Letter writer

off the mark

Mr. Hubenthal’s letter (Pharos Tribune, Nov. 7) contains several incorrect statements. First of all, the U.S. Constitution does not state that “we are guaranteed by our creator inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness.” Those are words from the Declaration of Independence, which was a statement made to inform all of those concerned about why the colonies were trying to break away from England in 1776. 

The second incorrect statement is that “we have 545 elected officials in Washington.” The last time I checked we have 435 voting members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 100 members of the U.S. Senate. If my math is correct, that makes 535 members of Congress.

Mr. Hubenthal suggests that the members of Congress “are not listening” to the people of this country and that we “need to elect officials who will adhere to the Constitution.” The first of these is one of those “blanket” statements that make it seem that all members of Congress are not serving their constituents.

It’s like saying all Muslims are terrorists. These are just the type of analogies that we don’t need in our country. These are the type of misconceptions and generalizations that much of our news media report. I’m sure that some citizens are very satisfied with their congressional representation.  

I would agree with Mr. Hubenthal that we should hold our elected officials accountable and that we do need to let them know how we feel about the issues. It is possible that Mr. Hubenthal is in the minority and may not get his way, but that does not mean all of our representatives should be replaced.  Instead it shows our government is working the way it was intended to.

Bobbi S. Fisher

Logansport



A little background

on those experts

Mr. Heater of Winamac (Pharos-Tribune, Nov. 10) threw out several names of people and organizations that state that global warming (also known as climate change) is a hoax.

Along with that, Mr. Heater also stated that the current administration is counting on the majority of the media and the education establishment in backing in its effort to fight global warming. On the other hand, Mr. Heater failed to give any real background information on his sources who question climate change and call it a lefty hoax.

Starting with Dr. Willam Happer, a physics professer and former member of the U.S. energy department. The good doctor’s background and specialty is in optics, not climatology. He was part of the Bush administration energy department that changed data numbers that showed there was a change in climate.

Dr. Happer is also on the board of directors of the George Marshall Institute. The institute is an Exxon-funded energy think tank. No conflict of interest there, now is there?

Next the sciency-sounding SISS is owned and run by the former director of the Freedom Frontier. Guess what, it is also an Exxon-funded organization.

As for the Cato Institute, nothing more needs to be said about that petroleum industry-supported organization.

How many of the so-called 100 scientists on the Cato Web site are or have at one time worked for the oil industry?

That question goes for the other so-called scientists who supposedly are against the Kyoto Accord.

Also how many of Mr. Heater’s anti-climate change scientists have any background in climatology at all?

How many are paid oil industry talking heads who don’t let ther professional ethics get in the way of making a buck?

The biggest joke of all is that these same bought-and-paid-for people and organizations have the nerve to call for “sound science” when investigating the climate.

Dennis G. McGee

North Port, Fla.



Dog walker asks

for understanding

Fifty-six years on this corner across from Franklin School, four sons born and raised here, three of them schooled at Franklin, I was a room mother, worked with PTA members to popcorn on Tuesdays, attended many chili suppers and had fun helping to set up and run ice cream socials. So many good memories of the old and new Franklin. Our youngest son and I helped move furniture and books from the old library to the new one. My back patio is laid with bricks from Franklin’s old walls. I have great respect for Franklin and especially the children.

Recently, I’ve been yelled at, had police called on me and the animal control sent to my door with complaints about my walking my dog around the school. I don’t now, and never have allowed my pet to dirty on other people’s property, including Franklin.

Can’t you young people find a better cause to relieve your frustrations on? You’re in a position to set good examples for your children. So far, you’ve failed to do so.

We have young men and women fighting in wars today because people like you aren’t able to come to terms in a peaceful manner.

I will continue to walk my dog as I have for 56 years in the evening and weekends. Hoping that by giving up his morning walks will relieve some of your built-up frustration.

I’m sure if you try hard enough, you can find a better cause. Believe me, there are many more important things to worry about.

Dixie Burkett

Logansport



Vets’ nameplate

effort continues

On Veterans Day 2009, I witnessed how actions speak louder than words in a most profound way. I would like to share this story with you.

A World War II veteran spoke at the ceremony at the Cass County Government Building. His speech was short and succinct. Since I did not catch his name, I maneuvered to find out after he left the microphone. Much to my surprise, he made a beeline toward me. He pulled out his wallet and handed me a $50 bill. He said, “Keep up the good work on the nameplates. Here’s a little donation.”

I asked him his name. He told me “Babe Gordon.” I told him the donation would be put to good use. I just received a request from David Eli Williamson, a veteran who works as a civil servant at Lakenheath Air Force Base, near London, England. He would like the nameplates for his grandfather and his wife’s father. I have no idea who much it will cost to send the nameplates to the UK, but will be finding out. To date, I have mailed about 50 nameplates all over the country.

It took me a couple of minutes to realize how he recognized me. Mr. Everett “Babe” M. Gordon came to a nameplate giveaway last August at the Walton Public Library. He picked up his own nameplate and those of his two brothers. All three brothers served in World War II. His brother Roy F. Gordon was in the Army and brother Glen J. Gordon was in the Marines.

Thank you, “Babe.” 

So far, I have distributed over 1,200 nameplates and raised about $2,000.  Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 87, Royal Center IN 46978.

I am still distributing nameplates and have about 3,000 nameplates unclaimed. I hope to have this information available soon.

Thank you to allfor your continued interest and support.

Elizabeth McQuinn, volunteer  

Cass County Veterans Council