Editor, Times-Union: I would like to know if there are any grandparents out there who enjoy dancing to the old "oldies." If so, the Warsaw Dancin' Grannies and Grandpas need more dancing feet. No experience is necessary. We are a nonprofit group so there is no charge to you. We do a variation of line dancing to the oldies.
The benefits are many: fun exercise, a definite mood lifter, a big smile, a tapping toe from a nursing home resident and a guarantee to get rid of the winter doldrums. We entertain at parties, nursing homes, clubs, reunions and have danced at the Indiana State Fair for the past nine years.
Presently we have only one dancing grandpa who says he is having a hard time keeping these lovely ladies in line and could use some help.
We practice every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the senior center in the Pete Thorn gym on North Park Avenue in Warsaw. We would really welcome more grannies and grandpas.
For more information, call one of our "fearless leaders," Rosemary at 267-6962 or Gloria at 269-7913.
Hope to see you soon. Barb Brilliandt Warsaw Dancin' Grannie
Thanks To EMS
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing to thank the three EMS personnel that responded when I fell on the icy drive and broke my ankle on Sunday Jan. 21 at the farmhouse. Their quick response and the professional way they handled me in a situation where it was almost impossible to walk much less put some one in the ambulance. The technician that rode in the back with me was very skillful in doing his job in making me comfortable as possible and making sure that I would not go into shock. It was amazing to find out that this professional was at a young age of 22. Leesburg can be proud and rest easy knowing they have people likes these in a time of need. Thank you again.
Dave Kuhn Tippy Lake via e-mail
Ashcroft Nomination
Editor, Times-Union: I am concerned over the reasons that people give who are opposed to John Ashcroft as attorney general. They cite that he is pro-life, unfriendly to the environment, against affirmative action, etc. These reasons stem from his political life when he served as a legislator and governor, where he was involved in the crafting of legislation. As Missouri Attorney General, he was sworn to uphold and enforce the laws of the state of Missouri. And he did, even to the acknowledgment of those who oppose him in the Bush administration.
One of the hallmarks of our founding documents is the principle that all are equal under the law. And if one is known to make sure that all are given equal treatment under the law, then that is a good attribute for one to have as attorney general. And for this reason, John Ashcroft is a great selection. A man who admittedly is of high moral character and a man of this word and of high principles. What a breath of fresh air that would flow out from the Dept. of Justice to have one of this kind of moral character at the helm. A man who will see that law is enforced.
This fear that Mr. Ashcroft will be creating law and public policy is unfounded. He will see that people who break the law are held accountable and prosecuted. Enforcement of existing laws is what is lacking and not the need for new laws. A case in point is gun laws. Enforce what are on the books and bring suspects to trial to render a conviction is the answer and not laws which focus on guns themselves. The Reno Justice Dept. has hundreds of gun law violation cases that have yet to be brought to trial. Could it be that tougher enforcement would marginalize the gun control lobby of our land and render their voice as being lonely in the wilderness?
My point is not to engage in a gun debate in this article but to put forth the notion that a person of high moral courage and integrity is qualified to lead our Justice Dept. And that is indeed what we need and I for one desire. We have seen for the last eight years what happens when moral courage and integrity is waning. After all, character does matter.
Thank you in advance for printing this opinion piece in an upcoming edition of the Times-Union.
Paul De Renzo Winona Lake via e-mail
Mainstream
Editor, Times-Union: I am responding to the letter written by Jeffrey Garrett of North Manchester who opposes the nomination of Senator John Ashcroft. I don't believe that the views of President Bush are "completely out of touch with the majority of Americans." I am not against a woman's right to choose. I am a woman. But I believe a woman's choice should be made before a new life is conceived. I am against killing unborn children as a method of birth control, and I am adamantly opposed to government funding for the same.
I realize there are circumstances where a woman's choice is denied, but I also strongly believe in the sovereignty of God. All of this to say, as I watched the inauguration on Saturday, a weight was lifted from my shoulders - relief from the burden of an embarrassing eight years under the former presidency. Praise the Lord for Senator Ashcroft, for Colin Powell and for the brilliancy of President Bush in choosing very qualified, very moral and very "mainstream" people for his cabinet.
