Battle Creek Enquirer from Battle Creek, Michigan • Page 6

6A Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005 EDITORIAL Octtla Crack Gary Omernick, president and publisher Ramon Brown, circulation director Our guiding principles Michael McCullongh, executive editor Anetra Grice, creative services manager Seek and report the truth in a truthful way Serve the public mm mm i 9 mm, Jt a mm iAca onmat managing euuur mm ruy wu, tfcuiive.servittrs team leaaer interest cjcercisejair puiy iyiuuiluui vur iriuepenuence Steve Smith, opinion page editor 1 Act with integrity Established 1900 Roses ernes Raspb Rosas: To Burnham Brook for the recent changes: l) Lower rates that allow more Leonard Pitts Ja. Katrina to used justify hatred YOUR OPINIONS tration had its "assets" in place before the storm hit So, Scotty, where are all your "assets?" Does it really matter? The city is flooded, people are homeless and hungry and scared and dead. Shouldn't this be a time for giving money and saying prayers? Should we really, care about the color of the people looting in the hurricane zone? Or that Louisiana is a red state? Or that some of the dead are gay? Apparently, that kind of thing matters to some of us. It matters, for instance, to a black man who posted a note in an online forum saving he is embarrassed This whole mess (the word "cluster" comes to mind) is an international embarrassment and a national shame.

The entire administration should be turned out of office. As the saying goes, people to participate. 2) Contracting the management of the fitness center to Professional and Personal Wellness. Then-people are knowledgeable, encouraging and friendly. They enrich our workouts and our days.

3) The new grass bordered by flowers along the walkway to the back entrance. It is a big improvement to landscaping and has made the walk in much more J. Petersen on behalf of grateful members To Brent Belcher, who won a set of golf clubs, bag and headcovers at the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce golf outing and generously donated them back to the Chamber, and auctioned them off, raising an additional $525. Thanks, Brent. The additional money will be reinvested in programs and services for our community.

Monica Anderson, president, Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce To Dick and Esther Klammer. We both want to thank you for letting us use your car when our car was in the shop. It was greatly appreciated! Also thank you to Mike Woods at Capital Transmission for getting our car in so quickly and fixing it and making our day! We couldn't have made it without you all Dick, Esther and Mike. Thank you. -Larry and Darlene Anthony, Battle Creek To Officer Artis, whose professionalism and response time was very impressive at the two-vehicle accident during the 7 a.m.

morning rush hour. Aug. 25 on Michigan Avenue. Raspberries to all those people who witnessed the accident and just passed by, who did not have the heart to stop and see if everyone was all right. If you witness an accident, please stop and check to see if everyone is OK.

Someone's life could be at risk. Remember, if it happened to your loved one, wouldn't you hope someone cared enough to stop and call the policeambulance? Just being there shows that a person cares. Bridgett Griffore, Battle Creek To all those who helped make the lead, follow or get the heck out of the way. Virginia L. Hawes Battle Creek Readers' views Utters to the editor may bt no longer than 250 words.

Include address and a telephone number so that we can verify the letter is yours. Letters may be edited. We will not print anonymous letters. Writers are limited to one submission each month. Letters, columns and stories submitted to the Enquirer may be distributed or published in print, electronic or other forms.

Question? Call Steve Smith, opinion page editor, at 269-966-0688. Mall: 155 W. Van Buren, Battle Creek, Ml 49017 Email: ssmithpbattlecr. gannettcom Fax: 269-964-0299 Viewpoints We're happy to consider guest columns of up to 500 words. Call Steve Smith at 269-966-0688 for more information.

Setting it straight on tribal meeting On July 23, a meeting and election were to take place on the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi reservation. Tribal Council called the meeting by notice sent to all members and by news footage showing that most of the looters are black. It matters to the white people who've sent me notes daring me to explain why blacks are "running amok." It matters to the author of a note circulating on the Internet who says it would be a "problem" for a liberal in a blue state to send relief money to a red state. And it matters to a group called Repent America, which has issued a statement saying the storm was God's way of canceling a gay festival that was to have taken place in New Orleans this week. It's as tiresome as it is predictable.

American disunion being announced in the tribal newslet ter. This election was to be another sad scenario of a poorly orga-r nized and biased process. The meeting, as well, was not one the group calling themselves council wished to see proceed. The omi nous appearance of those who wouldn normally have attended such a meeting was cause for, to say the least apprehension. nuai il luwoc uajro, suuic ui us look at even a natural disaster through the distorting prism of bigotry, rancor and fear.

Let me say a few things The first is that the city of New The tribal members who wouldn't have normally shown up did have an agenda, centering on the election. Already there was controversy surrounding the process and candidates. Absentee balloting and non-member, non- Indian candidate were central B.CBRAC-A community affair What other city in the United States has dodged the BRAC bullet two times in a row? We all know the answer Battle While not perfect, the BRAC Commission's decision Aug. 26 gave hope and new life to the 110th Fighter Wing, the Air National Guard Base and the greater Battle Creek area. Many people, both publicly and privately, worked extremely hard to influence this decision.

There are so many people and groups to thank: First, for over 50 years of readiness the men and women of the noth Fighter Wing and the Air National Guard Base. Then a special thanks to U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz and his entire staff, state Sen. Mark Schauer, state Reps.

Mike Nofs and Lorence Wenke. We also had support from Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Carl Levin, Sen Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Fred Upton.

Thanks also to our military allies MG Thomas Cutler, BG Ken Heaton, MG Gordon Stump (retired), BG Ron Seely (retired) and BG Bob Mansfield (retired). Two-time players on "the team" were George Erickcek of Upjohn Institute and Nancy Barbour of Dykema Gossett A huge "thank you" to Jan Bur land and the BCU staff and the City of Battle Creek staff for their devotion to this entire process. Of course, the citizens of Battle Creek and surrounding cities and townships who played a critical part as they responded to the Rally' staged by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce. And of course, BRAC Commissioner Samuel Skinner, who toojk the time to visit Battle Creek. He listened to and absorbed all the enthusiasm, data and determination delivered to him, and then took it all back to Washington and acted.

BRAC is not over yet and we still don't know the outcome. But 1 1 am extremely proud of the' people of the Battle Creek who once again came together when it really mattered. John Godfrey Mayor Batde Creek Proud to support Bearcat sports I was a spectator at the Batde Creek Central vs. St Joseph football game Aug. 26.

There indeed was a fight Kids have been fighting at schoolsgames for years. We don't, know when a fight or scuffle will take place. Battle Creek Central has security, off- and on-duty police officers working andor volunteering, school personnel and firefighters available should an incident arise of that nature at the games. The incident was handled well, and the involved issues. The meeting proceeded through a series of motions from the floor, rescinding of motions as discussions progressed, and motions resubmitted based on informa tion from discussions.

Never census, 67.3 percent black. Given' that looting is predictable under any significant breakdown of social order, who would you expect to find out there smashing windows when the lights go out? Ethnic Hawaiians? Besides which, white folks loot too. Only it's not called looting when they do it I refer you to a widely circulated news photo of a white couple wading through chest-high water after, in the words of the caption, "finding" food. As if that loaf of bread the woman has was just lying by the side of the road. I'm sorry, but I have little patience for black people who' find shame in this looting.

Less patience for white ones who find vindication of their bigotry. It makes me angry that! some, people, think these are' the conversations we should be having now. Our countrymen are in dire straits. We are talking in large part about those who had no means of escape, no cars or credit cards, no way to book a flight, reserve a room, buy a bus ticket, hop a train, no choice but parties were removed from the game accordingly. The article in the paper regarding the incident appears to confer Battle Creek Central football games are an "unsafe" place to go watch high school football games.

Battle Creek Central football games are enjoyable and by no means are unsafe for anyone to attend. The school and the athletic department together take pride and the responsibility in making sure that everyone attending to support any Battle Creek Central sport are there to enjoy the game and leave with a positive and pleasant experience. As an alumni Bearcat and sports parent I am proud to say I continue to support our Batde Creek Central Bearcats in all sports and cheer them on to victory. Don't let this incident change your judgment V. Thompson Batde Creek Disaster response a national shame Why doesn't the government have helicopters setting down pallets of water and MREs on the highways, bridges and around the Superdome for the people gathered there? This would keep them alive until the government gets its act together and does what needs to be done.

There should have been wheels turning and boots on the ground before the winds died. And why hasn't the government accepted offers of aid pouring in from other countries? So Bush surveyed the disaster from a few thousand feet Big deal. He needs to get his body down there and see and smell and talk to the people, and explain in person why we have no "national" guard left to help in a "national" emergency. McClelland said the adminis Kambly Living Center Glow Ball outing such a great success. To the donors, sponsors, participants and employees of Kambly, my heartfelt thanks for your continuing support and help.

To the members of the board of directors and the Glow Ball committee, huge hugs for -stepping up when I really needed Nan Spindler, Glow Ball chairperson To Battle Creek Health System's third and fifth floor staff, nurses and doctors. I have stayed at Battle Creek Health System a few times in the last couple months, and I have enjoyed being taken care of by the staff on both floors. I have had to be treated on both floors, on different occasions. Thank you sincerely to the staff of Battle Creek Health System for all of the special care and attention that you gave me during my recent visits. Nona Repke To Enigma Computers in Battle Creek.

My husband and I (like everyone these days) have our lives downloaded on our computers. We got a virus and had to have our system repaired. After making many frantic phone calls looking for someone to repair our computer, I called and spoke with MYK at Enigma Computers. They got our computer in and out on the same day (Friday) so that we could have it for the weekend. Thank you to that couple for making our emergency, your emergency.

There are still a few good "mom pop" shops left! Dave and Lynn Martin, Battle Creek To the following individuals and businesses for contributing prizes for the Woman's League Card Party on July 13: Chamber of Commerce, Enquirer, Hilliard Lyons via Scott D. Dawes, Insta-Print, members of Woman's League, Shopper News, Southern Michigan National Bank, SPX Contech Metal Forge, State of Michigan, Visitors Information Bureau, Wal-Mart and Worgess Insurance. Because of your generosity, the card party was a real success. Our most sincere thanks to each one. Woman's League of Battle Creek were there even raised voices.

However, the outcomes did not bode well for those in council positions. Council members were removed, wannabes were removed and the voice of the people was heard. Then retaliation! After the chairperson was removed, a series of orchestrated by the removed sitting council resulted in Michigan: State Police being called, if troopers were to be factual, they would have to report that rioting was not occurring. Quite die contrary, the group was having quiet discussion of options and elected a tribal council to represent them Ultimately, two elders were arrested, both taken away! one in handcuffs. Three police cars were sent to.break up a peaceful governmental election and meeting.

Nowhere in these United States would such an abhorrent series of events be tolerated! We are faced with a struggle from within. In the days to come, we will demonstrate self-governance as it was intended for tribal governments, and it is a government for alL not a select few. PaulMackety Coopersville 10 sit mere ana wan jor disaster to come. They are, by and large, the poorest and most meager among us and giey are living through hell right now. Death toll rising like floodwaters, probably heading into the thousands, corpses floating down the street and some liberal twit is joking God, I hope he was joking that the blue states should let the red one suffer? People clinging to rooftops, a great city turned into a steaming, stinking primordial swamp, and some alleged Christians think it's a victory for heterosexuality? Memo to all these It was a hurricane, not God's! stamp of approval for your; small-mindedness and hate.

Tragedy often becomes a' stage for the best of human'' character. But it seems as if this; tragedy is also destined to be a stage for the worst, a spotlight' on the divisions that have lately; grown so much wider between Kcspnsrncs: To the guy mowing along West Columbia Avenue near I-94 about 4:50 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22. My truck was riddled with stones from the mower.

I am not sure if this is a city or state employee, or contracted, but -there was absolutely no concern for all the cars that travel this road. The large mowing deck was in the air at an angle, facing the road, shooting out rocks and debris into the roadway. As I pulled into the Shell station I saw two others looking at their vehicles for damage they may have received from the careless rock storm they just drove through. This was just a careless decision from the person mowing. Let's all show some common sense, and use T.

Slager, Battle Creek (More "Roses Raspberries'' will be published on Monday's Opinion Page.) Use your voice prescent President George W. Bush, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W, Washington, D.C20500. Telephone: 202-456-1414. E-mail: Presiderrtwhitehouse.gov.

U.S. SENATORS: Carl Levin, D-Detroit Washington: 202-224-6221; 269 Russell Ofe Buildini Washington, DJL 205X1 Grand Rapkls office: 61656-2531 E-mail go to: govlevWcoritactindexrfm. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing. Washington: 202-224-4822; 702 Hart Office 20510. East insing office: 517-203-, TO OUR REACZRS The Enquirer editorial board consults monthly with a panel of residents.

This year's panel includes Peter 7 Christ, Ted Gearing, Jesus Crillo, Bill Knapp and Dorothy Young. Editorials represent the consensus opinion of the editorial board, not necessarily those of the individuals on the board or the newspaper staff. To attend a board meeting, call Steve Smithat269-966-0688. The Enquirer existsto help otters hold their elected and appointed leaders to account To help readers gain naccess to elected officials and pubBcservants, a list of contact names and numbers will appear in this space. Today's list 1760.

E-mad, go to httpstabenow. senate.g0v emalhtm. US. REPRESENTATIVES! Joe Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, District 7. Washington: 202-225-6275 or 888-323-0523; 128 Cannon Building, Washington, D.C 20515.

Batde Creek office: 965-9066. E-maiL go to: httpsdiwarzhouse. gov Fred Upton, R-St Joseph, District 6. Rayburrt House Office Building, Washington, D.C 20515. Kalamazoo office: 616-385-0039.

E-mail: telluptcflmailhouse.gov. us. v- VV; Leonard Pitts is a columnist for the Miami Herald. Readers may contact him at 888-251-4407 or via e-mail al turn. i At 1.