Military respect unites generations
I never met my Uncle Denny. I was not even 6 months old when he was killed in Vietnam. I was about 7 the first time I remember visiting his grave.
I was one of thousands who lined the road to say thank you, and goodbye, to another young soldier, Nicholas Taylor. He was due to come home in less than two months. I never met Nicholas, either. But, seeing his picture and watching his family on the news made it sink in that this was the age of my uncle when he died.
I watched as Nicholas’ body was escorted to his home. He was deservedly treated like a hero. I held a sign that said, “Thank You” and waved American flags. I also took my nephew with me. I want him to start to grasp what his freedom cost.
I want to say thank you to two soldiers I have never met. Dennis Cook, whom I am proud to call my uncle, and Nicholas Taylor, whom I am proud to call my fellow Hoosier.
On the way home with my nephew, we stopped by Denny’s grave. I wanted to make sure my nephew knew the story of his great uncle and where he was laid to rest. After talking for a while, we took the flags we had waved in honor of Nicholas and placed them at Denny’s grave. They are an enduring symbol, uniting two defenders of freedom whom I never got to meet.
CARL COOK Yoder
Voter ID laws alienate public
My dictionary defines the Electoral College as a “body that elects the president and the vice president.” We have been told the reason why, but I’ve not learned the how, by whom and when.
History tells us this has taken place four times – the last time when Al Gore received the popular majority but the Electoral College gave the vote to George W. Bush.
I find I am not the only one who would appreciate answers to the above. With the photo ID added now, one feels people are not encouraged to exercise this treasured privilege.
LILLY I. NUTTER Warren
Tragedies happen here, too
I think we can all agree the shooting in Aurora, Colo., was a tragedy and that the man responsible should contact Satan to see whether he needs a roommate. What I find troubling is that the Colorado shooting makes us all worried and questioning where we went wrong and who is to blame.
Here in Fort Wayne, we seem to have a shooting almost daily, and it barely keeps our attention. There are parts of the city where people are being shot like it’s a video game, and no one appears to be bothered by this with the exception of the police and the victim’s family.
I don’t think it is a black/white or rich/poor thing; I think it is much simpler. Killing 12 people at one time scares the crap out of us, while the killing of more than 30 people, spread out over a year, is something we’re comfortable with in our city.
What happened at that theater should make us all a little less secure, but if you want something to keep you awake at night, don’t look to Colorado – just down your street.
THOMAS J. ACKMANN Fort Wayne
Author’s fall offers lessons
In reference to “Writer admits fake Bob Dylan quotes, resigns” (July 31), and the book “Imagine: How Creativity Works” by Jonah Lehrer:
The gnawing thought has been a sensation of déjÀ vu. Does anyone else find the mind going back to the 2003 movie “Shattered Glass”? Even the physical appearance seems eerily appropriate.
I was so enamored by the “Imagine” tome; consequently, I am acutely disappointed. Nevertheless, I admit to err is regrettably human.
Let us remind each other that feet of clay is a common condition. Best wishes to Lehrer for a quick recovery and a valuable insight.
KEN KNOBLAUCH Woodburn
Priest’s argument convincing
I wish to express my total agreement with the letter of the Rev. Edward Ruetz on the inviolability of conscience (“Outdated theology drives mandate foes,” July 17).
I remember Ruetz as an excellent young priest at St. Jude Church in Fort Wayne in the late 1960s. He is the only priest I know of who stood in front of the church before Mass to greet the incoming worshippers. Ruetz and the late Rev. Tom O’Connor were good friends. I thank him for his courageous and accurate letter. I wish him well.
JEROME A. WELCH Fort Wayne
