Editor, Times-Union: Wow. While I must agree with Jami McDaniel's letter that abstinence before marriage is best, I fear her statistics are not quite up to date. Six out of 10 girls do not get pregnant before marriage. As a matter of fact, the national statistics tell us that more teenage girls are abstaining from sex than those who are not. And more are abstaining now than ever before. The No. 1 reason is parental involvement. Also, Jami will be pleased to know that the abortion rate has been decreasing. The decrease for Kosciusko County alone in 2001 was over 30 percent.
As we continue to educate our teens on the risks associated with premarital sex, and help them keep their eye on the goals of their lives, we can promote healthier choices and better lifestyles.
Also, while no one may want to raise a child without a loving father, it can be done, and even though it is difficult, it can be done successfully. That is why organizations such as Heartline Pregnancy Center exist. We give hope to those who may discover the person they thought would forever be in their life is not. We also try to introduce them to "The One" who will never leave them or forsake them.
I am glad that a young person like Jami wants to remain pure until marriage. I just want her to know she is in the majority.
Jo Faulkner Executive Director Heartline Pregnancy Center, via e-mail
9/11 Testimony
Editor, Times-Union: I am a bit concerned about the news of our country's two top elected officers refusing to pledge to tell the truth to the congressional panel investigating the 9/11 tragedy in New York. If Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney have nothing to hide, why can't they pledge to tell the truth about it? Is there some magic in being elected to office that puts them above the other citizens of this country?
All their protestations about not wanting to be put under oath just don't ring true. If anyone reading this wanted to pull a stunt like this we would probably be put in jail for contempt of Congress.
Maybe we should abolish having witnesses in court cases and testifying before Congress swear they will tell the truth. What's good for Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney should be good for the country. Shouldn't it?
James L. Townsend Warsaw, via e-mail
Girl Violence
Editor, Times-Union: After reading the weekend edition of the Times-Union I must respond to Gary Gerard's News Views. I was also shocked to read the story about the 12-year-old girls who beat another girl into a coma during a birthday party. Mr. Gerard was shocked to hear from police authorities that violence involving girls is escalating. This violence was partially excused due to "the breakdown of the family, the church, the community."
Mr. Gerard missed the most disturbing portion of this story. The perpetrator's mother WAS at the party and actually prompted the young girl to "handle your business."
A mother urging her daughter to put another girl into a coma with the help of her four friends? This mother should also be held responsible for this crime. It's one thing when a young person uses violence as a solution to a conflict without adult intervention, but it is appalling when 12-year-old girls are urged to fight over a 12-year-old boy by their own mother.
Sue Stephens Warsaw, via e-mail
Softball Thanks
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to thank the Warsaw Girls Softball League, Warsaw Community High School, the CCAC, the High School and Warsaw Travel Softball coaching staff, and the High School and Warsaw Travel Softball Players for helping to make the free softball clinic on Saturday a success. The high school players showed much character after playing hard Friday night then getting up early to help the young players in the community.
I would also like to thank the parents for bringing their girls to this clinic. Building a strong softball program starts with the kids and parents.
There were over 50 campers at our clinic. They braved the rainy weather in the morning without a complaint before we moved the clinic to the high school.
I hope every girl was encouraged and learned something at our clinic.
To the campers: Good luck this year in softball and I'll see you at the ballpark!
Scott Freds Varsity Softball Coach Warsaw cia e-mail
