|
Published: May 17, 2008 09:00 pm
Readers' Forum: May 18, 2008
Osher Institute not the Osler Institute
Because I have appreciated many programs offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (formerly the Dewey Institute) at Indiana State University, I am concerned to learn from friends that there is some confusion caused by the institute’s name. On several occasions I have been told by friends that they had chosen not to participate in lectures, classes, and special events offered because they do not approve the tactics of Dr. Joe Selliken in recent elections.
The institute at ISU is the Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning (OLLI), named for a philanthropist who has supplied generous grants to more than 100 such institutes at universities throughout the country. How unfortunate that an institute devoted to continued learning and the search for truth would be confused with Dr. Selliken, whose Osler Institute is a medical test preparation company. What a difference a single letter makes!
I encourage you to consider the opportunities of OLLI found at the Web site: www.indstate.edu/olli.
— Rosaline Secrest
Brazil
Be careful when casting your vote
To young Democratic voters:
I’m very happy to see that we have come out and voted in record-making numbers. But my concern is are you voting from your own research or are you just going with the group you are around everyday, and not realizing that this election is going to put someone in the power of making very hard choices to bring us back from the mess Bush has kept us in? I like both Hillary and Obama. They seem to be out for a lot of things of the same.
But in my opinion I think we need someone with the know-how in office. For example, if you were in a snow storm would you want someone that has been driving for years drive you through this storm. Or would you want someone fresh with very little experience, but with the same ideals drive you?
So all I’m saying is, be careful. This is an important job to give someone. It affects us all. If as many would have came out to vote in other elections, things could have been different all along.
Be smart in your voting.
— Helen Coleman
Terre Haute
Why does it matter what we wear at polls?
When I arrived to vote May 6 I was greeted first by a woman at the door who checked my ID and then scurried me along to the table where I was to declare my party affiliation and receive my appropriate ballot. Once there I was greeted by a woman who again took my ID, looked at me and saw I was wearing a shirt with a cartoon depiction of Hillary Clinton which had printed across it “A woman’s place is in the house”.
Upon seeing this she became very stern and loudly proclaimed “You have to leave this building immediately, you are not allowed to wear that in here! You cannot vote until you change your shirt.”
Thankfully, one of the women had a sweater for me to put on so I could vote. However, this entire episode left me embarrassed, angry and extremely disappointed in this process.
I am proud of my country and the people who are working so hard to make this a better place and I believe in our democratic process. This leads me to what about our great country I believe in most, our freedom.
This includes the freedom of speech which allows us to take a stand when change is necessary. According to the First Amendment we have the freedom of speech and this right is not just confined to verbal speech but is also understood to protect any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the type of medium used.
We must not forget how far this freedom has gotten us. It has fueled the change that ended segregation, it has given women the right to vote and it has further propelled change by allowing us the voice to publicly oppose the continuation of wars and show our dissent regarding decisions made by our leaders.
I utilized my right today when I chose to wear that a shirt. I did not attempt to infringe on anyone else’s belief nor would the showing of who they support have swayed my own. However, when I was accosted and reprimanded in a public forum for showing this support I was robbed of this basic right and it made me very sad for our society. I was peacefully casting my vote and was forced to either change my shirt or not vote. The response to my questioning this was that the process is supposed to be private and unobtrusive.
Private? I was forced to declare out loud which party I wanted a ballot for so everyone in the building already knew I was a Democrat. At this point why is there such uproar about knowing which Democrat I am voting for?
Unobtrusive? I was vehemently accosted regarding my choice of apparel. How can I be denied my right to vote because of my shirt? If I am not trying to change your mind and I don’t care that you know who I voted for, who are the people handing out ballots to tell me what I can wear in my polling booth?
More concerning still, what if I had ridden the bus or taken a cab and couldn’t afford fare to get home to change and back to vote? What if someone dropped me off at the poll and I had no way to change? Would I not have been allowed to vote? What kind of system is this if I am declined my right to vote on the most important collective decision this country makes because of what is printed on my clothing?
This entire experience, which I have been eagerly anticipating, ended up being cumbersome and demeaning as I was singled out in front of everyone else who was voting. But mostly, it really makes me infuriated to think this may have happened to other people and worried that if there are others who had the same experience were they able to cast a ballot or did they lose their chance?
— Jessica L. Durbin
Terre Haute
Disappointment with repair neglect
We wish to thank WTWO-TV and WFXW for neglecting to repair in a timely manner their Fox channel that broadcasts the NASCAR races on analog for a recent three-week period. We really enjoy watching NASCAR and are very disappointed at your indifference in executing the necessary repairs to get Fox Channel back on line.
We sincerely hope you go bankrupt so someone else can take over and run these channels efficiently.
— Robert and Rita Asher
Rockville
Volunteers core of Society’s effort
The cornerstone of the American Cancer Society is our volunteers. As the world’s largest voluntary health organization, the Society simply would not exist without dedicated and talented people working together in our community.
Since its inception, the Society has depended on volunteers to advance progress in the fight against cancer, and today that is no different. The Society is able to continue its great work to eliminate cancer as a major health problem only because of the service and leadership of committed volunteers who passionately believe in the hope for a cancer-free future.
As part of National Volunteer Week, I want to personally thank our volunteers for giving their time, expertise, and resources that brings hope to those touched by cancer. Locally, thousands of volunteers assist the Society in making our world cancer-free.
Volunteers are the foundation to our Relay For Life events, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Daffodil Days, and our free cancer patient programs. Plus, our volunteers who work with lawmakers to make cancer a national and local priority are fundamental to the progress we are making in the fight against cancer. It is our volunteer support that enables the Society to offer information, day-to-day help, and emotional support to people facing cancer and their families, when and where they need it.
National Volunteer Week was April 27-May 3, and was sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network. During that week, we celebrated our volunteers. Their personal commitment to the Society’s mission is our greatest resource.
I thank them for fighting cancer in our community. Their support truly makes a difference.
— Julie Hansen
American Cancer Society
Terre Haute
No more reason to listen to WAXI
I am writing in response to the letter from the Plessingers of Greencastle who miss Ronn Mott on WAXI FM radio. I am in complete agreement!
The programming staff of WAXI has done a great disservice to the senior citizens of the Wabash Valley. I hope everyone who enjoyed WAXI in the days of the timeless classics will make their voices heard at Crossroads Communications.
I called the station to ask what had happened to Ronn Mott and I was told that he is going to have a Saturday morning show something like “Ronnie Remembers” where he will play anything he likes. Well, wake up, programming staff! That is the way it should have been all along on weekday mornings.
Unfortunately, I rarely listen to the radio on Saturday mornings. I, like the Plessingers, have changed my pre-set button on my car radio and am considering buying a satellite package. There is no longer any reason for me to listen to WAXI.
We miss you, Ronnie!
— Peggy Arnold
Terre Haute
Obama likable, but not a good choice
All this politicking and furor between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has tired me of the whole scene. Why can’t the two of them work together? After all, they are of the same Democratic Party.
My choice personally, I will not admit to — lest I hear roaring from the crowd.
There is something to be said for both sides of their rhetoric, but Mr. Obama has no experience in foreign affairs like Mr. and Mrs. Clinton have (in Mr. Clinton’s administration). Frankly, Mr. Obama isn’t and cannot be my choice. Likable he is, but definitely not presidential timbre.
Sorry, Barack.
— Earl D. Smitley
Marshall, Ill.
Trash containers are an eyesore
I am writing to you in regard to the new trash containers. I don’t approve.
Since I bought this house here in Terre Haute, my trash has been picked up in the alley right behind my house. With these new trash containers, it looks as though I am going to have to wheel this oversized trash container to the street once a week in order to have my trash picked up, even though they have been picking it up in the oversized trash container in my alley for the past three or four weeks.
This to me is an inconvenience. And I think the oversized trash containers are an eyesore. This was not a good transition with these oversized trash containers. And my heart goes out to the senior citizens who have to cart these things to the curb, especially when the weather gets bad and there is snow on the ground.
Who’s idea was this in the first place? There has got to be a better way. I for one liked it just the way it was. These things are an eyesore. I am already tired of seeing them everywhere in my neighborhood.
— Thomas Helms
Terre Haute
What kind of person steals at grave site?
I lost my daughter a little over a year ago as the result of an automobile accident. She is buried at the Betheseda Cemetery in West Terre Haute. Her birthday was about a month ago and as many people do, I, along with several family members and friends, left gifts and memorabilia for her on her grave.
Within a few days after her birthday, the gift I gave her was taken and then within two weeks later several other items disappeared. I am writing this letter in hopes that the thief or thieves that took my daughter’s birthday gifts know that to you they may be a cute little yard ornament or whatever but to us it was a token of our love to her.
You stole from my daughter’s sacred grounds. What kind of person does this? If you are reading this please know if I ever find out who you are, you will be prosecuted. You are the lowest of low kind of people and there is no place on this earth for you. So watch out, grave robbers, there are eyes watching you and you will be caught.
And know, a mother’s love and protectiveness goes beyond death.
— Lori Pugh
West Terre Haute
Impressed with emergency effort
Recently, an emergency situation occurred in the early morning hours near our home in Idle Creek. Fortunately, no one was injured but the situation was very serious and could have ended tragically.
I am writing this letter to thank and acknowledge the emergency personnel that responded to the scene. Honey Creek Fire Department, Riley Fire Department, Indiana State Police dive team, Sugar Creek Water Rescue, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, TransCare and the 911 dispatchers.
I was very impressed by their quick response, professional manner and coordinated effort. It was nice to see the cooperation and respect they had for each other while they worked this emergency.
— Kathleen Drummy
Terre Haute
• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
Discuss this story
