Let’s protect the
unborn as well
The Violence Against Women Act has recently been in the news, passing the Senate, and now being debated in the House. Sheila Wellstone was quoted in support of the passage of the VAWA:
“We really have to look at the values that guide us. We have to work toward an ethic that respects every individual, to be physically and emotionally safe. No one, regardless of age, color, gender, background, any other factor, deserves to be physically or emotionally unsafe. In a just society, we pledge to act together to ensure that each individual is safe from harm. In a just society — I think we have to say this over and over and over — we are not going to tolerate the violence.”
While one cannot reasonably argue against its passage, I wonder two things — why women have to be singled out as needing such legislation and two, how hypocritical this legislation is considering that abortion is not only legal but also openly promoted as a woman’s right.
It is somewhat sexist to assume women are the weaker sex and require specific legislation to protect them from violence. Every person has the right to be protected from violence — men and women, adult or child. This bill seems to assume since women are weaker, they need such a bill to protect them.
Abortion proponents often depict the procedure as nothing more than a woman’s choice; in fact, they deem it a woman’s right, to “terminate” the pregnancy as if it were simply removing a tumor, a wart, or something else that is undesirable. In fact, science (specifically biology and anatomy) informs us that even at conception the basis for a unique individual is begun, with distinct DNA that is the combination of both the mother and father.
Every fetus is a human person, growing and developing traits exactly like no other human. Abortion ends that human life. The physical body may not be complete, but make no mistake; abortion kills a person, the most defenseless person in society.
I wholeheartedly agree with the above quote by Sheila Wellstone, specifically when applied to the violence our society “legally” perpetrates against unborn children.
— Douglas Elia
Terre Haute
Animal ordinance
handled responsibly
Last month you published a letter that I had written, asking the public to contact their county commissioners. My concern was that a newly revised Animal Control Ordinance was being reviewed for passage, and it appeared it was about to pass regardless of many flaws in its language.
I pointed out that this ordinance would restrict ownership of animals in our county in ways that seemed almost absurd. I mentioned that Paul Mason and the other commissioners seemed to be prepared to pass the law without taking the time to correct its many over-restrictive and unnecessary details.
I am writing today to thank those folks who made phone calls, and to show that my faith in our democratic process has been restored. I am also writing to say that my concerns about commissioners Paul Mason, Judy Anderson and Mike Ciolli were unfounded. In the end, the commissioners listened to all concerns, had the ordinance revised, and passed it only after all parties were able to give their opinions.
Before I became involved in this ordinance I was not fully aware of just how important our commissioners’ jobs are. I wonder also how many of our citizens understand that these three individuals determine many laws that we all live under in Vigo County.
If we continue to elect caring, responsible individuals like these to our government positions, there just may be hope for this great country after all.
— William Heyman, Jr.
Terre Haute
Opinion
READERS’ FORUM: May 7, 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
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Today in History June 19
Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone
Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips
Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash
Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
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
