Editor, Times-Union: Anyone that thinks a restaurant has to have a liquor license to be a top quality restaurant needs to visit the Oakwood Inn in Syracuse for dinner.
Jo Ann Kolbe
Libertarians
Editor, Times-Union: I was very pleased to read the letter on the Opinion page of the Times-Union, Jan. 22, by Deanna Newton. She expressed very well what I have been feeling for a long time. The Democrats and Republicans would like us to believe that we have an apathetic electorate, but I believe what we have is an angry electorate that doesn't know where to turn. After 30 years of trying to vote against big government I think I have found some hope. I think the Libertarian Party offers that hope. When the next election approaches, listen to what the Democrats and Republicans say about each other and ask yourself if you want these people working for you. We have allowed these two parties to take the government of this country to the point of embarrassment. We should all fear what is going on in our government at all levels. I am proud of this great country and I hope my grandchildren will be able to be proud of it also. The way to assure that is to elect a government that we can be proud of.
Charles Carnes Warsaw
Politicians
Editor, Times-Union: A big second to Mr. Fred Yohey's letter. I agree 100 percent. If the Republicans win on this after spending millions of dollars, then it becomes the Democrats' turn to pull the Republicans through the same multi-million dollar mudslinging campaign fund-raising mess. Who gains? No one. Who loses? We do. They should spend a week and little extra money developing a law that stops the whole thing. Four (or six) weeks is long enough to campaign. Think of all the time the legislatures would have to spend being productive for we, the people.
Now, Mr. Yohey, I propose rather than spending time at the State Capitol on how to return the surplus state money, first bring the state employees' pension fund into full funding, repair these terrible roads, repair and replace the bridges, and make sure our state colleges have the buildings and equipment needed for our children to compete in the 21st century. When all this is done, then lower the rate and give some type of relief for people with high medical bills - nursing homes and drug bills.
It sure would be nice to see both the state and federal government in the hands of responsible, caring people instead of career politicians.
Alice E. Waggoner Etna Green
Unfair To Crooks
Editor, Times-Union: Yes, the death of 11-month-old Lois was a tragedy. So was the death of a little boy last week who was strangled with the cord on a venetian blind. Is the father of this child going to be tried for reckless homicide, neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and subsequent death, and neglect of a dependent? I certainly hope not, because it was a very unfortunate accident and the parents have my sincere sympathy. Lois' death was also an accident, as well as little 3-year-old Brianna who we lost in an automobile accident out on 30 west of Warsaw about two months ago.
These parents all have to live with the loss of these precious little ones. But did you ever stop to consider that God called these little ones home before they were corrupted by this evil world? Perhaps he saved them from far worse heart-rending disasters down the road of life? No, they never had a chance to live their lives but they also will never have to make the choices of good and evil. They will never shed another tear, experience the heartache and pain that most of us have had to do.
They were whisked away with their innocence intact. "Unless ye become as one of these little ones ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven." I believe that Heaven is full of these little ones who can now sing and laugh and play forever.
I truly doubt Kristina was given a fair trial. She should have been granted venue out of this county and then we could all rest assured that she was dealt with fairly. This county was far too biased for a fair trial.
But then Mr. Kolbe wouldn't have gotten his big day in court and his picture on TV, would he?
The medical doctor for the defense testified that the trace of valium found in Lois' body was not enough to have caused her to choke on her own vomit. Did anybody pay any attention to the facts, or was everyone's mind already made up? Many children have ingested cigarette butts, one of mine included. It never crossed my mind that it could be fatal.
Mr. Wood makes it sound like Kristina is going to a country club, three meals a day, warm place to sleep (I'd be afraid to close my eyes, much less sleep), clothing, recreational area (with guards and other inmates leering at you, to say the least), TV, and medical attention when needed (maybe when you get raped and beaten). Personally I'd rather be kept locked in my cell with my meals shoved through the bars.
