Newton Independent

Letter: Auditor explains valuations glitch

To the Newton Independent:

At budget time this year, the Auditor's Office experienced some trouble in determining the county's valuations. In fact, we experienced the perfect storm, if you will.

First, we lost a very talented 35-year employee who was responsible for doing valuations. This left a steep learning curve for myself and new staff.

We then experienced computer software issues that complicated the situation. The software combined all of the parcels of land in all of the TIF districts into one. Our only option was to painstakingly reconstruct each of the TIF districts again. There are approximately 30,000 parcels of land in Jasper County. It took an inordinate amount of time to assign each parcel to its own TIF district which increased the propensity for error.

We are going through that data with the assistance of our computer software company to confirm the accuracy and correct any possible parcel assignments that we may have missed. Our objective is to make sure that we have a final and correct valuations report by the end of Tuesday.

As Auditor, I am responsible for seeing that valuations are right and timely. I regret that this has extended the time it takes to do the budgets for the cities. The cities and the county must certify their budgets by March 15, 2012.

The cities have been extremely cooperative, expressing an understanding of our situation and in fact have even offered their help. I appreciate their understanding. It's times like these, when we have difficult times, that proves that governments can work together on behalf of our citizens.

Dennis K. Parrott
Jasper County Auditor

Letter: Mediocracy is not an option

To the Newton Independent:

I was reading Representative Kelley's comments in the Newton Independent and I had to counter his view of education in Iowa.

Some facts. Iowa ranked in the top 5 in the nation in public school education results for several decades. I went to school in Newton in the 60s and very early 70s. When I took the entrance testing for the U.S. Army as a junior in high school, I placed 5 points higher than the minimum requirement to be a commissioned officer with a four-year college degree.

In the last decade, Iowa has ranked around 28th in the nation in education results and teacher standards. We have recently dropped lower. In a couple of areas we have dropped to 41st. No, I did not make a typo. Let's see how well the average pupil in the 11th grade would do on the very same entrance test I took in the early 70s. So the Governor is a lot closer to reality than Representative Kelley might give him credit for.

I have suggested to Senator Black, and I repeat it now to Representative Kelley; we need to implement a plan on the scale of when President Kennedy demanded we put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. We need to implement reforms and standards that put Iowa in the top 5, or even top 2, of states with the highest education standards AND results.

And anyone who wants to stand in the way of this bold goal should be removed or fired. And if the AEA will not fully support this move, then just like they were legislated into existence in the early 70s they need to be legislated out of existence. If they will not "pack the gear" and get this ball moving forward, then they need to be made of no consequence.

I know this may seem radical. But our future is at stake here. This is not the time to play games and have warm fuzzies about patting ourselves on the back for dropping into the bottom half of the country in education. It is time to demand results from the money we spend. As a country, we spend more, per pupil, than any other nation on the planet, except the Swiss, yet we are the laughing stock to most of the Asian and European nations. Oh, have we moved forward? Then take a copy of a McGuffy Reader or Ray's Arithmatci (both late 18th and early 19th century standards) to the local high school and have the senior class take the test required of grade 8 in those texts.

We are not moving forward, we are fallin behind. And "kum-bay-ya" moments of singing the praises of Iowa schools is definitely not a real part of reality. The next generation will determine what this country is going to be. We need to educate them so that they are the best in the world. We have a long way to go just to catch up to the rest of the world. We need to go beyond that. Mediocracy is not an option.

Cliff Downing
Kellogg

Letter: United Way of Jasper County can help those facing mental health issues

To the Newton Independent:

As our state government looks at ways of restructuring mental health services for all Iowans, it is a good time to remind people that United Way of Jasper County has many resources that can help a family in crisis when they have a loved one affected by some type of mental illness.

There are many different types of mental illness and one in four families will have a member that will need some help dealing with this issue. Whether you are dealing with the stressors of mental illness or are living with and helping take care of a loved one, there are many ways to cope and there are numerous organizations that can help you cope with these family issues:

• The first thing you want to do is to educate yourself about mental illness, treatments and services.
• As a caregiver, you need to always remember to take care of yourself as well as your loved ones. You will not do anyone any good if you get sick because you are not taking care of yourself.
• Acknowledge the fears you are having.
• Be honest about your feelings and share them with someone.
• Get involved with a local mental health group. This way you will not be alone and you will know that there are others that are there to help you and your family.
• Contact NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Iowa) at 800-417-0417.

Let United Way of Jasper County be a resource for you and your family in these difficult times. Go to their web site at unitedwayofjaspercounty.org for help and suggestions.

United Way of Jasper County now has a Resource Directory that will show you numerous groups and agencies that can help you or your family members with problems that you may be having substance abuse problems, mental health issues, counseling, domestic violence, education and many other areas where you would like assistance or need services. These service can also be reached by dialing 211 on your phone.

Jeff Hoebelheinrich
Member, United Way of Jasper County
Health Community Impact Team

Letter: An answer to a prayer

To the Editor:

This past Christmas season, the staff of Skiff Medical Center's Emergency Department had the opportunity to bring some holiday cheer to a family we have often cared for throughout the years.

Danielle Shine, who has been a quadriplegic for almost a decade, has a dedicated fiance, Eric James, and three wonderful children, but they face ongoing challenges not only due to her health condition but also from being on a very limited income. The staff of the Skiff ER donated $400 to go Christmas shopping for the family and also contributed their skills in the kitchen to put together a complete homemade meal for the family's Christmas Eve. We were humbled to be able to make a memorable holiday for them and we greatly appreciate the Newton Daily News sharing this story in their Jan. 26 edition.

Right about the time Danielle's story was published, their family was dealing with yet another obstacle. Their stackable washer and dryer unit had broken - and as anyone with children knows, laundry can pile up quickly! A repair would cost $300 and a used, good-condition replacement would be $425. Neither was a doable option for this cash-strapped family.

What happened next is nothing short of divine intervention. On Jan. 27, the day after the Newton Daily News published the article about Danielle and the Skiff ER, a man visited us at the hospital. He gave us an envelope and asked that we give it to Danielle and Eric. He said he wished to remain anonymous, but hoped that his gift would be the answer to a prayer. Eric came to pick up the envelope and inside found a check for $400 - enough to almost entirely cover the cost of replacing their broken washer and dryer.

I am so touched that this gentleman was so moved by the story to do this for Danielle. I know God has been working through all of us involved with this to help this family! To the anonymous angel who dropped off an envelope to the ER the night of Jan. 27, thank you from everyone! I am so excited to share this story with you and hope it brightens up your day as much as it did me.

Jesse Iverson, RN
Night Nursing Supervisor
Skiff Emergency Department

Letter: The why of things

To the Newton Independent:

Why would the Obama people put out the possibility that in the next few months there is a strong possibility that Israel would bomb Iran>

There are a lot of smart people thinking about that question and there doesn't seem to be one answer that they all agree on as to why. I would guess that if it happens, there will be a lot of partisan reasons as to why Israel took such an action but then it won't matter. The third world war will be happening.

Yes, we can, along with Israel, kill millions and millions of Muslims. But you are a complete idiot if you think this nation will escape unscathed from the conflict.

There should be a thundering cry all over America that this should not happen. Telling ust that it might happen is not good enough. Tell us how we can stop it from happening.

Here is a thought for you. In the Muslim republic of Chechnya in Russia, the Russians have killed about half of the male population and they still have not subdued that territory. So, they put a brutal Muslim n charge of that area. But his days are numbered and when he goes the Russian people will suffer a double dose of hate and reprisals.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: Larry Shaver will be missed

To the Newton Independent

I was shocked in disbelief when I was told of my good friend's passing. He had been in and out of my life since I was a very young man and became close to my own family, including my parents. We spent many good times in business and friendship with him.

We will always be thankful for the many hours of his own time spent working on the passion of his life, that being the brothers and sisters of the Local UAW 997 union hall. His voice and great humor was an inspiration at so many of our local's retirement suppers each month. It will never be the same as it was with his presence.

I know even though he was rough on the outside, his heart was solid gold. I also know God will welcome him with open arms for he was a man of great passion for others.

My friend, rest in peace knowing we loved you for who you are.

Lawrence Funk
Newton

Letter: Issue seems to be definition of wildlife refuge

To the Newton Independent:

The Jasper County Conservation Board (JCCB) has a rich history of preserving natural resources. This history includes developing many acres of permanent (year round) wildlife habitat.

This year, 2012, marks the 50th anniversary of the JCCB. The JCCB manages nearly 3,000 acres of land in 30 different parcels. Over the past 50 years every single acre of land that was previously in row crop production has been converted to permanent wildlife habitat. No exceptions.

In the past week or so, I have had many phone calls from concerned citizens regarding the Lillian Johnston property. People have told me they are disgusted with the games that are being played - and they should be.

Lillian Johnston's will reads (in part): "I give to Jasper County, Iowa the following described real estate for use exclusively as either a park or wildlife refuge." This wording does not allow the property to be continued to be farmed.

The basic issue seems to be the definition of "wildlife refuge." My Webster's dictionary defines refuge as "a place that provides shelter and protection." It only seems logical that a "wildlife refuge" would be a place that provides shelter and protection for wildlife.

The JCCB seems to be looking for a legal definition of "wildlife refuge." The JCCB employees are fine people with college degrees in some areas of natural resources curriculum who all know what a true wildlife refuge is. They contend that the approximately 70 acres being farmed qualifies as a wildlife refuge simply because they prohibit hunting and trapping.

I took Animal Ecology 101 at Iowa State University. The four basic components of a good wildlife habitat are food,  water, shelter and space. The most critical time of the year for wildlife is winter. Shelter is a key element during the winter season. How much shelter does a harvested corn or bean field provide (especially if the corn stalks are disked or chisel plowed)? There is no shelter and, other than prohibiting hunting, there is no protection.

Why is the JCCB doing this when their trained professionals know what a true wildlife refuge is? It simply has to be about the farm rental income that is going into the JCCB's reserve fund. To date, approximately $65,000 has gone into the fund and there is no guarantee that this money will be invested on the Lillian Johnston property.

According to my calculations, the cost to seed this entire area to prairie grasses and forbs is $33,000 - half the amount in the bank. Why is this not getting done in a timely manner when there is a consistent (no exceptions) 50-year history of converting farm ground to permanent wildlife habitat?

I have received many calls and fantastic support. Keep calling me at 641-521-7553. Lillian Johnston's last wishes must be honored. Anything less is inexcusable.

John Parsons
Baxter

Letter: Holding out hope

To the Newton Independent:

An article in that big Des Moines paper Sunday morning gives an account of a man being gored to death by an enrage bull in Spain. It is too bad that the man was killed, but I have a hard time conjuring up much sympathy for him. Bullfighting is a disgusting national pasttime in Spain. Whenever I see news clips of the torturing of the bulls in Spain, I always root for the bulls.

And now to the Earth-shattering news from the national media: Newt won in South Carolina.

Newt Gingrich, in my opinion, is one of the biggest scum bags to ever appear on the U.S. political stage. I have to remind myself that one of my heroes from the Bible was a scum bag too, but Paul changed his ways after his conversion on the road to Damascus. And if you believe the Bible stories, they you must hold out hope for Newt.

I do and I hope that global warming is not happening.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: Jasper County is reneging on wildlife refuge development

To the Newton Independent:

Wildlife and natural resource lovers should be outraged.

I served on the Jasper County Board of Supervisors from 2007-2010. In 2007, the board of supervisors agreed to accept an 86-acre farm that was bequeathed to Jasper County in the last will and testament of Lillian Johnston. The bequest carried the stipulation that the real estate must be "for the use exclusively as either a park or wildlife refuge." The Jasper County Conservation Board accepted development and management responsibilities.

Five years have passed and no park or wildlife habitat has occurred on the property. Most of the area is being rented for row crop production even though there is no provision for this in the will. This area would be developed from the farm rental income already collected and thus would be at no cost to the Jasper County taxpayer.

I met with the board of supervisors to discuss this issue on Tuesday. The county's position was that since hunting and trapping are prohibited on the property, then it qualified as a wildlife refuge. In addition, the will is "vague" according to county officials. A wildlife refuge for what? How and where do wildlife find refuge in a winter-harvested farm field?

The dictionary defines refuge as "a place that provides shelter or protection." Jasper County has many thousands of acres of corn and soybeans. With declining wildlife habitat, wildlife habitat areas and wildlife refuges are critically needed. Any wildlife biologist would not consider harvested corn and soybean fields as good permanent wildlife habitat. The pheasant population is as low as I've ever seen it in over 50 years. Many other species of wildlife would also benefit from this area as well.

Jasper County is reneging on this agreement. As a former Jasper County Supervisors, I agreed to accept ownership of this property for the citizens of Jasper County in good faith that the wishes of this generous lady would be honored and in a timely manner. I am extremely disturbed by the way in which Jasper County is handling this bequest. What does this say to citizens who may want to donate to Jasper County in the future? I, personally, feel really bad for Lillian Johnston!

Natural resource lovers, wildlife lovers and any friends of Lillian Johnston should be outraged! There should and could be 86 acres of prime wildlife habitat on this area right now. Unfortunately, there isn't.

This issue will be discussed again on Feb. 7, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors room at the county courthouse.

I can be reached at 641-521-7553 if anybody has questions or comments.

John Parsons
Jasper County

Letter: What do we have to celebrate?

To the Newton Independent:

Going from memory of what I have read, I think that over 150 years ago a great black American, Frederick Douglass, said that he didn't see much to celebrate as a black man on the Fourth of July.

So, you would think that today, with the war over slavery fading from memory and the election of a black man as president, we should have something to celebrate because of what Dr. King accomplished.

A majority of black Americans did not make it out of the most cruel aspect of slavery, poverty. On this day of celebration, there are one-half of the American people, black, brown and white - over 150 million persons - living in or at the poverty level. This, in what some describe as the richest large nation on Earth.

I celebrate Frederick Douglass today and say, what have we to celebrate?

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: Know what's good for you

To the Newton Independent:

I haven't written anything lately because my family has been going through a sad time. My baby boy, Mark, who is an administrative law judge in Des Moines, lost his lovely wife to lung cancer even though she never smoked a day in her life.

Yes, people die from lung cancer who never touched a cigarette. But I believe in science and science has proven that tobacco can and does cause cancer.

I have not watched any of the Republican liars club shows, but last night I wanted to take my mind off things so I tuned it to what was billed as a Republican debate. Let's see, they wanted to bomb Iran, get rid of the judges, ostracize gay people, give rich people more money and start a trade war with China.

But most of all they wanted to get rid of the black guy who is our president because they don't think he is very smart.

I was about to vomit in the waste basket when the love of my life came into the room and said, "Honey, there is a bluegrass program on channel 76."

I tell you, that's what love is all about; being married to a woman who knows what is good for you.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

PS: Now, before all you outraged Republicans rush to your keyboards to smite me with the likes of Herman Cain to disprove my thoughts about Republicans getting rid of the black guy who is president, let me tell you this: If you think the t-bag people were going to let Cain be the nominee, you are not only a fool, but a big dumb fool.

Letter: Professor's remarks demand answers

To the Newton Independent:

There are a lot of people who want the hide of a man named Steven Bloom nailed to the wall. Steven is a professor at the University of Iowa and it seems that he has made some disparaging remarks about Iowa in the publication Atlantic.

But before you skin the guy you need to understand that a lot of what he wrote is the painful truth. I took note of the things he said about Keokuk because I was born there and lived there until I was 17. And I love that city and have been back there many times until my folks and my brothers passed away.

All through the last 59 years years, each time I visited my former home a little chunk of my heart was carved out. The last time I left that town about 10 years ago I had tears in my eyes as I drove out of town on Highway 218. I think depressing is an accurate description of what I last saw of that town.

When I was a boy, there were about 15,000 or 16,000 people living there. Now, there are only 12,000 or 13,000. But among that population there are many, many good, kind, gentle and loving human beings and they have as much right as anyone in this nation to judge who ought to be our president.

River towns have always been a little rough. And I can show you many towns that are in a state of decay all over Iowa.

I really don't know why the professor said the things he did about Keokuk but his remarks demand an answer to the question: Just how did that beautiful little city - and others - get to be the way he describes them and does the answer to that question negate their right to say who they think should be our president?

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: My first love

To the Newton Independent:

I have been with the same woman for 52 yers, but there were other women in my life before her. I can't remember most of their names, but I remember my first love. She was Sister Larencia, the first grade teacher at St. Vincent Catholic School.

I'm sure you have all heard those stories of the mean nuns who would smack you across the back of your hand with a larger ruler, and yes there were some like that, but not Sister Larencia. She was why the word sweetness is in our vocabulary. She was also the first woman to break my heart.

It was just before Christmas and she was asking the class to name their favorite Christmas carol. She called on me first and I was sure that I must be her favorite. I stood up with love in my heart.

"Sister, my favorite Christmas sone is "Noel" and I know the words because my older brother who is five years older than me taught me how to sing that song," I said.

Sister Larencia said, "That is wonderful Olie and perhaps you can sing that son for all of us."

"Yes I can," I said excitedly, thinking to myself that this is my chance to show her why she should love me more than the other kids in the class.

So, with all the gusto a 6-year-old can muster, I sang what my brother had taught me.

"Noel, Noel, Noel, Noellll, if there was no L you could not spell Hell."

Sister Larencia immediately came and grabbed me and took me to the principal's office. The love of my 6-year-old life turned me over to the meanest Sister in the school who just looked at me and said, "I just don't know what to do with you so I think I will turn you over to Father." It broke my heart.

And so my life has been for over 70 years. My only hope is when I get to heaven they will know what to do with me.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: Good luck, Newton

To the Newton Independent:

Here in Decatur, Ill., the former "Soybean Capital of the World" and semi-annual host of the Farm Progress Show, people who've been shut off at the bar and are too intoxicated to purchase more beer at a "walk-in" store can simply crawl into their truck and head for one of the 15 drive-through liquor windows in town.

Since drive-through clerks don't have to be concerned if their customers are too drunk to stand up and walk, anyone who's still able to pull up to the window will be heading down the road with a fresh supply of beer in less than a New York minute.

And since drive-through clerks don't have to be concerned if their customers have a valid driver's license, anyone who's driving on a revoked license because of previous DUIs can still legally purchase more alcohol at the window.

Since I began writing about the negative consequences of drive-through liquor window sales nine years ago, four central Illinois cities - Peoria, Normal, Springfield and Rantoul - have passed drive-through bans. The reason it's been so difficult to get one passed here is because, well, our mayor is also vice president of sales at a local beer distribution company.

As much as I'd like to, I'm not going to mention the problems we're experiencing here in my hometown because of such grossly unregulated liquor sales, but I can assure you that the good folks of Newton, Iowa will regret the opening of this window.

I applaud your city council for having the wisdom and common sense to realize the negative ramifications of this highly irresponsible form of liquor sales. Good luck, Newton.

David Daker
Decatur, Ill.

Letter: Clean water will become world-wide issue

To the Newton Independent:

I am always amazed at the stupidness of the national news media. To wit: They report that several hundred million people rushed out to spend what little money they have on Black Friday and Black Saturday and Black Monday to buy a bunch of cheap Chinese junk and that somehow means that the economy is improving?

And it mystifies me that the birth of Jesus Christ was supposed to bring light into our lost-in-the-dark world and we start the month of the celebration of his birth with black days.

But not to worry folks, Newt is back and another coach is accused of molesting children and the news people are all over those stories.

One of the most important stories with world-wide implications was printed on the inside of the front page in that big paper in Des Moines recently. It had to do with a poor African nation and clean drinking water.

Now, here is a news flash for you: In a few years water will threaten a huge part of the world forcing large populations back into already crowded land and wars will be fought over clean water and the disease that will come from those countries where people drink bad water can and will cause world-wide epidemics. Even in those countries that do have clear drinking water, humans travel and germs ride along with them.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: What did the children do to deserve this?

To the Newton Independent:

One of the most enjoyable things that I get from writing to the Newton Independent is to see what some people think I said after one my letters is posted. Oh well, here I go again.

Today I was standing at my kitchen sink and I looked out my kitchen window and saw groups of young children walking from the bus stop to their homes and I asked myself, "What the hell did they do to deserve the world we live in today?"

Yes, I was sad because there are idiots in America and in Israel beating the drums of war. If America or the Jews bomb Iran it will turn a cold war into a hot war. There are one to two billion Muslims in the world and anyone who think that we can win a fight with them that would not create great destruction in our countries is a fool.

In the Muslim countries today, there are little children also walking home from schools. And again, what the hell did they do to deserve the world we live in today?

I don't understand. Is there no better way for humans to exist on this planet?

Next month, Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus and the angels will announce his arrival with the cry of peace on earth and good will to men. And in case you never heard, he said, suffer the little children to come unto me for such is the kingdom of Heaven.

Now there are idiots who want to give them a world of fire and hell.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: Wind energy tax credits cost taxpayers nothing

To the Newton Independent:

An interesting response took place in the post about Gov. Branstad calling for an extension of the Production Tax Credit in the Newton Independent story on Wednesday, Branstad warns of job losses if wind energy tax credit not extended.

I work at TPI and since I'm one of the dogs in the fight, this was really interesting. So I spent about 10 minutes to find the following information. It's amazing to me that, with win industry employment being by far the biggest game in the area, there is so much misunderstanding and misinformation.

Today's Science Lesson: Where does oil come from?

Not from dinosaurs! Oil is being "constantly" created but the process takes thousands and thousands of years. And, is enough created to keep up with demand? And, how accessible is it/will it be? This is a great source to check out and really understand it. Does this mean that oil will never run out? Not by a long shot.

Wind Industry Needs Subsidies?

The Production Tax Credit (PTC) does NOT cost taxpayers money. The PTC does NOT pay for a portion of wind farm development. But without the PTC, there will NOT be as much investment in wind farms or as many jobs in the wind industry.

The PTC gives a break to wind farm developers through not collecting a portion of the taxes that would normally be paid for energy produced, and sold, to the utilities. Under present law, the PTC provides an income tax credit of 2.2 cents/kilowatt-hour for the production of electricity from utility-scale wind turbines.

Without that 2.2 cents, nine-figure investment in a wind farm doesn't pay off. No wind farms equals no wind energy produced equals no revenue from that energy and no PTC paid.

The PTC costs taxpayers nothing. In the words of the bard Billy Preston - "nothing from nothing leaves nothing."

Oil Subsidies?

At a time of high gas prices and massive oil industry profits, the President renewed his call to end the $4 billion-per-year subsidies for oil and gas companies and invest in clean energy. See the video here.

An excerpt from President Obama's remarks:

"This week, the largest oil companies announced that they'd made more than $25 billion in the first few months of 2011 - up 30 percent from last year.

"Now, I don't have a problem with any company or industry being rewarded for their success. The incentive of healthy profits is what fuels entrepreneurialism and helps drive our economy forward. But I do have a problem with the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies we've been handing out to oil and gas companies - to the tune of $4 billion a year."

Nuclear Plant Safety?

Federal regulators collaborating with the nuclear industry have consistently weakened or ignored safety standards to keep reactors in compliance and power plants running, an Associated Press investigation has found. More from USA Today on June 20, 2011 can be found here.

Craig Althof
Newton

Letter: We don't need to be courted by liars

To the Newton Independent:

Folks, I have this terrible problem of almost thinking. This terrible problem of mine is disturbing me. When I think of our America and its beginning, I think of the folks in England and other places that were trying to escape to a freedom place where one could live a life that belonged to them.

It is said that they were greeted by native Indians that gave them grain and food and taught our Pilgrims how to plant and more. And then we went to war with them. Seems to be one of our problems, does it not?

Anyway, I will not go into the histories beyond this, but consider my dear friends and neighbors what our political leaders and money makers are doing to this country today. Damn, I don't care if you are Democrat, Republican or any other of our greedy parties, I suggest you get off your high-horses and work for the people who put you in your office and not your self-serving parties.

In other words, we do not need kings and queens nor do we need to be courted by liars!

James Wilson McKinstry
Newton

P.S. Will Rogers cared more for this country than our leaders. Why is that? Well folks, I believe he was a man of honor. In my book, to hell with the greedy. This includes our major manufacturing companies and their damn CEOs with Wall Street and their skillful day trading of buying and selling America down the river to other countries.

Letter: Some animals have an excuse

To the Newton Independent:

I once read an article by a person who claimed that humans were the only animal to commit murder. That is false.

Anyone who is really knowledgeable about the animal world knows that other animals besides humans commit murder, but I have never seen a study of premeditated murder done by any other animal except man. If a tom cat finds a nest of kittens, he will kill every one of them. For about 30 years, my wife and I hatched and raised almost every kind of American fowl and we saw birds murder other birds.

But, humans - if you believe what is written in their holy books - are not supposed to murder other humans. Yet we do. We just don't always call it murder.

When a prisoner is put to death in America, people call it justice. When we dropped all those bombs on Iraq and killed all those civilians the Army called it unavoidable collateral damage.

Now some of the idiots running for president are calling for our military or the Jews to drop bombs on Iran and if some people get killed it is just preventing trouble down the road, they say.

In defense of all the other animals on this planet who murder, they have an excuse. God never told them that murder is wrong.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Letter: Hospice provides peace of mind

To the Newton Independent:

Skiff Hospice is happy to recognize November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. We are proud to be part of the community and to provide care to Jasper County residents.

Skiff Hospice is a non-profit hospice that has served the residents of Jasper County for more than 25 years. We are the county's original "hometown" hospice.

The hospice philosophy emphasizes quality of life, allowing the patient to live comfortably and die with dignity. Hospice is for anyone with a terminal disease and limited life expectancy.

Many of our patients are admitted for hospice care within only hours or days of their death. These patients could have been receiving compassionate care in their home. These last few months allow people to live life fully, comfortably, resolve family and spiritual issues and complete life tasks. Patients and families would have a peace of mind being at home with the loving care of their families and hospice.

Hospice month is a time to reach out to our community to raise awareness about compassionate care that hospice provides. Increasing the understanding of hospice and educating citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions about their treatment options. Most people never get around to making out a will or completing an advanced directive. Wills are relatively inexpensive and advanced directives are free.

An easy to complete document, "Five Wishes," gives you a way to control how you are treated if you get seriously ill and say exactly what you want. It talks about your personal, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as your medical wishes. It was developed by a law professor who worked with Mother Teresa for 12 years and lived in a hospice she ran in Washington, D.C. It is available at www.agingwithdignity.org.

Individuals need to have conversations with their families about their end-of-life wishes, should they be unable to speak for themselves and make their final wishes and goals known.

During this season of thanksgiving and blessings, I am honored to be part of the gentle, caring, kind and compassionate staff of Skiff Hospice. We are blessed with a wonderful interdisciplinary staff and volunteers who go above and beyond.

If you have questions about hospice, the "Five Wishes" or have a group who would benefit from hearing a presentation, please call Skiff Hospice at 641-787-3074.

Christy Coffelt, RN, CHPN
Skiff Hospice