeemer School for years. I started as a substitute teacher in the 'old' school and I ended up the director of the extended care program at Redeemer. I had their children under my care for years and they are kind, smart and responsible kids. Whatever school is privileged to have them will find that they are blessings, much like their parents. I only wish they would go to Madison where my kids will be going!
Jeff, your letter was really mean. I'5m sorry if that hurts your feelings but to mention the Hughes children in a letter to the editor is just spiteful. I know you want to defend your parents, but your letter was unnecessarily harsh. You should consider apologizing.
Holly Fancil Warsaw
Know Yourself
Editor, Times-Union: You never know yourself until you know yourself in God, the Creator of all life. A rich young man, feeling very smug and self-satisfied, and seeking approval from Jesus, asked a question of Jesus, thinking the answer received would be a 'pat on the back' approval. But Jesus (Mathew 19:6) said, "If you want to be perfect, go now and sell your property and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me!" The rich young man turned away, as he learned about himself from the Son of God.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said once "when folk ask for our opinion they really want our praise."
When St. Augustine turned toward God he asked for healing truth, and received it. It hurt! God gave light first on Augustine's profligate, unsavory life. Then God really used him wonderfully. The light God gives often scorches before it shows the path to life with Him and for Him and then gives His blessing.
A preacher's wife was once asked what was the greatest sacrifice her husband ever made. She said, "He could have been a university professor, but he chose to be a simple preacher of the gospel." You just never know what God wants you to do, without consulting Him. At times He answers your prayer for guidance by saying, "Give up what you are doing, I have another job for which I equipped you. This is my plan for you." You take a risk when you expose yourself to God's will in a denial of self will. Sufficient to know God will be with you. "will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5).
Reminiscing now in the evening of life, I dropped out of college when told I was to be a father. Four years later, with God's beckon, I returned to college. My wife and daughter came with me to live there, and during the four years two sons were born to us. Graduated, then added three years of theological training; 37 years of pastoral ministry across northern Indiana until retirement; then 15 years of winter months down near the Rio Grande river in south Texas serving in a church ministry.
Humbly, I acknowledge that God knew for what He planned my life, better than I. I hope one day in the near future to hear Him say "Well done, enter into joy with me forever."
Do you really know yourself? Just ask God who you are in His plan for you. You may be surprised at His answer or leading.
C.L. Hendrix Winona Lake, IN
Longtime Letter-Writer
Editor, Times-Union: To Erin Drudge Love: I've been a letter-writer to the Times-Union since I was 10. I lived in Kosciusko County for 23 years and still visit when I can. I've been writing opinion pieces, both letters and columns, in various publications for the past 17 years.
If you'll notice, most of my letters discuss issues - also known as debate. Sadly, a number of my letters are in response to others' personal attacks. I'm not ashamed of my vocabulary; at least I'm not resorting to such junior high jabs as 'Loser!' that another letter-writer sometimes employs. Props to the good public schools we both attended, I suppose.
My moving for various jobs around the country does not limit my ability to have opinions of local issues, such as in the Times-Union. Is it the fact that I moved away for the time-being your reasoning for me to not write, or is it the fact that I don't share the same political beliefs as you the real motivation?
San Diego County, just for your knowledge, is the most conservative part of California, a red county in a blue state. But you're right, it is a bit bland out here. I respect your right to share your views from Akron, and I expect you to respect mine from wherever they might originate.
They're just opinions, right?
And Harold, I'll take you up on your offer when I'm back in the summer.
Matt Perry San Diego, Calif. via e-mail
Republicans Namecallers
Editor, Times-Union: Harold L. Kitson writes that conservatives never called Bill Clinton evil.
This may be strictly true, though I doubt it. They did regularly call him a rapist, a murderer and many things not fit to publish in a family newspaper. The conservative movement has set the bar for evil pretty low in recent years. I would think that even by their standards, rapists and murderers would still qualify.
David Cartwright Sanford, Fla. via e-mail
Red Light Runners
Editor, Times-Union: In so many respects we live in a safe and family friendly community here in Warsaw.
There is, however, a tragic death trap called the U.S. 30 bypass which has left far too many people dead and injured over the years. The reason is simple - truckers running red lights. In fact the only safe way to cross U.S. 30 is to assume there are no lights until everyone is stopped. If one is on U.S. 30 and approaching a stoplight with a semi behind, there is a distinct chance one will be run over because while the conscientious driver is stopping for the red light, the trucker is gunning through it. Everyone who lives here and has ever driven U.S. 30 knows exactly what I mean.
This carnage must come to an end. The Times Union's front page photo and headline of Monday, May 23, was just another shocking example of the treacherous dangers of the highway. Samuel Gomez was broadsided by a semi that once again ran a red light.
I believe that there is a lot we can do as citizens to put an end to this. First, we must begin to speak out assertively in support of our law enforcement officials vigorously patrolling and citing red light runners. Second, we must support vigorous prosecution and judgments against red light runners by our local prosecutors and judges. Third, if we see a red light runner we should take down a plate number and description of the vehicle and call 267-5667 to report it.
I am sure there are more things we can do to put an end to the tragedy. If you agree with me I challenge others to use this column to express your support for solving this problem and offering solutions. I believe if we work together we can save lives.
David C. Kolbe Warsaw
More Redeemer Rebuttal
Editor, Times-Union: I am addressing this letter to Mr. Harding to set the record straight. If you were a member of Redeemer and attended church there, you would know that Mrs. Hughes has been there for more than 30 years. She was raised there, has been married there, her children were baptized there, and she has stayed the course through more upheaval than you could imagine. She and her husband have put more blood, sweat and tears into the church and school than probably anyone at Redeemer, so I find it upsetting that you have the audacity to criticize them.
As for your statement about putting the school back at the church, once again you show that you do not know the situation. My husband is a trustee for the church. He will be the first to tell you that the building is not structurally sound or up to code to have a school there. This was the reason we started a school separate from the church in the first place. We were to then build a church next to the school as the one we are in now is in need of numerous expensive repairs, including the asbestos tile that should be removed.
No one said that Ken and Helen should have to go without food or medicine. No one said that they should shoulder the burden all by themselves. You would know this if you were a member or attended a Voter's Assembly meeting.
On a personal note I find your comments about Mrs. Hughes children cruel. I think that everyone would agree that the children are the innocent victims in all of this. Everyone is hurting right now and your letter has done nothing but made the wound deeper. If you would like to discuss this further feel free to contact me. My name, address, and phone number should be in your parents' church directory.
