Burris deserves to be seated
I wish to respectfully express my disappointment with the decision to run a Chicago Sun-Times editorial titled “Blogojevich (sic): More reason for impeachment” (Pharos-Tribune, Jan. 6). The misspelling of the name Blagojevich in the headline was but a minor matter when compared to the disservice done to Roland Burris by the Sun-Times (and by the Pharos for repeating lines unworthy of good journalism). I refer to the following: “And whom did the governor choose? Just another Illinois politician, Roland Burris, the former attorney general whose career is notable only for its lack of notable achievements.”
During my terms of service as Indiana treasurer in the 1980s, I had the privilege of getting to know Roland, who was then serving as comptroller for the state of Illinois. As president of the National Association of State Treasurers, I was also active with the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers, and in such capacity served with Roland on the executive board.
Both NAST and NASACT determined that major cash management issues in state-federal relations needed to be addressed, and out of this concern, a Federal-State Cash Management Reform Task Force took shape, on which I was privileged to serve. Our work ultimately resulted in the passage of landmark cash management reform legislation, and Roland Burris was elevated to the presidency of NASACT in 1986. Several years after his term as president, Roland was honored for his service to the people of Illinois and to the national organization by receiving the President’s Award for 1991.
By all indications, his appointment fell within the lawful powers of the governor of the state of Illinois. There is absolutely nothing presented that suggests that Roland Burris is any the less an honorable man and capable public servant, regardless of negative opinions of the governor that are harbored by many as a result of recent media coverage.
In a biblical reference to those who might have questioned the credentials of Jesus Christ, the question was asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
By analogy, if one asks today, “Can anything good come from Blagojevich,” I would suggest the answer to be — A good and true public servant, Roland Burris.
It is time for pettiness and petulance in the U.S. Senate to cease at least momentarily and do the right thing for the right reasons. Seat Roland Burris.
Julian L. Ridlen
Logansport
Thanks for support of memorial tree
The Hope Hospice Memorial Christmas Tree was a great success.
The 2009 holiday season was a time for remembering, and our thoughts turned to those we were privileged to know. Personalized Christmas ornaments were created by Hope Hospice in memory or honor of these loved ones and friends.
Hope Hospice wrote the names of loved ones on beautiful glass ornaments and one by one, hung these on the beautiful Memorial Christmas Tree in the entrance of Rochester’s First Federal Savings Bank. It was a special time of remembering for many families and loved ones. Also, through the memorial and honorary gifts to Hope Hospice, funds were raised for the care of hospice patients in both Fulton County and other near-by cities.
We appreciate everyone’s support of the Hope Hospice Memorial Christmas Tree. To those who participated, we say thank you.
Daniel L. Purkey, executive director
Hope Hospice
Rochester
Opinion
Public forum Jan. 9
- Opinion
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Putting our best foot forward
Projects to enhance Logansport’s curb appeal for visitors are coming together. The community owes a debt of gratitude to the hard-working volunteers who made these projects happen.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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Taking the cow to school
Managing editor Kelly Hawes says a recent highly publicized prank shows the quality of kids in Logansport.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.
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More than just an extra day off
Monday is Memorial Day, a time when the nation pauses to remember those who have given their lives in defense of the freedoms we all enjoy. It’s great to have a long weekend, but let’s not forget the holiday’s original meaning.
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Have fun, safe start to summer
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Have fun this weekend, but be sure to keep it safe.
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Thorns & Roses
Thorns & Roses is our staff’s compilation of the best and worst of the week, but if you have your own nominations, feel free to send them along for publication in our Public Forum. Submissions of up to 400 words may be addressed to Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The fax number is 574-732-5070, and the email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com. Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime telephone number.
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Meeting students where they are
A mall-based alternative school in Indianapolis is working to reach students who weren’t able to succeed in a traditional classroom. The approach is similar to the one now being taken by Logansport schools.
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A woman on both state tickets
Columnist Dave Kitchell writes about the running mates for gubernatorial hopefuls John Gregg and Mike Pence.
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Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is (574) 732-5070.
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Putting our best foot forward




