More views on dress for graduation (05/02/08)

To the editor:

Attacking a person's character you don't even know isn't a very persuasive approach to debate. Attacking a person's decisions without talking to the person himself or asking them probing questions directly isn't persuasive either. Making assumptions about a variety of things shows flawed thinking and reflects poor character on the part of the writer. This approach to informing oneself is knee jerk reaction and usually exposes a person's flawed thinking.

My direct experiences with Mr. Gulley have always been excellent in that he has always been concerned about the overall well being of all the students he is responsible for at JCHS. He is also a patriotic man of character and anyone claiming otherwise knows nothing about him directly. I speak from the perspective and vantage point of being a disabled veteran of 38 years and being a counseling therapist. People who have not bothered to know or check out Mr. Gulley's exemplary record would not know how patriotic he is in how he lives his life nor would they have a clue as to the true patriotic character of his beliefs and his actions. In fact Mr. Gulley has gone the extra distance to exhibit both character and patriotism in his life's actions.

I also believe that the young people referred to here are certainly patriotic (there are several different kinds of patriotism by the way) but I am not aware of any of them being heroes in a military sense of the word. That would require that they be seasoned combat trained troops with combat experiences behind them not in front of them. I have known large numbers of heroes over the decades of working with combat veterans and their families - some are alive and many are dead. Heroes, by definition, do not just show up to be trained or experience something - they have been through the fires of combat and all that that entails. I have many friends who are heroes of this type and most of them are very reluctant to even talk about and in fact most of their family members know little or nothing of their experiences because it doesn't seem all that glorious to those that have survived it. I hope that these young people don't have to endure many of the things that friends of mine have endured that I would consider heroes. If they do then my prayers go with them as they hopefully survive and return to make a productive life for themselves and those they love.

All families should have an equal opportunity to be proud of their children's academic and extra-curricular activities in school. I see no disparity in the manner in which Mr. Gulley has managed this situation. I also believe people of reason who take the time to research a situation would agree with me on most of the points I make here. Especially those who have been called heroes for their contributions to this country through the test of combat.

I am a disabled veteran of the United States Marine Corps (1968-1971).

Rick Ritter

Fort Wayne

Reconsider

To the editor:

It is so sad that this situation has turned into a question of patriotism. All these young men wanted was to simply wear their uniforms during graduation. They were not asking for any special recognition (though I personally believe they are worth it).

There is not a school board policy; there has not been a vote by the school board. Why? It is so sad that there has to be a decision made. We are living in a difficult time in our country. We hear so many times about all the bad that some young people get involved in. Yet here are three young men, who have signed the line and are willing to give their lives for all of us - even people that disagree - and we say these young graduates are not special or different from other members of the class and they should just blend in.

Some members of our community say this is not their fight, or question what interest members of the community have in this issue. If you are an American you have an interest in this issue. To Dr. Long, Mr. Gulley and our Jay School Board, please remember this: People will not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

How will these young men feel in their hearts when they remember Jay County and Jay County High School.

Barry and Kathy Snyder

Bryant

Be careful

To the editor:

I'm happy with the continued growth of Portland. What concerns me is the stretch of West Votaw Street (Ind. 67/26) between Creagor Avenue and Industrial Park Drive. Since Wal-Mart has moved to its new location, traffic has increased considerably - both pedestrians and vehicles.

The entrance to Wal-Mart is in between two 45 mph zones. Heading west the speed limit increases to 55 mph and going east it decreases from 55 mph.

With nice weather and summer approaching, I just wanted people (drivers) to be aware of all pedestrians and bicycles in this area. Every day I see many children and adults crossing this dangerous area. There are no sidewalks or pedestrian crossing signs. Even a caution light at the east entrance of Wal-Mart would be something.

Since there are neither, drive with care so our children and city residents do not get injured or even killed by a careless driver or when a child tries to dart off the side of the road to beat traffic.

Chris Ames

Portland

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