Moment of pride for Terre Haute
I would like to congratulate the City of Terre Haute, and her citizens, for being honored as “Community of the Year” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
I spend a majority of my time and most of my money in the city, and I have watched with great interest (and more than a little pride) as I have seen it and the Indiana State University campus not only become more aesthetically pleasing, but more vibrant with activity. I know it took vision, money and lots of hard work by many people, and I thank you.
On another note, kudos and gratitude to the Verve and the Ballyhoo for having the courage the city and county councils did not by banning smoking in their establishments. I appreciate the difficult decision that must have been for management, but I also feel confident that not only will it create a safer work environment for their employees, but will benefit you economically.
Now, what about the other downtown bars and restaurants?
— Sue Murphy
Cory
Let’s all stand for religious freedom
We (Americans all) need to re-acquaint ourselves with our own Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. This freedom must be exercised on behalf of everyone, regardless of their particular denominational preference.
Unfortunately, some Americans believe that the U.S. is a “Christian Nation” and interpret this phrase to mean “Christians Only.” That’s not what the Constitution says and that’s not what the Constitution means. Muslims, Protestants, Jews, Mormons, Unitarians, and many who do not profess any “organized” religion all include defenders of freedom and the right to hold individual, personal religious beliefs without interference from others.
None of us can claim that those from our respective religious “homes” are above reproach. All of us know proponents of our own and other religions who hold some beliefs that we do not share. The examples of Protestants, Muslims, Catholics, Jews and other religious people who have killed other people they hate are plentiful. We can’t pretend that religious belief keeps individuals from doing terrible things in the name of their faith(s).
The proposed mosque in New York City is a great test of our values as Americans and freedom-lovers. Mayor Bloomberg is standing up for religious freedom and we should all stand with him.
— Barbara Norman
Terre Haute
Saratoga did it, so can the rest
We were pleased to read that the Ballyhoo and Verve tavern/bars are going to go “smoke-free” soon. We are hopeful that all the bars in the area will soon follow.
We would, however, like to clarify something. The Saratoga Bar/Café/Restaurant went totally smoke free on July 1, 2007, the day the county’s ordinance went into effect. Since that time we have not seen any effect on our day-to-day business due to this decision. We also offer outside seating for our “smoking” customers.
I anticipate that in the future a new ordinance will be enacted that will eliminate smoking in all public places. As an independent businessman I know how frustrating it can be to be “told” what to do in your own business. So, I encourage those businesses not yet smoke-free to go smoke-free “voluntarily” before you are “forced” to do it.
Again, congratulations to our friend Connie Wrin of the Verve and the management of the Ballyhoo for making what we know was a difficult decision.
— George Azar
Saratoga Restaurant
Smoking issue not so difficult
Don’t we live in a difficult world already? The smoking issue is easy; why make things difficult?
If a tavern, for example, opts for smoking, the owner could put a sign or sticker on the entrance door that would read “Smoking Permitted.” If a tavern doesn’t want smoking, its door would read “Smoking Not Permitted.”
People entering these businesses are adults. They are old enough to make their own decision. We live in America — not Iran or Afghanistan. We have rights. In the case of a restaurant — do you think you would go to Kentucky Fried Chicken if you didn’t like chicken? Well, then, you wouldn’t go to a tavern that allows smoking if you don’t like smoke, would you?
Let’s see who’s on this committee — three commissioners and the guy that is over the Board of Health. None of these people smoke to my knowledge. Sounds cut-and-dried to me. The only thing we business owners have to fall back on is: they are elected officials. If this smoking ban passes and they are re-elected, then I guess it’s our fault. Put it on a ballot and let’s vote on it. We always vote for a couple of judges I’ve never heard of.
See, I told you this was easy.
— Terry W. Myers
Terre Haute
Traffic light not in clear view
Concerning a new traffic signal on the city’s east side:
When I travel north on Brown Avenue and approach Wabash Avenue, I cannot see the new traffic signal until I am 30 yards from the intersection.
Let the wrecks begin.
— Larry Jones
Terre Haute
Good lesson from ‘tree’ incident
We believe it is important to address the recent “tree trimming” incident in downtown Terre Haute. There are several positive outcomes that deserve comment. First, all the public officials who are elected or appointed to serve and protect the public interests, were all well informed of the ordinance, the legal procedures, and the consequence for abusing or mutilating public trees.
Mayor Duke Bennett, his assistant Darrel Zeck, Urban Forester Bill Kincius, councilman Todd Nation, and police officers working the scene acted within the authority and intent of the ordinance.
Second, we are all better informed about the ordinance in question, which can be found in chapter 6: Public Healthy and Safety, Article 13: Tree Regulations of the City Ordinance. If you wish to reference the document it can be accessed online at www.terrehaute.in.gov or print copies are available in certain city offices.
Third, we are reminded how fortunate we are to have a qualified, experienced and effective City Forester, Bill Kincius. For any questions or concerns about street trees please contact Bill at his direct line in the City Engineer’s office at (812) 244-4949.
Finally, in case you were not aware, it is important to know that the ordinance also established the City Tree Advisory Board. The members serve without a fee or salary. As stated in the ordinance, their duties include, “To study the problems and determine the needs of the City in connection with its tree management plan and to make recommendations concerning the residents of the City in the dissemination of news and information.”
Meetings of this group are on the third Thursday of each month on the third floor conference room of City Hall, unless otherwise posted and are open to the public.
— Greg Ulm
Terre Haute
Obama appeases Muslim buddies
Now that President Johnson is going to pull our troops from Vietnam, what is … wait a minute, that wasn’t Johnson, that was some other clown, and that isn’t Vietnam, it is Iraq. Same result, though. Our troops have died in vain. Don’t worry, Obama did probably appease his Muslim buddies, and that was his goal. Now he is going to turn his attention to the middle east peace.
There has never been peace in that part of the world since the beginning of time and there never will be until the last days. Those are not my words, but what the holy Bible says. After he fails at Middle East peace, what then? The Muslim buddies of Obama want desperately to rule America. How will Obama accomplish this? Will he just give them this country and real Americans become Muslim slaves?
Another possibility is “real Americans” will be moved to an island in the South Pacific. Another possibility is this: “real Americans” will say enough of this and retake our country.
— Joe DeLorme
Clay City
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