Cuba comparison, donkeys and all
An April 5 letter from a Covington man said our government was like the government of Cuba. I’m not sure if he meant (1) we are going to be like Cuba someday if we continue our present track, or if (2) we are like Cuba already. Either way I couldn’t agree more.
If he is predicting that we are going to be like Cuba someday, don’t ignore his prediction — look at the consequence of ignoring the prophets who predicted the dates of the last 10 apocalypses. We can’t be blasé about the writer’s prediction of the Cubanization of the U.S. — this is really absolutely positively going to happen.
On the other hand, if he means we are already like Cuba, I can say unequivocally that the pictures I’ve seen of the donkeys in Cuban streets and the 1950s cars show how Cuban-like we are. The similarity is scary.
The Covington writer seems aware that if government has anything to do with resource allocation, the allocation won’t be “fair”. He didn’t say what he meant by “fair”, or who should decide what’s “fair”, so I volunteer to be the decider. With lots of money and guns to back me up, I can decide what a “fair” allocation would look like. After all, what’s the point of having money and guns if a well-armed rich guy doesn’t get to decide what’s “fair” for poor unarmed folks in Covington? Government just gets in the way.
— John Macke
Marshall, Ill.
Do-gooders or do-badders?
My comments are in response to the letter of Mr. John Weddle of Brazil (Indiana, not South America) printed in this forum on March 24, 2012.
One of the beautiful aspects of our American democracy is that we all have the right to express our opinions, however ill-founded and poorly stated they may be, and we have the right to be heard. Therefore, I just don’t understand Mr. Weddle’s complaint (expressed by him about Mr. Macke, Amman, and “the water pump guy”) that some opinions count “but mine doesn’t.”
Come on, Mr. Weddle: we live in a large, highly diverse nation. Many citizens have many opinions about many matters. Some will prevail, some won’t. It’s called “give and take”, and Mr. Weddle, your opinions are not going to prevail all the time. Get used to it. And here’s another bit of information for you: there are even more restrictions coming in the future for smokers. Ultimately, smokers may eventually find that the only places they’ll be allowed to smoke will be in the middle of a few designated fields located in the most sparsely populated areas of our country. It’s a matter of public health, Mr. Weddle, a clear and obvious matter of public health.
Finally, I noted that Mr. Weddle used the term “do-gooder” at least twice in his letter, in a way that made it clear to me, at least, that he doesn’t like do-gooders. Fair enough — that is certainly his right, but I can’t but wonder if Mr. Weddle knows the exact definition of that term. I’m willing to bet that he doesn’t, so here it is, straight from the NASW Social Work Dictionary: “Do-gooder: a term of derision often applied to social workers and other people whose professions or consciences require them to do what is necessary to uphold the laws and ethics of a society and to protect disadvantaged people from exploitation by privileged people.”
How about it, Mr. Weddle? Would you rather have a community full of “do-gooders” (as defined above), or possibly, do you prefer a community of “do-badders”?
— Earle L. Harvey
Terre Haute
Writer refutes own argument
My dear Mr. C. Robert Follett: Let’s put this argument over evolution/intelligent design to bed. I laughed out loud when I read your letter published April 9, because you actually refuted your own argument. A theory — any theory — must be testable, and it does not have to be proved, but it can be disproved.
There are two important qualities about a hypothesis (which leads to a theory). An hypothesis is expressed as an “if … then” statement. “If God exists, then God created humans.” Is that hypothesis testable? No. Can you set up an experiment to test the validity of the statement? No, because it is a faith-based question. Can an experiment be devised that might reveal that the hypothesis is not true? No. If the two test qualities are not met, then the question being asked cannot be addressed using the scientific method.
Is the theory of evolution testable? Yes. Can you set up an experiment to test the validity of the theory? Yes. Can you devise an experiment that might reveal evolution is not true? Yes. Has anyone done this yet? No.
And while we’re at it, religion “takes a special system in order to market the incomprehensible and do it in an orderly fashion so that it appears to be understandable.” You said it.
— Ann Carlisle
Terre Haute
Argument will always be futile
Letter writer John Garner is standing on a slippery ground as he is trying to convince Bill Jaeger why creationism is not science (“Creationism is a belief, not science,” Tribune Star, April1). Belief or faith and science are two immiscible entities that offer no common ground for debate. Faith-based religion starts with the premise that we know the truth; there is nothing else to know. Science comes from the opposite end; we do not know the truth but are trying to unravel it.
Science is dynamic, exploring all aspects of human endeavor — the quest goes on forever. Revealed religion is static; absolute, and immutable. The two entities run parallel and never meet; argument is futile.
— Prodip Dutta
Terre Haute
Consider plight of Muslim women
Is no one in America aware of the way Muslim women are treated? It’s as if they don’t exist. Their families will “kill” them (including their mothers) for disobedience. Many are forced to marry men they don’t even know, let alone love. If they refuse their lives are in danger.
Some have been murdered, and their families get away with it. That’s a fact.
What does justice mean to you, America? Do you want that type of justice in your neighborhood? Why do I think not?
— Michael T. Lawson
Marshall, Ill.
Ping has served well on council
Mr. Ed Ping is about to serve his first term on the Vigo County Council and has done an outstanding job. He supports all working men and women. If you need his help, he is there.
If we had more council members like Ed, we would have a good council.
— James Royer
Terre Haute
Opinion
READERS' FORUM: April 19, 2012
- Opinion
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
The dangers of a little knowledge
Students enjoyed Rose study trip
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Mark Bennett: High-profile mural connects historical dots from city to river
At 96 feet wide and 2 stories tall, the power, impact and value of the Wabash will be evident.
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EDITORIAL: Waging the ‘readiness’ campaign
Almost every Hoosier who starts college intends to finish. Unfortunately, those who arrive on campus unprepared in key academic areas are far less likely to fulfill that aspiration.
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
• Flawed reasoning on gun checks
• A hint of things yet to come?
• Are the ‘makers’ doing the ‘taking’?
• The ‘Obamination’ is finally revealed
• Pondering effects of Obamacare
• Fantasizing on the ‘Apocalypse’
• Another view of Hinduism
• Great experience for HCMS students
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FLASHPOINT: A legislative session of missed opportunities
Given the nature of politicians, grand claims of accomplishments and overblown rhetoric about “historic” efforts are to be expected at the close of any legislative session.
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RONN MOTT: Mushrooms = Hoosier happiness
Someone wrote or said a few years ago a statement that would define the word “Hoosier.” According to this urban legend, a Hoosier is somebody dribbling a basketball around the Indy 500 while eating a fried, morel mushroom. It did not define me, at the time.
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EDITORIAL: Insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
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READERS' FORUM: May 17, 2013
Hinduism doesn’t deserve ridicule — Shefali Purohit, Terre Haute
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RONN MOTT: Israel’s Air Force
Recently the Israeli Air Force bombed and rocketed a convoy leaving Syria going to Lebanon with rockets that were going to be used to attack Israel. It did not get there. It was destroyed.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: Dashing finish for the Sycamores
It’s always thrilling to see Indiana State University’s athletic teams do well in high-level competition, and two specific teams rose to impressive heights last weekend in the Missouri Valley Conference outdoor track and field championships.
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
Moving Deming folks sounds ‘nuts’
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
Participants rise to the challenge: I would like to write a letter congratulating all the Wabash Valley Roadrunners that competed in the One America Indianapolis Mini Marathon.
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RONN MOTT: Media merry-go-round
Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows. That isn’t a unique phrase to this writer or to this era in time. But, when it comes to the musical chairs of broadcasting, it certainly applies.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Courts see a different appearance than cops
Have you ever noticed the transformation between the arrest of an accused lawbreaker and the first appearance in court?
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
ISTEP failure exposes flaws
Community hasn’t changed its spirit
Egregious threat to nation’s defense
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
• Women’s group criticizes Bucshon
• Let’s hope this doesn’t come true
• Many get thanks for fest success
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MARK BENNETT: Life at face value: Mom’s simple advice still presents a valuable daily challenge
Most moms don’t base their advice on scientific research.
(Unless, of course, your mother is a scientific researcher. If so, carry a No. 2 pencil and take good notes.) -
EDITORIAL: Better monitoring needed to prevent local environmental messes
The nasty, hazardous messes lurking in the community raise a bottom-line, red-flag question. Could these environmental problems have been monitored and, thus, prevented?
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GUEST COLUMN: Nursing more than medicine and bandages
Being a nurse … Like most nurses, I chose this profession because I had a strong desire to help others and no other career would allow me the opportunity to touch lives the way I have been able to through nursing.
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READERS' FORUM: May 12, 2013
Vigo Youth Football, entering 45th year, seeks new support
Media ignoring important case on abortions
Proud to be old-fashioned
Guns in school? What’s next?
Promoting hate not a ‘brave’ act
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FLASHPOINT: Again in 2013 General Assembly, middle class generally ignored
Last year, the people of Indiana entrusted the Republican Party with some of their most precious possessions.
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RONN MOTT: ‘Raccoons II’
In the Algonquin Indian language, raccoon means “working with hands.” They are really cute little fellows until they injure a child, or a pet, or leave feces around where you certainly do not want it.
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Readers’ Forum: May 11, 2013
I just wanted to express my disappointment at the lack of response shown by President Obama after the Boston Marathon bombings.
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Readers' Forum: May 10, 2013
CANDLES event plants new seed: On April 26, CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center hosted an event called “Sowing Seeds of Peace: A Celebration of Spring” at the Apple House. Our purpose was to introduce people to our concept of forgiveness as a seed for peace.
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RONN MOTT: ‘NRA Convention’
At the recent NRA Convention in Houston, Texas, where the right-wing political hot air almost lifted the convention's building off its foundation, the NRA trotted out the forever yours political dame of the right wing, Sarah Palin. Sarah did not disappoint.
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EDITORIAL: Memo to U.S.A.: You can ‘SPPRAK’ just as we do in Vigo County
Our kids, truly, are ‘Making a Difference’
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Some words in praise of boring government — Indiana’s
A conservative Republican governor has super majorities in both branches of the legislature. One might suspect such one-party government leads to major changes in public policy. This did not happen in 2013 in Indiana.
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EDITORIAL: Doc’s prescient prescription
Viewed through a 2013 prism, Doc Bowen’s response to the AIDS epidemic looks merely prudent, routine.
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RONN MOTT: ‘Heritage gone’
The last high school I attended was being torn down just a few days ago. I didn't learn about it until I saw classmate Dick Mills on television and a display he had put together about State football championships in the middle 1930's. I began elementary school with Dick Mills. That was Matthew South Elementary School on South Sixth Street in Clinton, Indiana. After seeing Dick on TV, it dawned on me that all schools I had attended in Clinton have been torn down.
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LIZ CIANCONE: We always want more than we need
Washington seems more preoccupied with the unemployment rate than they are about the constant stalemate. Still with thousands out of work and the unemployment rate hovering somewhere between 7 percent and 9 percent, it does deserve more than a passing nod.
- More Opinion Headlines
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Tornadoes Spotted in Kansas
Today in History for May 20th
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Obama Exhorts Good Deeds by Morehouse Graduates
Raw: Gun Scare Mars Cannes Film Festival
Today in History for May 19th
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Justin Bieber Gets Booed
New 'Anchorman 2' Trailer, Drake Joins List of Rumored Cameos
Eva Longoria's Wardrobe Malfunction
Heat Star Dwyane Wade Surprises Coral Gables Teen At Prom
Steak n' Shake waitress scores huge tip
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Celebs Celebrate the Rise of the Side Butt
Grizzly bear gets up close and personal with camera
Justin Bieber Gets Booed After Winning at the Billboard Awards
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
Who is $600M Powerball winner in Fla.?
Top 5 Plays of the Day
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
Twiggy, the Waterskiing Squirrel
