The Independent-News, Volume 120, Number 47, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 6 April 1995 — Page 4

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f EDITORIAL j

THE TROUBLEWITH POLITICS* The United States of America, thanks to the forsight and intelligence of many men some 200 plus years ago, has a government set up “for the people, by the people”. However, little could these men visualize how some things can be twisted around, played with, and in general used as one sees fit. It leads us to believe, the trouble with politics is the politicians! This seems to be getting more and more obvious as time passes. It is like so many things in life, interpretation is used to the best of those doing the interpreting’s advantage. Some of the actions by politicians gets rather trying to say the least. It seems there has become a wider split between parties in recent years. All you hear about anything now is the “Republicans” or the “Democrats”, their beliefs, views, etc. We almost never just hear of our representatives and senators on a general term. It seems that one is almost labeled a traitor if they should vote or support a view of the opposing party, regardless of what it may be or what the public wants. The fact that these people still are supposed to be representing the people seems to matter less and less all the time. It is refreshing to see a representative, at whatever level, cast a vote because they feel that is what their constituents want, not whether it is party supported or opposed. This does happen and usually gets some press as it is now the exception rather than the rule. A few particular incidents in the news recently caught our attention to just what is the results of this strong party allegiance in decision making. In Indiana’s General Assembly, the recent dispute over the Republican attempt to redistrict the state to “beef up” their legislative districts, and the resulting Democrat boycott is a perfect example. Indiana law calls for redistricting after the general census every ten years. The attempt to do it before next year caused a problem with the Democrats so they walked out, leaving the House without a quorum, consequently they were not able to do any business. We are not going to say either side was wrong, but certainly as supposedly educated people giving the responsibility of running our state, they both acted more like “spoiled brats” wanted their own way. There are many other ways that politics has gotten away from what the plan called for originally. True, change does need to happen as times change, but still the basics of our constitution and way of running a democratic government have stood the test of quite a few years without civil problems and -it is a shame some of the politicians are so greedy and selfconcerned to abuse this and try to use it in any way possible for their own advantage. QUOTE OF THE WEEK We did see a statement made by an Indiana legislator that struck us as being “the quote of the week” ... or maybe the year as far as that goes. Concerning funding for IVY Tech’s new facilities in South Bend (or the area) again, personal views have entered in too many times. The controversary of where it should go, has apparently caused the matter to be passed bv in this session of the General Assembly. But in the middle of the issue, Sen. Morris Mills, of Indianapolis, made a statement that might just be a lesson for all, at any levle of education. Mills said concerning funding situations: “I think we’ve gotten the ratio of buildings in which we house education way out of line of what we spend on the education that goes on inside”. Just stop and think, this strikes home in John Glenn, South Bend, Penn, and in almost every school district we have, both lower and higher education. The trend has been over the years for bigger and better facilities, often to the extreme in design and appearance. True, a new modern school might be nice to look at, to go to, etc., but does the outer appearance have any effect as to what is going on inside? We think very little. It is strange that so many of the great people of our and other times, were not given the palacial structures in which to learn. Not saying that everyone should get their education in a log cabin, but what is gained by an individual can be gained in some pretty common surroundings if the desire is there and the proper help is given. The ongoing fight in the John Glenn School district, the South Bend Community School Corporation over the Riley situation, are just two that have drug on and on and on. Yes one might say these situations are different, but really they all come down to similar results. The money that Penn-Harris-Madison has spent on their high school in recent years, certainly included a lot of “extras” that don’t directly affect education. A real example is seen in the Kansas City School system. Several years ago they took the “updated” approach. They spent over one billion (yes billion) dollars on new buildings, the latest in everything, conveniences, teaching aides, etc., and what happened, did the overall grades and averages of the students go up . . . no. In fact, they slipped very slightly. This may not have been due to the facilities, as such can vary a little, but the big thing to note is it didn’t have any obvious effect on improving what was consumed by the students. It did show more respect for their facilities, but education wise, the benefits of the bigger and better surroundings didn’t surface. Think one more time about the statement of Senator Mills and you might just realize that often we may be pursuing the wrong ideas. .1 '.LJ * • •

|ToYourGood7lealth| by Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

DEAR DOCTOR DONOHUE: I recently had my aortic valve replaced, and now am on Coumadin blood thinner. Does this mean I can no longer take aspirin, which has always helped my arthritis? Should I eliminate foods that act as blood thinners? Will I bleed excessively with minor dental work? Will it affect my blood pressure? Any enlightenment on living with this blood thinner would help. DEAR READER: I am surprised that you have not been briefed on all those important points. You are taking Coumadin to prevent clots on the new valve. Clots that form on such surfaces can easily break free and be swept into the blood to cause mischief farther “upstream,” such as in the brain. But you have to strike a balance. You don’t want clot formation, but neither do you want to discourage clotting when needed. You need periodic blood tests to assure that balance. Don’t use aspirin unless your doctor knows and approves. You note correctly that aspirin has its own anticlotting action. Also, aspirin can irritate your delicate stomach lining and cause bleeding from that. There are non-aspirin drugs to ease arthritis pain and inflammation. Diet can play a role. Large amounts of green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, lettuce and spinach can cancel out some of the blood-thinning action of Coumadin. Go easy on them. You need to avoid alcohol also. Tell your dentist about your Coumadin therapy. You might be able to lower your dosage temporarily, if need be. That would prevent any serious bleeding. Your dentist would want to confer with the prescribing doctor. For more on the high blood pressure aspect, see my blood pressure report, which you can order by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 4-WS, Box 5539, Riverton, N.J. 08077-5539. Enclose $3 and a s Jf-addressed, double-stainped No. 10 envelope. ©1995 by King Features Synd.

IHealth & Nutrition by Judith Sheldon I

WINNING AGAINST THE ODDS: “There are 49 million Americans with disabilities,” says Itzhak Perlman, the world-renowned, violinist, who was stricken with polio as a child. Perlman, who hosts PBS’ new “People in Motion: An Innovation Mini-Series,” makes the sobering point that, “For many, ... being able-bodied may ... be a temporary stage in their lives.” (Indeed, trauma or disease can change anyone’s life in an instant.) However, in much the same way Perlman was able to rise above his disability to become a brilliant musician, other people, every day, are fighting to live lives as near to normal as possible despite their handicaps. And, as the miniseries points out, thanks to continuing technological breakthroughs, many of them have gone on to achieve remarkable successes in art, music, industry — and just plain living. I recommend this series for anyone who has, or knows someone with a disability. You may find information that could change your life. The series debuted March 31. (If you missed the first episode, look for the repeat to run on your local PBS station.) The next two segments will air April 7 and April 14. Another example of winning against the odds is the story of Hikari Oe, a Japanese composer whose works are gaining worldwide recog-

I MEMORIES .... | FROM OUR FILES

1985 APPLICATIONS BEING TAKEN FOR SUMMER JOBS — The St. Joseph County Job Training Progran announces that applications are now being taken for summer jobs and educational opportunities for youth. This year, the Summer Youth Employment Program will provide young people between the ages of 14 through 21 with parttime work and school opportunities. In order to qualify, a young person must be economically disadvantaged, and a resident of St. Joseph County. Applications are being accepted Monday thru Friday between 1:30 and 5:30 p.m., now through May 31, 1985. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. COMMUNITY CHOIR TO PRESENT EASTER CANTATA — The North Liberty-LaVille Ministerial Association will again have the Community Choir present an Easter cantata at the annual Good Friday service. The cantata, “I Am,” is by David T. Clydesdale, well known arranger today in gospel music. Good Friday, April 5, the cantata will be given at the Pine Creek of the Brethren, comer of Pine and Stanton Roads, at 7:00 p.m. The 80 voice choir is under the direction of Devon Yockey. Soloists are Rev. Jeff Ames, Mrs. Mary Snell, Wendy Weber, Rita Thornton and Rev. Bud Waiterhouse. 1970 THE SINGING HOOSIERS TO APPEAR IN WALKERTON — The “singing Hoosiers”, talented vocal group from Indiana University, will perform at 8:00 p.m. April 25 in the John Glenn High School auditorium. The program is sponsored by the Walkerton Fine Arts Committee. Directed by Robert E. Stoll, the Singing Hoosiers have entertained audiences across the United States and around the world. The Hoosiers specialize in Broadway show tunes with special choreography and also present folk songs and jazz numbers. The group has shared programs with such performances nition. Oe, the son of a Nobel prizewinning novelist, was bom with a large growth on his brain. His parents were told that if he survived an operation, he would be little more than a vegetable needing constant care for the rest of his life. Just let him die, the doctors told them, for his sake and theirs. Before his parents made their choice, his father visited Hiroshima and met horribly disfigured survivors of the atomic blast who were determined to get on with their lives. He found, in these people, the meaning of what it is to be human and decided, with his wife, to save his son’s life. After the operation, young Hikari still needed a lot of care. He didn't speak until he was 6. His first words to his astonished father took place when they walked in the woods and heard a bird sing. “It’s a water rail," Hikari said. His father realized the boy had memorized 70 different birdsongs he’d heard on a record. Hikari, who is married now and a father, still has a problem with words, but his music speaks for him. ©1996 by King Feature* Synd.

I Your Health by Lester L. Coleman, M.D.

Q. I was upset recently when my doctor refused to renew a prescription by telephone. It was for the same condition I had just a few months before. He insisted I come to the office first. It turned out I needed the same drug for a recurrence. I believe he just wanted another fee. A. I would rather convert your

as Duke Ellington, Vic Damo® Pete Fountain. Allan Sherman, I® Hope and Hoagy Carmichael. ® ARTS AND CRAFTS CONTE® TO BE HELD April 26 — It’s ti® again to start planning for the >® and Crafts Contest April 26. I® event is sponsored by the ® P.T.A. groups, the Tri Ka® Sorority and the St. Patrick’s A® men’s Club. 1945 SCHOOL NOTES: JUNK® NAME CAST — The Junior Cl® will present a three-act comedy ■ April 27th. The cast was selec® this week and began rehearsals® Wednesday. Those chosen ® roles are: Deloyce Cripe, Marga® Ann Leßoy, Philip Waldron, Jc® Bellinger, Esther Hinz, Shen® Taylor, Shirley Kost, Bill Be® Ollie Wilson and Rose Dagley. ® 4-H GIRLS ELECT — Girls ® plan to take 4-H club work t® summer met last week to el® officers with the following resu® president, Violet Schmeltz; vi® president, Rosemary Rearick; s® retary-treasurer, Pat Penick; sor® leader, Beth Rhodes; recreati® chairmen, Wanda Schmeltz a® Grace Steele; reporter, Mary Ra® burn; refreshments, Veryl Tr® and Wanda Schmeltz; health offi® Florence Clark; and pianist, V® ginia Urbin. DAUBE HEADS 4-H CLUB I The boys have organized for t® summer’s 4-H Club work and ele® ed the following officers: pre® dent, Donald Daube; vice-pre® dent, Gene Wolff; secretary, Ric® ard Cline. The full enrollment w® be completed this week. LIBRARIANS MEET — The ® brarians met last Thursday for tl® purpose of electing officers wi® the following results: preside:® Rose Leßoy; vice-president, Be® Newhouse; secretary-treasure® Connie Campbell. They enjoyed® party Wednesday evening ® Flaugher’s and later “enjoyed” J® hour and a half of work on our ne® books. Those present were Mi® Baker, Joanna Persinger, Ru® Waldron, Pat Frame, Beth Nev® house, Connie Campbell and Ros® Leßoy. statement that you “believe he jus® ■wanted another fee,” into a bette® understanding of your doctor’s posi® tion. Do you really believe that you® doctor’s economic destiny was af® fected by an additional office visit® Could it be that he was giving greate® consideration and concern to you® health by being cautious? Far too often, doctors are pushe® into the position of prescribing b)® telephone. Although it does spare th® patient an extra visit, it can b< fraught with potential danger. Doc tors are aware of this. They therefore carefully screen their telephone ad vice in order to insure the greates safety for their patients. It is very sad when a relationship between patient and doctor i; destroyed as it may have been in yout case, by a lack of understanding of the subtle forces at work in the prac tice of medicine. You did yourself an injustice and you did your relationship with your doctor an injustice by coming to the conclusion that you were being exploited. The relationship between doctors and their patients is built on a success of experiences of mutual faith. It is a very precious relationship — one that must be treasured. When that relationship is destroyed, a valuable possession is sacrificed. ©1995 by King Feature* Synd. The Civil War was the firs conflict to be completely anc immediately reported, despite poor communications systems which sometimes delayed publication for several days.