Editor, Times-Union: On Jan. 12, 2000, I was delighted to read in Times-Union the article, "High Court Considers Grandparent Visitation Rights." It is of heartfelt concern to me and my wife since we are grandparents of two children that we helped their dad (our son) raise in our home for most of five years of their lives. When our son met a girl who would become his second wife, everything seemed to be working out for a happy beginning for our son and the two children. We decided to wean the children from their grandparents and help them adjust and adapt to their new lives, as they had at the time three parents: my wife, myself and their dad. As soon as the new wife took control, it seemed our son's heart became hardened against his family. We were barred by him and his wife from seeing our grandchildren. We finally hired a lawyer to help us gain some sort of visitation rights. With the help of attorney David Saunders of Goshen, we settled for one day per month. This way we could at least see the children, 10 hours the first Sunday of each month. In my opinion, I would have wished for more time with them. The children ask every time I see them, "Why can't we stay more?" All I can say to them is be patient, hoping my son will make a change in his life. It is my hope that this national law passes. I understand this law of grandparent visitation rights is supported by AARP, the National Conference of State Legislatures, National League of Cities and U.S. Conference of Mayors. This story I have found to be oh so typical of grandparents nationwide. Along with all grandparents everywhere and the grandchildren, I hope upon hope that the nine justices of the Supreme Court vote in favor of grandparents rights.
Trell Meade Warsaw
Commissioner Training
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to give a big Amen to the Times-Union for reporting in Monday, Jan. 10 edition of the "Plan Commission Training Session Planned." Interestingly enough, it is co-sponsored by Ball State University and Purdue University. I like the topic "Making Zoning Work: Enforcement & Administration," and the other, "Types of Enforcement," and others. The cost is $60. If any of our commissioners need funding assistance to attend this meeting, please call me for advice.
In my opinion it seems they left out one critical seminar for our Plan Commission and Commissioners: How to clean the lip marks off your butt.
Tony Miller Leesburg
Bonded Indebtedness
Editor, Times-Union: In the Times-Union of Dec. 27, 1999, the state approved a bond issue of some 20,000,000. I am sitting here wondering if anyone knows the total outstanding bond issue of all the schools, county and city. This would include Warsaw, Tippy, Wawasee and Whitko. I know that not all of the taxpayers are subject to all of the school taxes. But all taxpayers are subjected to some of the school taxes.
And, by the way, is the present Justice Building paid for?
Dale Beery Sidney
Tax Cuts
Editor, Times-Union: Every time one of our representatives up in Washington suggests that the budget reform should include a tax cut, certain other representatives and members of the media say that such a tax cut would benefit only the rich. And they speak as if this would be a bad thing. They need to rethink their position. The wealthy people in this country control means of production. They own the stores, the gas stations, the factories, the grocery stores and the restaurants. When they pay taxes on these possessions, they pass those taxes on to the consumers of their products. Therefore, a tax increase targeted for the rich will hurt us all. Conversely, wouldn't a tax cut that benefits the rich by making their products less expensive to produce also result in benefits for the rest of us?
A number of years ago, a radio talk show host pointed out that no one should rejoice when someone else is made to pay higher taxes. To that he added the important thought that all taxes should ideally go only one way, and that is down. It's time we stopped subscribing to the class envy that some members of the media are fostering and begin to rejoice when the taxes go down, realizing that such a drop in taxes will ultimately benefit us all.
