Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 2 November 2000 — Page 3

The Muncie Times, November 2, 2000, page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Inmate needs help to challenge conviction Hi, my name is Charles V. Lawrence Sr. I’m incarcerated at the Pendleton Correctional Facility. I’m innocent of the crime I’ve been convicted of. I was found guilty of attempted murder. I need some help to prove my innocence. If anyone in your department can help me, please do. I don’t want to do 15 years in prison for a crime I didn’t commit. Sincerely, Charles V. Lawrence Pendleton, Ind.

Women belong in the military, Mr. Pence I am a woman who served my country in the late 1950s. I’m not sure how many people know that women are an increasing force in the military. As a matter of fact, 14 percent of current active duty military personnel are women. There are 1.2 million women veterans. From pilots to technical support, engineers to researchers, more women than ever before are choosing this way to not only make a living but also serve their country. I was very disturbed by an article I read by Mike Pence, the Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. The article starts out talking about the

Disney movie “Mulan,” and ends with the words—’’Moral of story: women in military, bad

idea.”

I beg to differ, Mr. Pence. Women in the military is a very good idea. While involving 1 women in hand-to-hand combat may not be the best way for them to serve, women bring many talents and advantages to whatever career they choose—including a military career. Women have a right to use their talents and their ambitions to help, not only themselves and their families, but also to serve their country in this crucial way. About 1.2 million veterans. 14 percent of active duty. Moral of story: women in military, good idea. Diana Oils Centerville, Ind.

Ex-Marine urges Rock vote in 2nd District “Tell That To The Marines” is an old slogan, but something I want to take some time to talk with you about. We have an opportunity this fall to serve our country again by voting. I urge each and every one of you to go to the polls on Nov. 7 and exercise the right you served to defend. I also want to urge you to consider “one of our own” Bob Rock. Bob, a Marine captain and JAG officer, is a candidate for Indiana Congressional

District. “It’s time we send someone to Congress who understands the needs of our country when it comes to the defense budget and also someone who understands our needs as veterans. Bob is someone who won’t forget us. J. E. Zeigler USMC (retired)

Writer wants Muncie to reconsider noise law Commentary: I know that, maybe, we do need a noise ordinance in our town, county or city. Seems to me, before we can implement it, shouldn’t we have something we can reinforce the claims of our police. I found myself getting stopped on the claim of violating the noise ordinance by having a factory stereo system in my vehicle. It was on a Friday, around 6 p.m., one of the busiest times in Muncie, and at Broadway and Highland

Ave.

With the weather being great that day, my windows were down. That leaves me with a few questions about this noise ordinance. The officer had nothing to go on, but his ears and judgement, ih assuming that my stereo was too loud. This, to me, leaves a few doors open for lawsuits and public outcry of, maybe, just maybe, racial profiling and my

word against his word in court. Maybe my stereo wasn’t even on. This casts another worried eye on law enforcement and who is making this judgment call. As we know, when you go to court, whose word weighs the most on the scales of justice? There is money lost, time from work and other problems. If the city can’t afford to get a device to back up its claim that this noise ordinance has been broken. Or even put a time frame on the noise ordinance, or even an area with this noise ordinance should be enforced, then we have a problem. For all we know, some of our finest will take this ball and not only run for a touchdown but out of the stadium with it. I’ve tried to see Chief Winkle on this subject, but he is a very busy man. Maybe our lawmakers will take another look at this city noise ordinance. Andre Scott Muncie

Rock supporter says opponent seek to tarnish image. I know Bob Rock. I know that Bob Rock would never tell a lie. Bob Rock is one of the kindest, honest, and most caring people that I know. He always conducts himself as a gentleman. I have known Bob Rock for

many years. I recall when he graduated from Anderson High School, when he left Anderson for the U. S. Marine Corps, and when he became an attorney, taking the oath in Indianapolis. Bob Rock has lived a life of service and he genuinely cares about people. When Bob told me he was going to run for Congress, I had bittersweet feelings. I was so very proud of him and his accomplishments and I knew that he would be a great congressman. On the other hand, I was concerned for him. Given the negative atmosphere of politics, I knew there would be people, who had never met him, attacking him and trying to tarnish him. Sadly, this has happened as I knew it would. Bob Rock is not the man the people who are writing the letters to the editor want to portray him to be. Bob could be your son, brother, or grandson. He is a man of integrity, character and courage. If the environment of politics continues, as it has been in the Letters to the Editor section of the Anderson Herald-Bulletin, we may push all good people away from public service. It takes courage to run for public office and Bob has that courage. I am proud to say that I will be voting for Bob Rock on Nov. 7. Martha Carmichael Anderson, In