Comments by Squarepeg1

Written on Two Las Vegas police officers, one bystander killed in ambush at restaurant:

Just keep telling ourselves it won't happen in our town, our school, our shopping center.

Written on City Council to weigh 'Good Neighbor Ordinance' Monday night | POLL:

You can't legislate morality. People who feel disenfranchised for whatever reasons don't care whether the neighbors are torqued off. If evicted, they find another landlord desperate for income on a vacant property. I think it is totally appropriate to hold landlords responsible for their tenants' behavior. Homeowners who have everything invested in their homes deserve protection from absentee landlords out to make a buck with the attitude of property values be damned. Rental properties are all too often the kiss of death for any neighborhood.

Written on WHO OWNS THAT: Unpaid taxes may send Owen Block to tax sale | VIDEO:

The decline of this building started decades ago with previous owners. I looked at renting an apartment there in 1988 and it was a filthy firetrap. Who was the owner then? Who let it go to the bank that sold it to the Neuhoffs? Sounds as if it needed a roof then. Were there building code violations and unpaid fines then also? Sounds as if the Neuhoffs are guilty of getting in over their heads in a pipe dream. If their ownership of the building prevented someone else from saving the building and now it is too late, then shame on them. Otherwise, we should be pointing fingers at previous owners as well.

Written on Pence looks to expand health care coverage to Hoosiers:

A lot of federal dollars have been left on the table by Republican governors refusing to expand Medicaid under the ACA. Indiana's medical establishment is losing out; it's bad for business. So tweak it a bit, and call it something else. Reminds me of the silliness over Common Core.

Written on Police cite 65 for underage drinking at Evansville party, again:

"...again." And again, and again, and again. Flirting with disaster.

Written on Township trustee continues to drug test before giving assistance:

"Anytime you receive taxpayer money," she said, "you should be drug tested". You who are poor and desperate, but not the well-off and well-connected.

Written on COMMUNITY COMMENT: 'I'm not a president, but I play one on TV':

Mr. Jackson's comments should not have been labeled "Community Comment", but rather "Community Rant". A lot of column inches devoted to giving light so the people can find their way? I think not.

Written on Churches in conflict: How schisms are handled can make or break a congregation, experts say | POLL:

But there would be no interference if the Pastor had the congregation's best interests at heart and mind. Problem is, these churches become cults of personalities.

Written on Vaccine exemptions worry school, health officials :

Being part of a healthy society requires shared responsibilities, one of which is vaccination against communicable disease.

Written on More than 300 attend 1on1 Church's first meeting in Evansville:

If it truly was all about one God, there would not be so many different brands of religion competing for customers.

Written on COMMUNITY COMMENT: Stop Obamacare until they get it right:

Call your Representative Larry Buschon and tell him to also get rid of current single-payer health care, Medicare and Medicaid (the single biggest cost to Medicaid is nursing home care for the elderly). Do it now, don't waste another minute.

Written on EVSC launches annual fundraising campaign to support high schools:

What are the "various activities" that will be funded? Will the fundraising results be public knowledge? What kind of dollar amounts are expected? What will the reaction be when one school raises 10, 20, or 100 times more than another?

Written on LETTER: We’ve heard talk, let's see action:

I crave to read informed intelligent opinions and letters that challenge my views. Come on, C&P, if no writes you with an informed and intelligent letter-to-the-editor just eliminate that section for the day. Isn't that what editing is all about? Since when is the editorial page a place for partisan rants with no attempt to persuade or inform?

Written on COKER: Politicizing race a national shame:

in response to hettiemae45#17583:

Well, Mr. Coker, your column today has left me breathless and feeling like there is a concrete block on my chest. It is unbelievable that someone as insensitive and ignorant is allowed so much space in this paper. I won't write anymore because I have to get a baby aspirin.

This letter is more than "insensitive", it is racist in itself. It's as if Mr. Coker is saying don't be upset about the injustice of the Martin killing, because look how far you've come black folk. This gentleman has no business writing a letter on race relations. He doesn't even understand that race is not just a social issue, it is and always has been a political issue.

Written on Mitch Daniels looked to censor opponents | DOCUMENTS:

Hope to be able to critically read Howard Zinn's book and decide for myself whether it is "propaganda".

Written on REP. BUCSHON: War on coal more accurately a war on U.S.:

Another "us vs. them" letter from our "United" States Congressman.

Written on City Church to launch Sunday:

So is this an endorsement of a particular religion by a government-owned building authority or do the rental fees make a difference?

Written on Residents in northern Vanderburgh Co. oppose planned apartment complex:

I just wish the economics of building on farmland would change and end this suburban sprawl.

Written on City files motion to dismiss crosses complaint; says it's not endorsing religion:

Jesus of Nazareth spoke truth to the common man promoting love of our neighbors and enemies, and a unpretentious worship of God. I'm not sure he would approve of this display, seeing the discord it is provoking. Maybe the local Christian community could come together and auction these works of art and donate the proceeds to the downtrodden.

Written on Recycling surging with curbside pickup:

I hated the small blue recycling totes for multiple reasons and quickly stopped using them. The new program is a huge improvement and I am wholeheartedly using it. I have so little trash that there is always room for yard waste (which I don't have to stick in bags).

Written on LETTER: Why does ACLU only go after Christians?:

There was no USPS stamp promoting the Muslim faith. There was a stamp that said "Eid Greetings" which is no different than other USPS stamps which say "Happy Holidays".

Written on LETTER: ACLU should focus on real problems:

It is interesting that many supporters of this religious display mention the fact the crosses will be decorated by children, as if that should make any difference.

Written on Temporary jobs becoming a permanent fixture in US :

Relatively short-term issues such as the recession and healthcare reform aside, the quote from the economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch is the most telling, "There's been a generational shift toward a less committed relationship between the firm and the worker."

Written on CAPLAN: What Your Weeds Say About You:

Dandelions and clover are welcome in my "lawn". They declare to passersby that this homeowner is working-class and proud of it. My yard is trimmed and mowed weekly and looks just fine. The bees love the clover. I am not about to add to environmental pollution by adding herbicides and fertilizers to my yard.

Written on School voucher supporters praise program expansion that starts Monday:

Is this a "fair and balanced" news report or an infomercial?

Written on LETTER: Cross not inherently a religious symbol:

I see a religious symbol adopted from a feared Roman method of torture and execution.

Written on Prosecutors drop battery, robbery charges against Reko Levels:

Mr. Levels and his brother have been a bane on the good citizens of Evansville since they were teenagers. Obviously, Ms. Ross fears for her safety.

Written on Jacobsville residents begin long process to revitalize neighborhood:

I wish the good people of this neighborhood the best. There will be improvements, but only to the extent the neighbors can agree on what they want and economic factors allow. Social bonds, economic base, and infrastructure have been allowed to deteriorate by residents, property owners, city government, and political powers. It is easier to work daily to keep what you have than to try and restore it after it is lost.


Why limit attendance to just the kids with good "citizenship"? Is the camp strictly a reward for the "good" kids, or is there a need for the FOP to reach out to kids from "troubled" backgrounds.

Written on Evansville man owner of noose that put away famed gangster Birger:

in response to iamareader:

Well that's an interesting family photo.

Not only, why would anyone pose on the couch with a noose smiling, but why would the CP publish it?

Written on Renovated Euclid building all shaped up and ready for residents:

Thank you Michael Martin for another great renovation.

Written on Preservation Alliance reveals Evansville's 'Top Ten Endangered List' | GALLERY:

Articles like this are fine as far as raising awareness. Lamenting the loss and potential loss of historic buildings accomplishes nothing. Time now for an article about what is needed in order to do something about it.

Written on McDonald's adding three new Quarter Pounders to menu:

Sad comment on American culture when fast food menu changes are news.

Written on Crashes bring federal cash to rebuild East Side intersection :

Why is the federal government paying 90% of the cost in this age of cutbacks? People need to slow down (try the speed limit of 30 mph) and pay attention (put down the phone). Kids are getting booted out of Headstart, yet there is $1,100,000.00 to add turn lanes at Washington and Weinbach Aves. in Evansville, IN. Do we have a budget crisis in this country or not? Or is it just a crisis of values?

Written on Police: Drunk driver crashes into home on Harmony Way:

Drunk drivers, every bit as dangerous as a man with a gun at Walmart and far more common.

Written on In General Assembly post mortem, Pence says he is satisfied with tax cuts:

So the rich and financial institutions made out pretty good, the working stiff well.....I guess I'll take my 75 cents a week. Hey, I'll put it towards a Lotto ticket now and then!

Written on Children clean up for Youth Service Day:

I participated in this event and enjoyed the day despite the weather. I have one concern. The actual clean up was scheduled for two hours, and then the celebration (lunch, prizes, games, zumba, ice cream) lasted four hours.

As a kid, my scout pack and troop did service like this for the sake of giving back to the community with nothing much than than a pat on the back and a merit badge.

I'm not sure the message to my grandson wasn't that he should be entertained for simply helping out.

I would suggest the youth groups involved adopt a spot for the whole summer (weekly clean-ups with lunch afterwards) and then an end of summer celebration for those who attained a certain level of participation.

I appreciate the effort and expense of the day by all involved, but it seemed a bit over-the-top for spending two hours picking up trash.

Written on LETTER: Coats represented NRA, not voters:

Multiple reputible national polls show that 80-90% of Americans support the kind of background checks Senator Coats helped defeat.

Written on Lawmakers expected to vote Friday on "Rockport" bill:

Isn't this a perfect example of "picking winners and losers"?

Written on REP. BUCSHON: Tax burden stifles innovation, keeps us from realizing dreams:

Another letter full of platitudes from Representative Buschon. No specifics, just preaching to the choir. Did not name a single loophole he would support closing. Just more generalities and talking points that promote emotional reactions.

Written on Smith outlines EVSC response to reductions in funding:

This article paints a picture of a school corporation that has lost $40 million in funding over three years resulting in better core services and a corporation that is in "great shape". Not a single word that anything has been lost or compromised. We are left to draw our own conclusions. Perhaps, additional cuts would result in even better services and a corporation in even greater shape. Perhaps, the EVSC was wasting over $10 million a year.

Written on LETTER: Unions a voice for 'little man':

Unions have a glorious history and a spurious history just like any other human enterprise or institution. You can't cite only the good or only the bad examples of unions and make a sweeping judgement.

Written on Tiger Team: Education students give Tekoppel School a one-day makeover | VIDEO:

Volunteer service projects are great builders of a sense of community and belonging. Great story. My only suggestion would be to include any volunteers from the school itself: staff, parents, or older students. Then it could be a learning experience for all, and something done with someone not just for someone.

Written on Rep. Bucshon presses Navy to keep Blue Angels flying:

Congress has already found money to replace the sequestration cuts for meat inspectors. This Blue Angel request by Buschon to prioritize cuts is only the tip of the iceberg. As the across-the-board cuts occur, we are going to see alot of this "cut his program, not mine". Let's remember the sequestration deal was self-imposed by our elected officials and was never supposed to happen.

Written on Vanderburgh County Council looking to trim $1.5 million from general fund budget:

I wonder where the finances would stand if the rates were applied as a full flat rate, 1%, 2%, and 3% respectively regardless of assessed value or township. Why should townships with lower assessed values (i.e. Pigeon) have to pay higher rates? Are we not one community?

Written on Rezoning of 200-acre parcel near USI wins Plan Commission recommendation:

I'm sure the commissioners will require the developers/owners to pay for any reconstruction required to relieve traffic congestion.


Good to know the County Commissioners and USI are communicating and working together: "glorified driveway"? Nice.

Written on T. Boone Pickens thinks America should end its dependence on foreign oil :

in response to thisguysays:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Exactly. Oil pumped in the United States (alot of it on public lands) goes where the money is. From the beginning of the Alaskan pipeline from the north slope, most of the oil was and is sold to Japan. Gasoline refined in Louisiana and Texas is shipped to who pays the highest dollar. Plans are rampant about shipping out the glut of natural gas in order to keep the price up. It's called capitalism.

Written on Letter from the Chamber President:

Nowhere in this letter did I hear the Republican mantra that government money doesn't create jobs.

Written on REP. BUCSHON: Federal health law hurts people, business:

This letter is simply a re-hash of political talking points to score political points. I fail to see how it is productive.