Editor, Times-Union: I was offended when I saw the cartoon you printed in the July 28 issue of the Times-Union. Was it supposed to be humorous? I found it in very poor taste, disgusting and vulgar! Truly politics has indeed sunk to a new low. I am disappointed that this cartoon was given space in our local paper.
Edith Shepherd Winona Lake
Free Speech
Editor, Times-Union: In response to D.L. Lundgren's letter of July 27: Mr. Lundgren, I don't want anyone imprisoned for the exercise of rights to free speech. It's only when individuals abuse that right to such a degree that it crosses over the legal line of treason, sedition or the inciting of violence that I want to see the full measure of the law brought to bear.
Moore knows that what he is disseminating for crass political purposes are lies, based on falsehoods and outright fantasy, backed up by unsubstantiated innuendo. This in and of itself wouldn't bother me. In a vacuum, Moore's actions would have no effect on me or others. They'd simply be the rantings of a self-deluded left-wing nut who can't get over the fact that the current president was elected nearly four years ago, and will do or say anything to bring him down. However, Moore is not operating in a vacuum and his words and actions have very real effects - negative effects - on our soldiers currently in harm's way, aiding the Iraqi people in establishing a democratic tradition in a country where that concept is very much alien. To put it simply, when Michael talks, bad people - the terrorists, D.L. - are encouraged that America's will can be sapped and good young men and women die in attacks fueled by that encouragement. The answer is not to stop helping the Iraqis and pull our troops out. The answer is for Moore to shut up.
If Moore or anyone else wants to express their opposition to the current operations in Iraqi, relying on reasoned discussion of verifiable facts, I'm all for it. If their desire is to use lies and distortions to bring about the political downfall of the president while our armed forces face a hostile and aggressive enemy, that's treason - a crime, not the responsible exercise of his First Amendment rights, and I want them in jail.
David Beall Warsaw via e-mail
Marine Corps DEP
Editor, Times-Union: As the local Marine Corps recruiter, I wanted to let the community know who is in the Delayed Entry Program. I would also like to thank Rick White once again for continuous support providing water for the young men and women who are in the first phase of training to become future Marines. Our soon-to-be Marines greatly appreciate it.
I would like to recognize and congratulate all the 2004 graduates who got the first obstacle out of the way by graduating so they could move to the next step in carving their futures as United States Marines. These young men and women from the local areas who are all currently in Marine Corps recruit training are: Raul Jimenez, Bremen; Chris Foreman, Warsaw; Matthew Miles, Warsaw; Daniel Mcnulty, Warsaw; Jake Schmeltz, Warsaw; Amanda Beyel, Warsaw; Ashley Wireman, Warsaw; Philip Myers, Triton; Robert Blair, Warsaw; Robert Irwin, Warsaw; and Justin Burgess, Warsaw.
Also, I would like to recognize and congratulate the latest Marines to graduate recruit training. These Marines are: Jason Myers, Wawasee; Matthew McIane, Plymouth; William Pratt, Warsaw; Richard Allen Wolfe Jr., Warsaw; and Tim Wright, Argos. Your hard work and dedication paid off.
Now I would like to recognize all the young men and women in the Delayed Entry Program. These young men and women have chosen to be future Marines, and until their leave date for recruit training, they will be getting their bodies and minds into shape by working in the Delayed Entry Program with the local recruiters - myself and Lance Cpl. Kidd. These future Marines are: David Walker, Plymouth; Andrew McCreery, Warsaw; Ramon Contreras, Tippecanoe Valley; Ryan LaFollette, Warsaw; Nathan Simons, Warsaw; Daniel Avalos, Plymouth; Joseph Roose, Warsaw; Kile Krathwohl, Plymouth; and Karl Krathwohl, Plymouth.
And finally, I would like to recognize an outstanding Marine corporal, David S. White, who is currently serving overseas in an elite force called Marine Corps Force Recon, and these are some of the things he had to accomplish to obtain the title Force Recon: parachute training school, Marine combat diver course, Airborne course and expeditionary warfare training. During these training schools he has acquired Australian Parachute Wings, Marine Corps Silver Wings and Marine Corps Gold Wings, has gained a gray belt in Marine Corps martial arts and participted in Balikatan 2003.
To all the family members of Marines I did not mention, I do apologize. Please contact me at 574-267-2604 or stop by my office in Warsaw located in the Kmart Plaza off U.S. 30. If you are looking for challenge or want to change your life and you think you have what it takes to become a Marine, do not hesitate to contact me.
