Editor, Times-Union:Greetings, Kosciusko County! My name is Joshua Bartman.

- Bayh Stripes Changing - Fair Taxation - Privacy - Support House Bill 1815 - Cost Of Living Bayh Stripes Changing Editor, Times-Union: Senator Evan Bayh was elected to the U.S.Senate by many moderate and conservative voters of Indiana.His record had been one that generally followed the wishes of this majority segment of our population.And then came his recent "no" vote against U.S.Attorney General designate John Ashcroft.This vote put Senator Bayh firmly in the liberal wing of the Democratic party.

Editor, Times-Union:I am responding to the pathetic letter from Robert Betances about the purpose and effectiveness of the tea party movement all across the nation.

Editor, Times-Union:A retired old boy like me gets around the Midwest.

Editor, Times-Union:Well, Well. All of the candidates for president are slinging mud at each other still.

Editor, Times-Union:This letter was sent to me today, and my own greetings couldn't be expressed better.

Editor, Times-Union:In response to recent letters written by individuals who are currently either being held on, or are in prison for, methamphetamine charges: One letter is asking for help to break the addiction and another is berating the county’s judicial system as being non-empathetic to the nonviolent addicts of methamphetamine. The latter is upset with the fact that we aren’t spending more county money on alternative sentencing and drug courts “like all our surrounding counties have.”

- Burn Or Compost? - Tribes - Organ Transplant - Source List Burn Or Compost? Editor, Times-Union: I am greatly confused and am hoping someone can help me out.I read with interest the article on page 3A of the Sept.22 edition titled "Landfill Agrees To End Compost Operation.

- Ethanol Emissions - Office Holders Ethanol Emissions Editor, Times-Union: I am writing in response to John DeGroff's four-part ethanol series.I'd like to clarify one point from the third installment, regarding tailpipe emissions. It's important to note that while tailpipe emissions may be lower when burning E85, the ethanol production process itself produces very large amounts of air pollution emissions.A chart at www.milfordethanol.com demonstrates just how high an ethanol refinery's emissions are compared to other manufacturing companies in our area. Increased reliance on ethanol may lower overall air pollution nationwide, but an ethanol refinery locating in Kosciusko county would certainly increase our local air pollution levels.

Editor, Times-Union:I just read David Easton's letter to the editor regarding taxes and immigration on our local level. My hats off to him for having the guts to ask the questions we all want the answers to but fear being labeled racists or uncaring.

Editor, Times-Union:Warning. “If you have government big enough to give you everything you want, you’ll have a government big enough to take everything you have.” So spoke Speaker of the House, John Boehner.

Editor, Times-Union:With all of the response from my letter to the editor of 3/7/2011 about "God Not Needed", I thought I would write to further explain how I came to this decision.

Editor, Times-Union:Most people in the Kosciusko area are unaware that there are several semi-pro football teams in the area that could use area support and attendance.

Editor, Times-Union:I hope this letter can be a wake-up call so some people understand what they've done.

- Responding - Wants Mo-ped Back - God Not A Politician - Chapman Fireworks - Smoking At Little League Responding Editor, Times-Union: To Ann Sweet: Thanks, Ann.I think you answered most concerns.I still have doubts about the technology but then I'm still trying to adjust to double action. Tell Heidi I said hello. To Bill Hartman: I would have to check with my old friend Matt, but I think we would say my question was theoretical.I don't really need to worry about it.My kids are all grown and have their own cars.

- Impressions Of Israel Impressions Of Israel Editor, Times-Union: If anything is to be learned from the latest Middle East conflict, it is that there is no fool-proof system in preventing terrorist attacks. I was in Israel in February.I was impressed by their tight security, especially on Israeli airliners.They have a high level of security in northern Israel around the Sea of Galilee near the Syrian and Lebanon borders.Still, as you know now it was not enough.The electronic fences and mine fields there were not enough to keep them out. Arabs are not the problem.About 1.5 million Israeli citizens are Arabs.They vote and six of them serve in parliament.All road signs are written in Arabic, Hebrew and English.It is the Hamas and Hezbollah groups wanting to destroy Israel who are the problem.

- Question Of Experience - Whitaker Responds - Not A Liar - Defends Whitaker - Prefers Rovenstine - Supports Kolbe - Tired Of Politics - Questions Murder Charge Question Of Experience Editor, Times-Union: A couple of the letters that appeared on April 17 promoting Aaron Rovenstine for sheriff prompts me to respond.

Editor, Times-Union:Thank you to the writer of "Hire Older Workers" for bringing the plight of 50+ workers to the public's attention.

Editor, Times-Union:This is an addition to Lonnie Slone’s response (Feb. 17) about legalizing marijuana.

Editor, Times-Union:I am a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and a charter member of Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Editor, Times-Union:A couple of weeks ago during the process of the government bailout of our financial institutions, I was reminded of two American patriarchs, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.

- Angel Tree - Max - Metzger Angel Tree Editor, Times-Union: I rang the Salvation Army bell this past Thursday at Kmart.I was dismayed to see the number of tags still hanging on the Angel Tree.I just wanted to offer a suggestion to people. Take a name for each of your children, give them a dollar limit and let them shop for the children from the Angel Tree.It gives them a sense of giving.Our family has been doing this for several years now.It breaks my heart to see those names still hanging there this close to Christmas.Each of those tags represent children who may not have a Christmas this year.Please remember those less fortunate this holiday season.

I was recently made aware of an “interest group” on Facebook called “I grew up in Warsaw, Indiana.”

Editor, Times-Union:Even though I despise both political parties I would like to comment.

Editor, Times-Union:I know this is a quote, but the public needs to know what is going on and how it impacts all of us. I hope you can print it.