Editor, Times-Union: I'm not the type who usually writes letters to the newspaper, but I do have something on my mind. For months, I've heard that the polls put the President way out in front on public popularity; at the same time I have monitored the constant stream of e-mail jokes that pour into my computer from around the country. The "character" (excuse the expression) of the President in the jokes is mainly unprintable. The message of the humor is crystal clear, however. It is that the President is the laughingstock of the country.
I personally can say what so many others have said: "No pollster ever called me up for my opinion." I think the "silent majority" needs to speak out in places other than e-mail; so I'm setting an example.
I know the letters page is not a humor department. Still, it might be good to let readers who are not computer literate have a sample of the flood that comes on e-mail almost daily. Here is the latest one I received:
"President Clinton, distraught and contemplating his latest scandal, was walking through Washington looking for any kind of guidance.
"He walked up to the Washington Monument, looked up and said, 'George, you were always wise. What should I do?' Lo and behold, a voice came down from above and said, 'ABOLISH THE IRS AND START OVER.'
"Clinton, amazed that he was talking to the past President, thought he would try it again.
"He then visited the Jefferson Memorial and uttered the same request, 'Thomas, you never had these kind of problems. What can I do to rally people behind me?' Again a voice from above answered, 'WELFARE, IT'S NOT WORKING. ABOLISH IT, AND START OVER.'
"After hearing this advice, Clinton became so excited that he decided to go to all the historic sites for guidance.
"Next, he went to the Lincoln Memorial. 'Abe, I need your help - people are losing confidence in me and they no longer trust me. What should I do?' After a substantial pause, Abe responded, "TAKE THE DAY OFF, GO TO THE THEATER!"'
John Danilson, Warsaw
Hospital
Editor, Times-Union: Gary, I'm so-o proud of you and your efforts in your views, true, humorous at times and honest reporting.
I, too, am troubled on the transaction that took place on handling the KCH takeover.
Hopefully, there are others concerned and will come forth with their thoughts. When acts are done in secret, there is something to hide. Another sign of how we are losing our freedom.
The words "for-profit" is just what it states. The owners want a pecuniary gain on their investment, at the expense of someone else. In this case it will be the uninsured, and people who cannot afford health care service. This county has been a caring community, would be nice to keep that image. Could this transaction be reversed? How could this be legal? Definition of legal, there are many, I like this one: "such as recognized by law, rather than equity; just, fair for all."
Too late for the State Attorneys office to step in to use us as an example for the future. Unfortunate, where were they when this took place? Wasn't the hospital recently refurbished? Or was that part of the sell-out deal?
I have one more question. Who was the attorney presiding over this transaction? If he was local, how could he and why?
I hope and pray more will be concerned and let their thoughts be known. After all, this affects us all. It is our hospital and our funds were used to build it.
Helen Hoy, North Webster
Cardinal Center
Editor, Times-Union: Saturday's feature story on Mason Radcliffe highlighted a crucial aspect of autism and many other developmental disorders - namely, the importance of early intervention. Research studies indicate that early intervention not only leads to better overall outcomes but is also cost-effective: every dollar spent on early intervention saves approximately six dollars of special education funding later on.
The National Institute of Health has recently proposed that autism should be diagnosed at the age of 16 to 18 months rather than waiting until three years of age, as previously recommended. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) legislation that provides special educational services for 3- to 5-year-olds through the public schools also provides special developmental services for children from birth to age 3. The First Steps program for children from birth to age 3, available locally through Cardinal Center, provides the following services to families of children with developmental disabilities: developmental therapy, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. These programs are supported by tax dollars and United Way contributions and are provided at no cost to the families served.
Help is available and it's free right from birth.
June Stealy, Speech-language pathologist, Cardinal Center First Steps
Snow Removal
Editor, Times-Union: I am writing this because I think we here at the "Retired Tigers Apartments" are very lucky that we have a manager and maintenance people who really care and look out for our safety and welfare. Judy, Penny and Rick are the best. They all three cleared snow during our recent big snow and made sure we were all right. I, for one, think they're the greatest and am sure a lot of the other residents agree! Thanks Judy, Rick and Penny!
