Distorted view of biz success
Let us briefly address the distortions in the letter from Micah Clark, American Family Association of Indiana published Dec. 27, 2012. Mr. Clark makes the assumption that states with no same-sex marriage are better than other states for businesses because they (1) have higher per capita personal income growth; (2) rank higher for possible business and job growth; and (3) are business friendly. He does not even consider that perhaps these states are simply in better financial and economic condition than others in the first place. After all, it is much easier to blame those who want equal protection for corporate failure than it is to place blame where it truly belongs.
His second paragraph seems to be true, insofar as it goes. He writes about how marriage has a number of business benefits. Marriage means stronger employment status, increases in productivity, less poverty among women. This is true, but Mr. Clark makes no distinction between marriage and same-sex marriage. One can only assume that marriage, in and of itself, is beneficial to businesses and individuals.
As an aside, there are many kinds of families. A mom, no dad, three children and no child support; dad with a job and a son who has to spend extra time at daycare so dad can work to make enough to support his boy; grandma, retired grandpa, daughter and her children living with them on their Social Security income and lifelong savings. Do not pretend to tell me, Mr. Clark, that a “family” is only a working dad, mom and 2.2 children. Family stability has everything to do with responsibility, NOT gender.
The truth is there are many reasons why businesses fail, Mr. Clark. A product that doesn’t sell, mismanagement and corporate greed come immediately to mind. A business will be run the way the owners want and as laws dictate whether or not employees are straight or gay, married or not. Some states simply do not have an appropriate site for development for some businesses. There are many reputable reports that states with same-sex marriage have seen an enormous boost to their economies. So, Mr. Clark, I read your letter as nothing more than a blatant attempt to scare the public into believing our business community is going to tank because of same-sex marriage. It just is not true.
— Ann Carlisle
Terre Haute
Help us catch a wreath thief
On Sunday evening, Dec. 23, at 7:10 p.m., I heard a clatter at my front door. I looked up from my recliner just in time to see someone removing my homemade Christmas wreath from my front door.
I ran to the door and chased her out to her car that was parked in front of my house. She threw the wreath into the back seat and sped off. The wreath was two feet in diameter and white, with colored blown glass ornaments carefully attached. The female was white, about 5 feet, five inches tall, probably in her 20s with straight shoulder length, brown hair. (We live on the corner of Fenwood and Rose and the street light is very bright).
She drove a late-model, mid-sized, four-door gray car, much newer than my own. I don’t know if she planned on giving this as a gift or hanging it her own door, but if it shows up and you’re reading this, you know where it came from.
This individual obviously does not know the true meaning of Christmas and lives a very shallow life. I will pray for her.
— Theresa Jackson
Terre Haute
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