Editor, Times-Union: This "gardener letter" I thought you and your readers might like.
Dear Bob: Japanese beetles really bug me. Not only did they destroy my garden, but they're also out to weaken the morals of every decent gardener. Everyone knows that white is the symbol of purity and all that is good and right. Well, yesterday I saw two couples of the bugs having sex out in full public view, and on top of one of my lovely white roses. What a desecration! What's the world coming to? If it had been a red rose I might have thought of "The Scarlet Letter" and dismissed it. But no - it had to be a perfectly white one.
For a moment the sight almost made sex distasteful to me. But then I thought, "Why should I let some dumb beetle-bugs spoil for me one of the loveliest of all human experiences?" So I simmered down. Now I have a question for you. I know you work hard in the rose garden there at Grace Village, and surely you can advise me. Would you believe that my hatred for Japanese beetles has almost started to taint my feeling toward our dear Japanese friends across town? I know it's ridiculous, but I've gotta have help with these bugs that are bugging me.
Sincerely, Bill Dear Bill, The world of "buggery" has not changed (probably for thousands of years). They're still doing what comes natural for bugs. Few bugs that I've ever observed seem to share any of our moral ethics code, but are a law unto themselves. Therefore, I would advise you to do what comes natural to any good gardener - furiously fight back! Ask the county Ag Extension Agent how best to control Japanese beetles. (I've never heard how the pesky little critters got their name, and I'm afraid to ask, OK?) But poison the rascals quickly, and hope all your neighbors do the same.
Have you noticed that community action is sometimes the best help possible for even some very personal problems? If all else fails, call Gary Gerard at the Times-Union. I don't know if he knows about bugs, but he strikes me as someone who keeps his finger on the pulse of world and national affairs. Besides, he pretty well keeps up with things here at home.
Sincerely, Bob Boggs Winona Lake
'Whorehouse' Sinful
Editor, Times-Union: I would like to pass along some of God's thoughts on this play titled "Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" currently playing in Warsaw. God says marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. The Lord sees no humor in any of this sinful business.
God also says fools make a mock at sin. Supposedly, the play is about the world's oldest occupation. The Bible says that a man was a gardener at the first actually. And that the body is not for fornication, but the Lord's.
This play is not funny or raucous. It is sinful, and an awful message to young people. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people, the Lord tells us in his Word, which is immutable (unchangeable). The company that is making this sinful play open to the public ought to apologize instead for it, and repent of their sin, and turn their hearts to the Lord for salvation. Whatsoever things are honest, pure, lovely, right, of virtue; these are the things Christians think on, because God changes darkness into light.
Again, this play exalts sin, which ought to be abased. Shameful.
Rick Wagner Pierceton Band Thanks Editor, Times-Union: The Warsaw High School Tiger's Pride Marching Band and the Band Boosters Club wish to thank the corporate sponsors, generous individuals the Warsaw Community School administration as well as the many parents and students who have so graciously helped provide the new band and color guard uniforms.
After almost two years of planning, designing, fund raising and fitting, the Warsaw Band proudly displayed the new uniforms at the first home football game Friday night, Aug. 22. The pre-game andhalf-time performances were dedicated to the many sponsors; 170 uniforms and 150 hats were purchased to allow for continued growth in the band program.
Director Martin Becker and the staff have a busy fall competition schedule planned and hope to see many parents and friends present to cheer the band on at the contests. The first contest will be on Sept. 6 at Bluffton High School. For further questions or information, please call the music office at the high school, 267-5174.
Martin Becker Director of bands Warsaw Community High School
Campaign Reform
Editor, Times-Union: I am in favor of political campaign reforms; in fact, I believe it is imperative. Costs of a campaign must be reduced.
Since our government is of the people, by the people and for the people, no political campaign fund should be permitted except from a personal citizen of the United States. None whatsoever from a business or any organization. A candidate for the House of Representatives is not to receive funds except from the residents of the district he or she is running to represent. The Senate candidate is not to receive funds except from the residents of the state he is running to represent. The candidate for president is to receive money from the residents of the 50 states.
Paid political campaign advertising should be limited to no longer than 30 days prior to election day. Limit it to no more than one paid ad per day run no more than three times per day. If the candidate is not capable of providing his or her qualifications for the job being sought in this time span, that person definitely is not qualified to fill the position. This is not a freedom of speech issue. It is a matter where the employer, which is us the people, are setting the parameters for the job applicant to follow. We do have the right to tell a job applicant how often and when he may invade our privacy.
Every state should hold primary elections on the same day when there are candidates for president who are being voted on so that no influence of the results in a state has any effect on the voters of another state. Also, no exit polls or no news broadcasts of an election may be made until all polls are closed to eliminate influencing another state.
I also believe that the term of office for the members of the House of Representatives should be changed to four years. With the current term of two years, they have double the campaign costs that they would have with a four-year term. And also, they now spend half their time campaigning for re-election, so the four-year term would let them spend more time for attending to the country's business which we have hired them to do.
Fred R. Yohey Atwood
NRA
Editor, Times-Union: After my last letter I received a call from a gentleman wanting to know where I had gotten my information on Senate Bill 707. Said he was a member of the NRA and had heard nothing until my letter. Unfortunately, I know what he said to be correct. I too am a member of the NRA and that was not my source.
Now I don't want anyone to take this wrong. If you are a member of the NRA, please remain one. If not, please join today. Everyone interested in the defense of liberty in this country should be a member. They have topnotch programs for everyone interested in firearms, but more than that, they have become a political barometer. The press and politicians have learned to judge the mood of the pro-gun forces by the membership of the NRA. As long as the membership stays below three million, all is well. If it climbs above the figure the politicians know some of them will be making career changes. Unfortunately, however, due to pressure both from without and within, they have begun to back off from the political arenas. When Charlton Heston replaces Marion Hammer as president, I'm afraid it will get even worse.
So what to do if you want to stay abreast of the gun control issues? Well, that's easy. All you need to do is join the GOA. Gun Owners of America is Larry Pratt's organization. You remember Larry Pratt. He was Pat Buchanan's campaign chairman until the press trumped up a bunch of racist garbage and forced him to resign. The real reason they wanted him out is because he is probably the most effective pro-Constitution lobbyist in Washington. He doesn't stop with gun issues. Every time they cross the line, he's on their backs. Following is information for contacting the GOA: Gun Owners of America, 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151; phone 703-321-8585; fax, 703-321-8408.
Harold Kitson Warsaw
Doughnuts
Editor, Times-Union: You should be ashamed for repeatedly printing references to officers and doughnuts. These so-called jokes are tasteless and demeaning.
To serve and protect this town, our police officers often work entire shifts with no chance for a meal, much less a doughnut break.
This stale joke - which wasn't funny the first time - was brought up again while many were mourning the death of two fallen police officers from Fort Wayne.
While we know the police officers have a sense of humor, it's past time to put this tasteless joke to rest.
