Editor, Times-Union: Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to "World Domination" June 7, and for pointing out our long-term friendship.
Jeff, I've known you for 30-plus years, and I knew from the moment I met you that you are a kindred spirit. To me you've always been 100 percent real and 100 up front. I've always been able to talk with you honestly and frankly. We may even have friendly, respectful disagreements, but hey! That's what friends do. Just in case you're not aware, I'm very interested in your writings. Whenever I see a piece of writing authored by Jeff Harding, it always gets my full attention, especially the writings about the church pre-school. I like the way your words took on a scolding tone when you were faced with those who reached illogical conclusions, by failing to think about all of the factors behind the closing of the pre-school. So,, my very good friend, it seems that ranting is a trait we all possess.
Thank you for quoting my statement verbatim however, I noticed immediately that you indeed did change my statement when you removed the words "take over" and replaced them with the word "dominate." You will not find the words "take possession of, or responsibility for" in the definition of the word "dominate." You will find them in the definition of "take over." So, Jeff, a friendly suggestion, please keep the dictionary nearby. My statement was not based on liberal or conservative poles, my statement was based on common sense logic. Who wants to rule the world by force? Sparta, Rome Napoleon, Alexander the Great, Hitler? Those who know history understand the outcome of these attempts to take over the world or certain areas of the world.
I did use the word militarily in my statement since it will require force to rule the world. Other nations will not give up their sovereignty willingly. Will we? This is the 21st century, time for peaceful co-existence and cooperation between nations. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we will evolve beyond the neanderthal age where we still hit each other over the head with clubs.
My dear friend we need to get together. May peace, love and understanding be with you and your family.
Gene May, Etna Green
Taps
Editor, Times-Union: To Mr. Carl Wise Bruce Catton in his "This Hallowed Ground:"
"Half an hour later came 'taps,' which meant that everyone must be in bed with lights out; and 'taps' according to old-army procedure, was given by a drummer not by a bugler. In the silent, darkening camp a lone drummer would stand at the head of the regimental street and tap our the single drumbeats that gave the business its name. A certain rhythm was always followed, and the men fitted words to it: 'Go to be Tom! Go to bed Tom! Go to bed, go to bed, go to bed Tom!'"
In 1862 while at Harrison Landing on the peninsula in Virginia, General Dan Butterfield and his bugler wrote the bugle call that we now know as "Taps."
So you're probably correct that taps as we know it was not a French bugle call but the French may have started the whole thing with a drum beat.
It's like the origins of the term Hoosier, Mr. Wise.
Nobody knows for sure. Harold Kitson, Warsaw
Spending Money
Editor, Times-Union: I think it is time for the taxpayers of the State of Indiana to let our legislators know, in a voice loud enough to be heard, how we want our tax dollars to be spent. Through a tragedy in our family we have learned that our money is being spent in the prison system to make life easier on the prisoners and facilitate their early release.
On Memorial Day of 2003, our 19-year-old daughter was killed by a reckless driver under the influence of marijuana. He was given a six-year sentence with two to be suspended for probation. He was also ordered to pay restitution and while in court his family told the judge they would be responsible for payment. So far, no one has made an attempt to satisfy the debt. I have included a timeline of the actual number of days that were served by the person responsible for the loss of our daughter.
Beginning jail time - 730 days (365 days x two years)
- 106 days (53 days jail time credit, 53 good time credit)
Balance 624 days
- 90 days (completed Phase I
sub stance abuse program)
- 30 days (completed Phase II
sub stance abuse program)
- 28 days (completed Phase III
substance abuse program)
Total 476 days 2/5/2004 thru 2/5/2005 = 366 days
March 2005 = 31 days April 2005 = 30 days May 2005 = 19 days The last two months of his sentence were spent in work release because the crime he committed wasn't severe enough to keep him in prison. In this case, the "P" in prison stood for privileges not punishment. Please write to your legislators and let them know we are tired of our money being spent to benefit those who have committed crimes against us. They don't deserve a free education or a reduction in their sentence for sitting through a drug program. The statistics of abuse and death from crimes committed by repeat offenders who were released early are staggering. It is time we take a stand to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.
My family and I have been sentenced to a life without the bright light of Tara's smile while the person responsible is already going on with his life as before. No wonder there is so much crime in this country, justice works for the criminals.
Marti Likens, North Webster
Final Word
Editor, Times-Union: My response to all those liberals, most of whom I don't know (nor care to know) who continually vilify me, chastise me and fault me for my conservative values and continued support of President and Commander-In-Chief, George W. Bush: Read Michael Reagans column in Times-Union June 9.
That's my final response to all ___.
Don Guard, Leesburg
Traffic Issues
Editor, Times-Union: I told myself I would drop out of this cameras at red lights issue since, like the time change issue, it appears to be obsession driven, however I guess my obsession is as good as the next person's. I doubt that one person's life will be saved by these cameras. If saving lives is the goal and people are actually serious, then reduce the speed limit to 25 mph on the 30 by-pass and enforce it. Frankly, I don't think anyone cares that much.
On a little different subject. A few years ago the federal government blackmailed the states, with the states' own money, to reduce speed limits to 55 mph. They said it would lower fuel consumption. I'm guessing it didn't work since we are now raising the speed limits. Government doesn't seem to be happy unless they are screwing with peoples' lives.
Charles Carnes, Warsaw
New Healthcare Facility
Editor, Times-Union: How encouraging for our community to know there will soon be another choice for healthcare. We appreciate the vision of Toby Buck and the investors who recognize the need to advance Warsaw into the next generation of healthcare options. Without options, too many of us go outside our community for the care we desire. We look forward to what is certain to be a top-notch facility, and having the opportunity to make a local choice. Competition is the foundation of what drives any business to be their best and it's refreshing to know our community will be driven to have the best in healthcare available with the opening of this facility.
