Mailbag: 5/23
Homeless Haven offers thank you Thank you to the individuals, churches and businesses who are contributing to the Homeless Haven shelter project at 220 Ash. Without these contributions we could not have come this far. Needed will be help with replacing a stairway and a fire exit for $1,500 and an electrical fire detection system of unknown cost. Deflecting water from the lot to the storm sewer with a storm wall plus parking, grading and fill will be $10,000-$12,000; hook-ups in the basement for later development for bathrooms and kitchenette estimated at ,500 with pipes capped off for anticipated donations of stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer and sinks. Donations of five trees in memory of individuals could be $500. The donations we continue to receive help very much and we are looking forward to anticipated electric, gas and water bills in an ongoing budget. Before the reconstruction and access are complete, we will provide an additional financial update. Al Zipsie, treasurer, Homeless Haven Board members: Laurel Leonard, president; Dave Leonard, Betty Krueger, Dick Scully, Tim Zuleger, Rachel Spreckels. If today was your last day ... When a situation develops and we have to understand why we need to step back ... take a check of ourselves then step back again and take another check. We live in a small town where stories can always be created ... maybe to hurt someone you once cared about ... maybe to destroy someone's reputation ... and/or to destroy someone's life. I'm lost on answers but I will say this ... if today was your last day and tomorrow was too late, then what? Livin the dream! and rock on. Joe Kirsch, Baraboo Let's enforce the laws we have The government is getting into the act of criminalizing our Christian conscience. Two pieces of legislation heading for Congress are sure to be used to turn what used to be religious principles into a crime. The administration is moving to repeal the "conscience clause" that protects healthcare workers from performing procedures that violate their beliefs, and protects faith-based healthcare facilities (think Catholic hospitals) from being sued for not performing abortions and the like. If the conscience clause is overturned, following your faith-informed conscience will no longer be constitutionally protected, and may well become a criminal act. The second piece of legislation that attacks Christian faith is the so-called "hate speech" rule (H.R. 1913/S. 909). Under this proposed law, cloaked in the guise of "protection," it is possible to see courts prosecuting any people of faith from speaking out against homosexuality, abortion, fetal stem-cell experimentation, and a host of other issues not deemed politically correct. The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, S.909, was introduced by Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) on April 28, 2009. This legislation would prohibit violent crimes motivated on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. It would also, in limited circumstances, include crimes against individuals based on their gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Additionally, the legislation would authorize the attorney general to provide technical, forensic, prosecutorial and financial assistance to state, local, or tribal officials when hate crimes occur in their jurisdictions. This legislation was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it currently awaits further action. A related bill, H.R. 1913, was previously introduced in the House by Representative John Conyers (D-Michigan), and passed by a vote of 237 to 180. Currently, there is an effort being made to amend current civil rights legislation to expand coverage to include sexual orientation. Furthermore, an effort is being made to garner support for hate crime legislation that would allow the federal government to become involved in cases that otherwise would be handled at the state level. All Americans should be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. As a basic principle, any person convicted of injuring another individual should be punished to the highest extent of the law. This should be applied equally and without regard to race, religion, or sexual orientation. This is the guiding principle established in our Constitution, and we need to continue to support it. What is a hate crime? Do you think the person who murders or injures another; actually likes the person they kill or injure? In reading section 10 of this Bill, it states the First Amendment will protect our Freedom of Speech. I know how our judges and government officials can interpret our laws. I would rather the U.S. uphold the laws we now have, instead of creating new laws. Stop giving people who commit crimes a way out, stop making excuses for people's actions. People must start being held accountable. Enforce the laws we have and I will keep my Constitutional Rights. Sandra Deich, Baraboo Thanks for support during illness To our many friends at Saint Joseph's Parish, The Knights of Columbus, Baraboo Elks Club, Baraboo Thunderbird fans, The Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce, The Red Cross blood bank, The North Freedom American Legion, Baraboo Range Preservation Association (B.R.P.A.) and the many other friends as well, a big Thank You. Your outpouring of prayers, well wishes, cards, phone calls, food and personal visits during my (Harley's) illness have been overwhelming and very much appreciated. What would life be like without our friends? Appreciate the sun every morning when it comes up and enjoy those around you. God Bless and Thank You. Harley and Nancy Vodak, North Freedom