Editor, Times-Union: John Kerry was strong, clear and convincing, and he won. He showed a mastery of the issues, an ability to think quickly on his feet, and he presented a strong alternative to Bush's reckless policy of war. He was more presidential than the president.
Kerry explained how the war in Iraq was an enormous diversion from the hunt for Osama bin Laden. He said being smart means "not diverting your attention from the real war on terror in Afghanistan against Osama bin Laden and taking it off to Iraq, where the 9/11 commission confirms there was no connection to 9/11 itself and Saddam Hussein. And where the reason for going to war was weapons of mass destruction, not the removal of Saddam Hussein. This president has made, I regret to say, a colossal error of judgment." Judgment is what we look for in the president of the United States of America.
George Bush couldn't take the heat. When Kerry laid out the reality on the ground in Iraq and explained how the war diverted troops and resources from the hunt for Osama bin Laden, Bush responded with anger. It's a telling character flaw - we don't want our president to get angry at someone just because he disagrees. Right now, if you are not "with" George Bush, you are "against" America. Kerry will preserve our right to disagree with our government decisions.
The debate showed how Bush is out of touch with reality. In his "fantasy world of spin," things in Iraq are going fine. But the casualties are climbing and the insurgency is growing. Even Colin Powell admits things are getting worse.
Bush tried to mislead the public about a connection between Saddam Hussein and Iraq, but Kerry wouldn't let him do it. Here's what Kerry said: "Jim, the president just said, extraordinarily revealing and, frankly, very important in this debate. In answer to your question about Iraq and sending people into Iraq he just said, the enemy attacked us. Saddam Hussein didn't attack us. Osama bin Laden attacked us. Al-Qaeda attacked us. And when we had Osama bin Laden cornered in the mountains of Tora Bora, 1,000 of his cohorts with him in those mountains, with American military forces nearby and in the field, we didn't use the best trained troops in the world to go kill the world's No. 1 criminal and terrorist. They outsourced the job to Afghan warlords who, only a week earlier, had been on the other side fighting against us, neither of whom trusted each other. That's the enemy that attacked us, that's the enemy that was allowed to walk out of those mountains. That's the enemy that is now in 60 countries with stronger recruits."
Howard Luehrs Pierceton via e-mail
Optimist Honor
Editor, Times-Union: I was pleasantly surprised this week to receive the recognition of Optimist of the Year by the Warsaw Noon Optimists. In being a member of this local organization, I consider it a tremendous honor just to be associated with many outstanding young men and women of this community. Quite frankly, many of these members are more deserving of this award than myself. With the excellent work that so many of the civic organizations perform in our area, I encourage everyone to consider joining a group such as the Optimists (a Friend of Youth) and collectively providing a "servant's heart" for our community. I want to thank the Board of Directors, past President John White and the membership of Warsaw Noon Optimists for being bestowed this award.
Ron Yeiter Warsaw via e-mail
No Abe Lincoln
Editor, Times-Union: In response to last night's first Presidential debate:
Dear Senator Kerry: Last night only your face and height reminded us of Abe Lincoln!
A few million of us have listened to your "multitude of words" many weeks now. You seem to want to be known as a good soldier and loyal American. That's good! We'd like that. But a few questions yet:
1. Who do you consider your "commander in chief" is? If you say it is President George W. Bush, then why have you - day after day - been calling him a liar and all it implies? Is your speech/conduct not gross insubordination and disrespectful (at the least)? With one soldier like you, he would not need enemies!
2. Why did you stammer, and lie to the nation, when the moderator asked you if you thought George W. was a liar? You denied it, and tried to talk "civil" for a while. (Your talk these days in no way reminds us of Abe Lincoln as he addressed his political foes.)
Millions of us still believe in and worship the God of truth whose book says, " ... and all liars shall have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur." Revelation 21:8B. (see also Exodus 20:16. NIV, Zondervan.)
Please understand: For 3-1/2 years plus we Americans have learned to know, love and respect George W. Bush. A few million of us are not addicted to the gambling craze enough to want to "change horses in the middle of the stream." We who remember history recall that Japan, Germany, England and others we once did battle with are now free, democratic and our staunch allies/friends!
John Robert Boggs Winona Lake
Excellent Counselor
Editor Times-Union: School counselors' jobs go unpraised. Counselor Scott Seney at Warsaw Community High School takes the school's mission statement seriously.
He encourages students to go outside their safety zone, to seek out future studies. With a student body of approximately 1,913, he makes me feel like my son is the only one he has to work with or care about.
On his personal time he contacted an engineer at Zimmer to set up a job shadow for my son. In closing, I'd like to say he deserves some kind of certificate of excellence.
Cindy and A.J. Ganshorn Leesburg
Voting Privilege
Editor, Times-Union: Voting is a privilege and responsibility of every American citizen. Use the freedom you have been given to do so.
In having said that, it perplexes me to know that many people who do vote are not using the tools at hand to make a well thought out choice. They vote one way or the other simply because they are registered to a particular party. Please do your homework. Find out what your candidates have voted for and/or against. Do they vote the way you would?
Pay attention, be open-minded and above all, research. Watch the news, read the books and balance the information by watching "Fahrenheit 9/11" or reading Michael Moore's books, listening to Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh (on WOWO 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily) read "Unfit For Command."
I would like to challenge you to make an informed choice and vote "your" values, not just for the party. Both parties stand for good things. Some go overboard, but that is another issue.
Diane Saldivar, Pierceton
Thanks To Community
Editor, Times-Union: The family of Trenton Plummer wishes to extend its many thank-yous to the community. The great number of prayers, caring and concern has lifted our family through this trying time. Thank you again to all!
Kevin and Debbie Plummer and family
Winona Lake
Thanks For The Help
Editor, Times-Union: We want to thank everyone for their wonderful help the other night. We could not have made it with out all of you.
Thank you all again. Your help was very much appreciated.
