News From Terre Haute, Indiana

February 11, 2013

READERS’ FORUM: Feb. 11, 2013

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Offended by ‘Godless’ remark

In response to letter writer William P. Thiel:

After reading your letter in today’s newspaper, I was outraged before the end of the second paragraph. I am, Mr. Thiel, a very liberal-minded person. In fact, some of the things I believe in would probably curl your hair, but let’s get this straight: I am neither brainwashed nor Godless. Let me address the two issues of which you wrote in your letter.

First of all concerning gun control: I am against it for the same reason other people are and that is taking guns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens is not going to stop criminals from obtaining them. I see no reason for one to own semi- or fully automatic weapons, but it is certainly not up to me to judge those who do own them.

On the issue of abortion: just over 30 years ago I found myself to be in the position of being a single, pregnant woman. I had three options: abortion, carrying my child then giving her up for adoption, or keep her. Some people were of the opinion that I should abort my child, but the very idea, let alone the act, was abominable to me. I chose the last option. My daughter is a bright, beautiful, kind and moral woman who has blessed me with two precious grandsons.

So, you see, Mr. Thiel, you shouldn’t go around categorizing people and painting us all with the same brush. I am not brainwashed. I consider myself to be an intelligent, rather well-informed person. I try very hard to make my decisions based on facts, but, alas, I, like you, am human and sometimes my decisions are based on my opinion, also.

What I am most offended about regarding your letter, Mr. Thiel, is being called “Godless.” How dare you? I believe in and pray to God. I’m assuming the very same God you believe in.

Let me tell you the very basic difference between the two of us: I am very much a “live-and-let-live” kind of person. Truly, with all my heart, I believe that every single person has the right to his or her own opinions. And I consider myself above name-calling because another person’s opinion differs from mine. I do my very best to never judge other people. That is best left to judges, juries and God. No, Mr. Thiel, I am not like you. Thank God.

— Pamela Curts

Terre Haute

Is Bill of Rights still important?

How many senators in the federal government do we really need to represent us, especially when they do not read or understand the bills they pass? How many House members in the federal government do we really need to represent us especially when they also do not read or understand the bills they pass? This also goes for the president.

Also, do Americans really need autos or motorcycles, etc., that go faster than 50 miles per hour? Do Americans really need better and higher tech computers? If a person has a coin or stamp or spoon or vase, etc., collection, how many of those items in their collection do they really need? Do we Americans really need all of the Bill of Rights to protect ourselves from our own government? Should our government be allowed to eliminate any one of them or three or five or more of our rights? If they are not known or understood or read or valued by American citizens, is the Bill of Rights really of any importance?

Looking back at world history, if guns and firearms were not confiscated from the European populations many Jews and others that were exterminated in those atrocious camps may have survived and/or have never been taken to those camps. If they only had Second Amendment rights.

Is the number of congressmen we send to Washington to represent us from all over the country an obsolete number? Could America do with half the number of representatives in Washington? Especially and since they hardly read or understand much of the legislation they pass. What about everything else people want? Faster cars, better-looking clothes, better and faster computers, fewer to no guns in society,  bigger houses, spoons collections, Bill of Rights, government representatives, etc.? Who decides what stays and what goes? Who decides how big a person’s spoon collection should be? Or what kind and how many firearms a person can have or collect?

A person’s spoons collection and/or size is not in the Bill of Rights but the right to bear arms is. Value and protect the Second Amendment and keep America and Americans safe.

— Charles Bean

Terre Haute

Safety measures are appreciated

The Sugar Grove Elementary School community extends a hearty thank you to Sheriff Greg Ewing, Chief John Plasse, the Vigo County Council, and Superintendent Tanoos and his administrative team for keeping our schools secure and our students safe.

The 16,000 students enrolled in the Vigo County School Corp., as well as their families and all VCSC staff members, take comfort in knowing that our leaders are doing everything possible to make our schools safe places in which to learn.

At Sugar Grove, we greatly appreciate the presence of uniformed officers in our building and on our grounds throughout the week. We also appreciate the assistance that VCSC Deputy Treasurer Bob Karr provides to our school on a daily basis. We are pleased to be under their watch. Thank you.

— Gail Artis, principal

Sugar Grove

Elementary School

Alternative idea to make us safer

First, the Obama administration guts our military. Now they’re seeking legal justification to kill American citizens with drone strikes to help keep our country “safe.”

Why not make better use of existing federal facilities and make our country safer by sending this administration to Leavenworth?

— Chad Steenerson

Terre Haute