Voting only way to effect change
For someone who has lived as long as I have, the atmosphere in Indianapolis and in Washington, D.C., is downright frightening. I see no compassion on the part of the “haves”; rather, they blame those poor guys gathered at the soup kitchen. Somehow, being a “have-not” is looked at as a chosen lifestyle rather than bad luck.
I wish I could somehow yell loud enough for all of you to hear me. There is only one answer: VOTE! If a few good people were willing to run on the “Down with Business as Usual” party ticket, voters would truly have a choice.
There’s no other way. Nobody who has all the goodies in place for our public servants will be dumb enough to do away with them. You have to start a revolution at the polls right here in Fort Wayne. If you don’t like the way things are going, vote. Grumbling may make you feel better, but it won’t change things.
Really important elections are coming up. Your vote does count. Use it!
JEANETTE HEITGER Fort Wayne
Look elsewhere, Rep. Stutzman
The audacity of Rep. Marlin Stutzman to introduce a bill to eliminate the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Thanks to the editorial staff (Feb. 3) for the fine job they did in uncovering the good works the CNCS does, It looks to me as though the taxpayers are getting a lot of bang for their buck.
I think Stutzman wouldn’t have to look too hard to find something more “wasteful” than the CNCS.
ANN WINEBRENNER Albion
Farm safety must be priority
The article “Sowing farm discontent” (Feb. 12) is really a story on farm safety.
Farm safety rules were expanded during the George W. Bush presidency with help from Sen. Richard Lugar. The 4H clubs/ FFA organizations and agriculture groups have done a great job in preaching farm safety. However, it’s like preaching to the choir.
Farmers themselves are guilty of allowing minor children to operate large machinery that was made to be operated by adults. However, we must review the accidents caused by four wheelers, PTO shafts, grain augers, etc. Common sense tells us that kids grow up so fast, and we expect them to know the expectations of farm labor when they really do not. Kids will continue to do the chores without government intervention.
Insurance companies are a big reason for the rules, because of accidents on farms among children and the liability issues in these accidents and resulting lawsuits.
No one will be watching to see whether children are doing their normal chores such as feeding their animals from bags and buckets. But the insurance companies and government will continue to monitor the age groups of farm-related accidents.
JERRY D. SMITH Auburn
Children top candidate’s agenda
I want to take this opportunity to share my views regarding recent news coverage recounting various cases of child abuse and deaths across Indiana. As I travel the state, I have received a great many questions on this troubling situation that affects our most vulnerable Hoosiers.
The first thing I want to say to the families and friends of children who have been victims of domestic violence and child abuse: I’m so sorry. But this is not a time to point fingers or assign blame. It is a time for serious reflection, collaboration and, most importantly, action. We must study our current realities and review the established procedures and protocols associated with the reporting, monitoring, follow-up and adjudication of alleged, suspected and confirmed child abuse and neglect. We have failed these children. It’s time to solve the problem and not worry about who gets the credit.
The first thing I will do as governor is protect Indiana’s children. My first priority and directive to my executive staff will be to gather law enforcement (including prosecutors and sheriffs, local child advocates, judges, Family and Social Services Administration officials), public and private school representatives, parents and grandparents and health care professionals (including family physicians, emergency room staff, and other public and mental health leaders) to determine how best to improve communication and coordination in these circumstances in an effort to reduce and eventually eliminate the incidence of child deaths.
I am committed to do better by our kids, and together, we will.
JOHN GREGG Candidate for governor
