Inspired to vote
In 2004, I got the opportunity to meet Sen. Barack Obama in a visit to Waterloo in his campaign for U.S. Senate. It was so very special I took my sons out of school to hear him speak.
After his speech, Alan Pirtle, Monroe County Democratic chairman, introduced Obama to my sons and me. Even though 40 or 50 people wanted to meet him, when my son, Drew, told him he was heading off to college the next fall, he put his arm around his shoulder, took his aside, and talked to him for a good five minutes about his dreams for the future. I was touched by the humility and grace of the man and told my sons that I hoped one day I would get to vote for him as president.
I have had enough of the politics of fear and division. I've had enough of a president who has no respect for the brave young men and women who wear the uniform. After the loss of more than 4,000 lives, countless wounded and a return home that has 1,000 soldiers a month attempting suicide after being told it was 750 per year, how much is enough?
What will it take to wake us up? This year, I have a candidate I can be proud of voting for. If the American people don't give into Bubba politics and vote their hopes and dreams rather than irrational fears or racial apprehensions, I have great hopes for this country. I pray for a future that inspires us all. Obama is the only candidate capable of doing so. Hope, not fear. How refreshing.
Dennis M. Gilbert
Waterloo
Collateral damage
Let's talk about the money situation in the Belleville Catholic Diocese. The public is well aware of the bishop's problems with money and his acts to correct the problem for himself. The collateral damage of his many money issues, which we have been dealing since before he came, has hurt every program financially in our diocese.
Many of the parishes' donations are down significantly. Every time I donate, in my mind I think, is this going for what it is intended? Many of the parishes are sending money directly to the national collection centers rather than through the diocese because they can't trust the bishop.
What is so disturbing to me is a good leader will see the error of his ways and correct it by moving on. But, as the bishop has said, he is not resigning. So we are in for more financial issues -- maybe not with him directly, but the collateral damage is severe to our parishes and agency programs.
I'm glad the bishop can live with it; I can't.
Chuck DeLorme
Lebanon
Sheriff falls short
It all started when an ex-girlfriend and I broke up. I had the usual problem -- scratching up my car twice, cutting phone lines.
The St. Clair Sheriff said I needed an order of protection. So I went to the courthouse and pleaded my case. The judge said it was weak, but he gave me an emergency order of protection for two weeks. I had to go back in two weeks to get another one for two years.
I thought that fixed my problem. Wrong. After she was served, the problems never stopped.
Now it's getting good. I came home from work, she broke into my house, by the back window. She was wanting some cash. I said no to her and she needed to go. I told her I was calling the sheriff. When I did, she left. The police came and I noticed she stole my pistol. They caught her.
I thought, "What a good job." Wrong. She went to jail and was turned lose in a couple of days. I was told by the detective that there was not enough evidence. I was also told to change my phone number and to move.
It's the sheriff's answer to every problem. I guess that sign that says "no vacancy" in front of the jail means just that.
All I have to say now is the next time the sheriff needs a pay raise -- move, problem solved.
Kenneth Seavey
Belleville
Oh, what a night
The Whiteside School Parent/Teacher Committee hosted a wonderful dinner auction on April 19 at Belle Court Place. The evening was a huge success thanks to the auction committee, which spent many hours planning and organizing every detail.
An extra highlight was the viewing of the Whiteside School video created by the middle school Photo Club students. These detailed photos were accompanied with music by the band, and portrayed the large number of diverse activities and events that District 115 offers to our students.
This truly was a night that parents, teachers, administrators and school board members could celebrate together as a Whiteside family, all while raising funds for our boys and girls. Thank you again to the Whiteside School PTC Organization for making this night a huge success.
Kelly West
Board member, Whiteside School District 115k
No need for silliness
Once again, I find myself agreeing with letter writer Michael Ray Dillier. His letter on illegal aliens was right on the mark. You know, he's sounding like a conservative more each day. Now if he would just lose that silly habit of referring to our president as "Dubya," there might be some hope for him.
Since liberal Democrats have had such a field day with President Bush's middle initial, perhaps I should come up with a nickname for Barack Obama. Let's see, there's "Hussein" which is his middle name, or "Bo" which are his initials. Nah, that would make me as dumb as the Democrats have been.
Leon Anderson
Collinsville
Support appreciated
Rose Gomric and I would like to thank state Rep. Tom Holbrook for hearing of a problem and his work to solve it. When residents complained of trash being littered on Illinois 157 between West Main Street and Illinois 15, he used his good offices to correct the mess.
Although we are sure the problem will recur because of ignorant, thoughtless drivers, we truly appreciate the efforts of Holbrook in the ongoing efforts to help keep the area clean.
Donna Dougherty
Belleville
Thanks to military spouses
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Since then, succeeding presidents have continued to honor the spouses of our servicemen and -women. Today, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect upon and appreciate all the sacrifices our military spouses and families make every day, supporting our soldiers and airmen.
On Military Spouse Day, we honor the husbands and wives of those who wear the uniform of the U.S. armed forces. The husbands and wives of our service members have made significant sacrifices for freedom's cause, and they are an integral part of the success of our armed forces.
The soldiers and airmen of the Illinois National Guard could not continue to serve without the support of their families. Military spouses provide crucial support that allows our soldiers and airmen to continue to do the important work our country has asked them to do.
I encourage everyone to show their support to our troops by showing support and appreciation to spouses and families of military members who are taking care of the home front. We could not successfully complete our missions without their support.
Maj. Gen. William Enyart
Adjutant General Illinois Army and Air National Guard Belleville
