TERRE HAUTE —
Watching nature brings great joy
How much do we miss what is around us as we go through our lives addressing jobs, home, family, sports and numerous other activities and responsibilities that compress our time?
I am now retired and find that the demands on my time are lessened and that in ways I have more control over how it is applied. Recently, I was sitting in the yard in the shade watching wildlife utilizing the bird bath. Squirrels, chipmunks and birds of many varieties. I had noted the heeding in the media that our wild creatures would also be in search of cooling and hydration in these oppressive 90-100 degree days. What I found out to my surprise was how much pressure would be put on the bird bath. What I observed was life on another level.
The birds hovered around, on the clothes line, on the cable line, in the grape arbor and on the ground at the base of the bath. It was like watching the planes take off and land at a busy airport. At times there were up to three birds sharing the water at the same time. All were waiting their turn.
In some instances there seemed to be a pecking order with one bird chasing others away until the bathing was done.
Some of these little creatures were so soaked they looked like someone who had just walked for several blocks in pouring rain. This abundant use of the bath required me to change the water several times in the day. And surely as weeds grow, as soon as I did so, the activity resumed.
Then something else happened. Simultaneous to observing the drinking and bathing, I had been watering my garden. Like ants on sugar, the birds again began to come in numbers. Now they were feeding. I had lost sight of the fact that the watering contributes to the renewed presence of worms and other life.
The birds worked and worked. It was such a joy to be a part of the dynamics of this other level of life. It caused me to wonder, what have I missed over the years, chasing a career, accolades, recognitions, achievements. These seem so inconsequential now.
Sitting here being a part of this God given gift was so inspiring. You know how we sometimes see something and wish we could put it into words?
That is how I feel. I wish you such joy.
— John Kuchinskas
Terre Haute
Health-care law anti-life mandate
When the Obama administration’s health-care financing plan was signed into law, President Obama and Congress promised that funds under the new law would not cover abortions.
This has now been proven to be empty rhetoric.
Why? Because the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has mandated that under the health-care law, private health insurance plans must cover the “full range of FDA approved contraception” — in which category HHS explicitly included the abortion-inducing drug ella.
This mandate includes a so-called “religious employer exemption.” Yet the exemption is so narrowly defined that most religious schools, colleges, hospitals and charitable organizations serving the public do not qua!ify. Even an expanded definition of “religious employer” would fail to protect non-religiously affiliated organizations, individuals and even religiously affiliated health insurers whose pro-life consciences are nonetheless violated.
This is an unprecedented attack on the freedom of conscience of millions of Americans, eviscerating their freedom of choice to purchase private insurance that does not violate their ethical, moral or religious objections.
I hope all readers will contact their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., and voice outrage over this anti-life mandate.
— Jean L. Manbeck
Terre Haute
Opinion
READERS’ FORUM: July 13, 2012
- Opinion
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
As if it couldn’t get worse, politicians in Washington have again tied themselves in knots.
Yes, we know. What else is new? -
READERS' FORUM: June 19, 2013
• Nutrition info falling short
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
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RONN MOTT: The ‘wilds’ of Collett Park
- More Opinion Headlines
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EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
Raw: Marines Land Osprey on Japanese Ship
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Pa. Girl Who Took on Donor Rules Gets Lungs
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Prosecutors Push for Smartphone "Kill Switch"
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
Google Launches Internet-beaming Balloons
Falling Cable Hurts 10 NASCAR Fans
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
Sofia Vergara Posts Perky Backside Pic in Thong
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Caught on Tape: Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
