myh-r.com

The top kill procedure to pump heavy mud into the leaking well in the Gulf of Mexico to stop the oil leaking from the well had no chance to succeed.
When you turn on a garden hose and the end is open, the stream projects out about 2 to 3 feet. Now restrict the flow with your thumb and water squirts out 6 or 8 feet. That is because your thumb caused a restriction and the restriction caused the pressure to rise. The more you close the open-ing, the higher the pressure will rise.
When BP started to pump mud into the well, the mud went out the riser pipe which was the least resistance. If the mud flow entering the well was greater than the mud flow coming out the riser, the mud would go down the well and stop the oil flow coming up the well. As this happened the pressure in the well would rise. This is like putting your thumb over the garden hose. If the mud flow increased, the pressure from the reservoir would also increase and force all the mud out the riser. The pressure would rise until it reached the maximum pres-sure of 10,000 pounds per square inch in the oil reser-voir.
BP’s maximum mud flow was 3,360 gallons per minute. With a pressure of 10,000 psi, 3,360 gpm will be pushed through a leak of three square inches.
Observing the videos, it is clear that the leaks are much larger than that. Thus, all the mud that BP pumped went out the riser and none of it went down the well to stop the oil flow. This is what BP said happened. It is possible that this will also happen with the relief wells.

Don Searles
Mattoon

This letter concerns the Arizona law addressing illegal immigration. It appears that President Obama is manipulating a minority group for political gain. Neither he nor anyone from his administration has made any effort to contact Arizona officials to discuss the issue for the purpose of listening to their concerns and reviewing possibilities of resolution. President Obama has instead hidden behind sarcastic comments in a taunting manner in an effort to incite citizens to attack Arizona.
Illegal immigration is a major and complicated issue, but his inaction confirms that he has no interest in making commitments that would hurt his or his party’s political future. A Hispanic senator was told that immigration reform would be addressed in exchange for his vote for the health care bill. Another Hispanic has been appointed to the Supreme Court, but the President voted against a Hispanic appointment during the previous administration. The Attorney General has not read the bill but threatens a lawsuit, and the Director of Homeland Security and former Arizona governor has not read the bill or shown any concern even though during her administration she re-peatedly asked for assistance.
Those who question or oppose Arizona’s attempt to deal with illegal immigration have not committed to work-ing together towards a solu-tion. Is it too close to the 2010 elections, and who would want to risk losing votes? Inaction heightens profiling. Enforcing immigration law, both federal and state, is opposed and ignoring it is not only condoned, it is flaunted. Those who have the responsibility for resolution are now polarizing this country by their unwillingness to begin the long process of reform.

Roger Harting
Decatur

The president of the board of Good Samaritan Inn has structured the termination of Kathleen Turner in terms of power not in terms of fulfilling the mission of Good Sam. In fact he was complimentary about her contributions to making it the success that it has been.
My wife and I will not support the board with either our money or time. We choose not to give them the resources to continue in power. Some might suggest that such action harms the people who benefit from Good Sam. My response is that the board is more concerned with remaining in power than serving the mission of Good Sam. Also, there are many organizations in this community that serve those less fortunate than ourselves and our support will be funneled to one or more of those.
During a radio conversation on June 2, he made two statements that required input from callers to reveal the complete situation. He said Kathleen refused to accept severance. A caller asked if the severance was contingent upon signing a letter of resignation. He said that was true. He said the board term was three years with a three year renewal term. A caller inquired about the “other Norm” who had been on the board for many years. He said that was true. He also said he didn’t anticipate the response to Kathleen’s termination. However, he was on the radio show because the termination has jeopardized support for Good Sam. He’s forfeited all credibility and should resign.
The issue is more fundamental than the termination. That was a manifestation of the deeper problem. The board wants to retain its power. Whether Good Sam serves its mission or not is irrelevant.

John Niederbrach
Decatur

On May 14 my 11-year-old son, Keegan was hit by a speeding vehicle in the Long Creek area while riding his ripstick. I would like to thank all of the kind people who helped assist him until my husband and I could get to the accident. I would espe-cially like to thank a lady by the name of Penny who called 911. She held my son’s hand and had him lay still until paramedics could ar-rive. I’m so grateful to you for not letting my son be alone during that time. I would also like to thank the Macon County Sheriffs Office, DAS, and Long Creek Fire Department for quickly re-sponding to the scene.
There was a special angel with Keegan that afternoon. This is the kind of phone call that no parent wishes to receive. For those who live in Long Creek, please remem-ber to watch for the children who are out playing. There are no sidewalks in that area and people are always walk-ing and riding bikes. Please pay attention to the speed limit signs. Next time it may be your child or someone you know and love.

Jeanne Robinson
Decatur

People say you can count your real friends on one hand. Don’t believe that. Karen and I have so many friends we could not even begin to count. I lost Karen, who was my best friend, on March 24. These days are a little easier, knowing how many true friends we have. Cancer is a terrible disease but it cannot kill friendship. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who donated and purchased items at the auction on May 16 at the Decatur Club. Special thanks to a pair of Jeff’s and Chris who without them it would not have been possible.

Dave Martin
Decatur

Arizona recently passed a state immigration law very similar to a federal law already in existence because our government refuses to enforce it. Arizona has 500,000 illegal immigrants.
This problem is not just prevalent in our border states. New Jersey has the fifth highest number of illegal residents.
What part of the word illegal do the protestors of Arizona’a law not understand? They are more concerned with not inconveniencing people than with protecting the rights of Arizona’s citizens. The majority of protestors do not live in states that are directly affected by this mass exodus into our country. As for racial profiling, it is not our neighbors from the north who are sneaking across the border.
No other nation in the world would tolerate this criminal act. Many nations that allow immigration require immigrants to meet specific criteria before they can qualify as citizens. The Obama administration, if it could, would grant amnesty to these lawbreakers and fast track them to citizenship.
Most people who enter our country illegally are undereducated and unskilled. We all have heard the ar-gument that these people only take the jobs that our citizens don’t want. This misconception is perpetuated by the businesses who hire them. In this climate of job scarcity, not only are they taking jobs from others, but are also driving wages down.
Currently standing at 12 million nationwide, this epidemic influx is a drain on our economy. Since public clinics and hospital emergency rooms cannot refuse to treat them, they put a tremendous strain on our already overloaded medical system. Instead of providing interpreters for non English speaking illegals, let’s arrest and then deport them.
If allowed to become citi-zens, our tax dollars will subsidize their free health care because most of them could not afford it.

James Littrell
Decatur

Kathleen Taylor’s dismissal from Good Samaritan Inn has both puzzled and frustrated many citizens of the Decatur community who have worked with Kathleen in the past six years.
As a high school teacher and student council modera-tor, I have been privileged to work with Kathleen on many occasions, ranging from organizing student volunteer efforts at the Good Samaritan Inn to organizing a major fund raising effort from our student body for the campaign to raise funds for the new building that Good Samaritan now occupies.
Kathleen Taylor’s contacts with the student volunteers allowed them to understand the true meaning of mission and ministry. Kathleen was the living example of Good Samaritan’s ministry to those less fortunate of our community. Believing that “man does live by bread alone,” Kathleen treated each person who entered Good Samaritan Inn with respect, care, compassion, and concern. Feeding their stomachs was the immediate purpose each day, but Kathleen’s care and concern went far beyond that. She asked her clients about their problems, their lives, their families. She cared about their faith and fortitude through their challenges and lowest times of their lives. I have been witness to her bringing many homeless and destitute persons to the church, where she encour-ages them as a true Christian should. Her message to many downtrodden persons whom society had treated as “throwaways” was that they were worthwhile.
If there is a discrepancy between the “mission” of Kathleen Taylor and the “mission” of Good Samaritan Inn, I would ask the Board of Good Samaritan Inn look closely as where the actions of Good Samaritan Inn do not coincide with the Christian ministry I have seen her perform.
Kathleen Taylor is a living example of those virtues in her interaction with the less fortunate of the Decatur area.

Arlis DeJaynes
Forsyth

Thanks to Governor Pat Quinn’s vision and leader-ship, Illinois is the only U.S. state outside of California and Florida with active plans for bullet train service at speeds between 150 and 220 miles per hour.
Other key competitors here and abroad already are going at these speeds and creating the thousands of jobs they bring, all the while laying the foundation for a green econ-omy. We cannot afford to be left behind, and that means Washington must continue to deliver on last year’s high speed rail promise.
Governor Pat Quinn has formally requested $8 million from the federal government to fund the necessary en-gineering and environmental studies for bullet trains in Illinois. That request should be approved by Transporta-tion Secretary Ray LaHood.
One proposed bullet train line would link Chicago and St. Louis at 220 miles per hour, also serving O’Hare Airport, McCormick Place, Kankakee, Champaign, Decatur, Springfield and Edwardsville.
Estimates are that it would create 40,000 direct jobs and grow economies along the line up to three percent an-nually. It would also decrease our dependence on foreign oil and lead to a net reduction of CO2 emissions by 200 million pounds per year.
Let’s not remain stuck in the station as others whiz by us.

Jay Dunn, Chairman
Macon County Board

Relating to the controversy over the influence of Texas on the contents of American History books.
I taught American History to students in their junior year for 35 years. Due appar-ently, to the nearness of a major tank farm, I would sometimes have transfers from Texas in my classroom in their senior year.
The reason is that Illinois requires the teaching of the U.S. Constitution in its high school classrooms. Students must pass a test on it to graduate. If they fail the class and or the U.S. Consti-tution this gives them a chance to take it again their senior year.
On a number of occasions I had senior transfers from Texas in my junior classroom that had not had the U.S. Constitution. They had how-ever taken a course on the Texas Constitution and on the history of Texas.

Richard Cox
Vandalia

Wow! What a performance Durfee School gave to a packed crowd! Rather like being at Dancing with the Stars!
Greg and I were so impressed with the huge number of students involved, engaged, motivated, and having fun while working together. Then there was the outstanding crowd of parents, families, and friends attend-ing in support of their chil-dren and their school. Just awesome!
What a wonderful example of the good things going on in DPS – down in the trenches!
The “Grand Finale” just “icing on the cake.” The energy, enthusiasm, and joy on the stage were definitely felt by the audience as well. You should all be commended, rewarded, and congratulated for your efforts, organization, planning and hours of time putting together such a talented show.
Hats off to the Durfee stars.

Greg and Sue Penderghest
Decatur

Recently my wife and I thought that we would visit downtown Decatur for one of their promotions. We had just pulled into a parking lot and I was getting out some “gold” to feed the monster when there was a loud rapping on my window that startled us both. I rolled down the win-dow and a female asked if I would give her some money so she could eat. I told her that the Good Samaritan Inn was still serving lunch and she could eat there. She ac-knowledged that she knew that and with a huff was gone. What a welcoming reception. Well we had lunch and were walking to the art gallery and we were accosted again by the same female. Same answer, same response.
We enjoyed our time in the art gallery, had a piece of chocolate and left. Guess who greeted us down the street again? Besides feeding the “monster” this is another reason we do visit downtown very often. It has happened on previous occasions when we came into town for dinner. They stand in front of restau-rants and panhandle the customers. It’s bad for busi-ness. This has not happened in Mount Zion or in Forsyth restaurants.
So, why in Decatur?

Michael Grossman
Decatur

There are more pressing issues with Lake Decatur access before pursuing the development of the lakefront in Nelson Park basin. Over the past eight boating seasons I’ve seen public launches deteriorate to the point where several are becoming unusable. The Lost Bridge and Country Club docks are both missing rubber bumpers along the edges and the concrete ramps below the water are broken up making it difficult and unsafe to launch a boat from either. It is unlikely boaters will be able to launch boats at Lost Bridge next season due to shallow water near the dock. With such disrepair I’m curi-ous how our lake and dock fees are being spent. I’m not opposed to lakeside development but feel there are more important and lower cost issues that should be addressed first.

Dan Smith
Decatur

Indisputable facts relevant to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill:
1) The U.S. has depleted its land reserves of oil.
2) It has also depleted or failed to locate significant oil reserves in shallow water close to shore.
3) The Deepwater well taps oil reserve three miles under the sea floor in water one mile deep. That is four miles down.
4) BP’s difficulty in cap-ping the well proves that the technology needed to cap wells at these depths does not yet exist. (Tactics being used are purely experimental).
5) There are other oil rigs pumping at even greater depths off America’s shores.
6) The economic damage to the Gulf Shore’s tourism and fishing industries is already astronomical just as we are beginning to emerge from high unemployment nation wide.
7) If efforts to cap the Deepwater well extend into August when relief wells are finished (the only surefire solution), the economic damage to America will be incalculable.
The environmental damage poses high risks to humans if one is not disposed to care about the land or the animals. (Pollution and destruction of storm protec-tions).
9) This is not the first off shore drilling accident and it will not be the last. Accidents do happen.
10) The oil produced from offshore drilling goes on the world market; it is not reserved for America.
We need a new energy policy that stimulates the development of clean, renewal energy (wind and solar) post haste. This was a major theme of Obama’s election campaign. The GOP plans to continue to be the “party of no” on passage of a new energy bill. The alternative would be John McCain’s proposal: “Bomb, bomb Iran” and get America into a third unwinnable war.
How does “Drill, baby, drill” sound to ya now?

Barbara Minich
Decatur

I was very disappointed to hear about the dismissal of Kathleen Taylor, as a volun-teer on behalf of the Islamic community, I found Kathleen to be very dedicated to the cause of the Good Samaritan, providing healthy meals to families in a comfortable setting. The new facility is amazing and I am sure all of the planning and input Kath-leen put in helped to achieve this. Whenever I have worked there I have noticed the interaction between Kathleen and the patrons. She knew every name and was concerned with their circum-stance. Providing a meal was not her only concern she was also their friend in need. I am sorry she is gone and hope the Board will reconsider. She will be missed by all.

Farah Mahmood
Forsyth

I agree with what was written, “Our Views, State must fundamentally rework budget” in the Herald-Review on May 30.
I expect that after the state election we will see both cuts and a tax increase! We must have cost reductions in state government. I believe that any citizen in the state of Illinois could specify cuts that would not harm the disadvan-taged or low income citizens of this state.
Because of the “inaction” of our state legislators, both incumbent Democrats and Republicans will be defeated in the next election! As a citizen of Illinois I am tired of our representatives in state government not doing their jobs! The Democrats won’t cut our budget – as needed, and the Republicans will not raise taxes — as needed.
I believe that a luxury tax on big ticket items such as expensive cars, big boats, high-end electronic “gadgets” such as T.V.’s etc and a tax increase on liquor, cigarettes, candy, and soft drinks may help some.
Also, tort law reform needs to be addressed. If we don’t curtail large settlements, the good physicians in our state will be relocating to other states in an effort to reduce their liability insurance. This year I will look carefully at the records of our Supreme Court Justices to see how they view tort law reform. It is time to take a stand against the trial lawyers.

Cal Campbell
Charleston

The recent news that Ameren is planning on laying off workers as part of a $75 million in spending cuts is an unfortunate reminder of how companies put profits first and people last. It is hard to believe that Ameren would need to lay off people as they are experiencing record profits.
Thanks to AARP, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), and Rep. Flider’s efforts the Illinois Commerce Commis-sion did not grant the $130 million increase that Ameren requested. When that decision came, Ameren, instead of cutting back, decided to throw a fit and announced layoffs. Ameren continues to ask for more from customers while pleading poverty, I think it is irresponsible for companies to be holding on to millions while letting go of employees.
With a projected $400 million profit for a year, it doesn’t seem like they need to get an extra $130 million. I applaud the efforts of Rep. Flider, in helping lead the charge against Ameren’s request for even more of our money. It seems that Ameren is asking for more that they need. Consumers are hit just as hard as Ameren and corporations must find a way to weather the storm just like consumers have to.

Wendie Brubeck
Decatur

I am writing this letter in regard to the upcoming ap-pointment to the Decatur Public Library Board. I wish the major and city council members would attend some of the library board meetings. Especially the mayor as he is the one who appoints new board members
It is time for major changes on this board and few members who have been on the board off and on for years should move on to other things. The board should talk to the employees about what they would sug-gest to make things better.
I have written before about the union offering to take pay cuts and they also made other suggestions on how to save money and also keep people from losing their jobs. Those ideas fell on deaf ears. Not what management wanted to hear.
There has been back and forth talk for years about if the library stands on its own or if it is part of the city. That seems to depend on the issue at the time.
If the mayor appoints peo-ple to the library board and if the city council can recall library board members then why haven’t they attended any of the board meetings?
The library board doesn’t want anyone to know what they are doing. At the last meeting a newer board mem-ber asked if the financial information could be posted on the library website. This is all public information and should be posted. Taxpayers have a right to know.
Please Mayor McElroy, I know you care about Decatur and this is a huge part of our city. Please come to some of the meetings and please appoint people to the board that really care about the library.

DeAnne Davis
Decatur

The County Clerk of Macon County is considering closing the Niantic polling place. If you do not want to drive to Harristown to vote you need to call Stephen Bean and advise him that you would like the polling place in Nian-tic to continue. His phone is 424-1306. If we do not let him know I’m sure we will lose our polling place. He wants to make his decision by June 1.

Lewis Claypool
Niantic

The Garden Club of Deca-tur’s annual plant sale was once again a success.
Donations from the following sponsors provided us with a variety of plants for our customers: Ace Hard-ware, Blain’s Farm Fleet, Cedar Lake Garden, Connie’s Greenhouse, Cub Foods, CVS/Cantrell Street, Daniels True Value, Farmer’s Market, 4 E’s Country Garden, Greenview, Jordan’s Nursery, Kroger/South Shores, Kroger/Fairview Plaza, Kroger Brettwood, Mari-Mann Herb Company, Natural Edge, Rainey Nurs-ery, Richland Community College, Rural King, Secret Garden, Shirley’s Flower and Greenhouse, Svenden’s, The Garden Path, The Ground Up, Williams Greenhouse.
The plants from our mem-ber’s gardens were also abundant this year.
Thank you to our sponsors, our members and our cus-tomers.
As always the proceeds will be used to fund our many community projects.

Linda O’Brien
Barbara Edwards
Decatur

I am worried about the lack of good paying jobs for the men and women of Decatur. For two decades we have lost good jobs and good people.
A couple weeks ago I at-tended a city council meeting. A citizen rose to speak to the council. He presented a plan to bring jobs to Decatur. He suggested that new city workers, who take jobs such as policeman or street crew, should be required to live in Decatur.
Economists tell us that money earned in a community circulates seven times. They call this the multiplier effect. So if a city worker earns $30,000 the value to Decatur’s economy is $210,000. Plus, a worker living in Decatur pays city taxes.
In these hard times, with a need for good jobs and more tax revenue, the council should consider the gentle-man’s suggestion. Thank you

Bill Faber
Decatur

On May 13 the Herald & Review editorial commented on the actions of the General Assembly thinking they are a superior being. They mentioned how the General Assembly exempts them-selves from all sorts of laws. This is not only true of the State General Assembly but also the Federal Congress. We need laws for both our state and federal legislators prohibiting them from passing laws for us and exempting themselves and also laws to prevent them from passing laws that exempt the general public that benefit them. They need to live by the same laws that they pass for us.
The article on May 21 about the increase in pay for the new University of Illinois president shows how the trustees of the university have no regard for the employees required to take unpaid furloughs and many with pay freezes. To start a new president off at a higher salary than his predecessor is outrageous. The unpaid fur-loughs and pay freezes probably would not have been necessary without this outlandish increase in salary.

Frank Conroy
Decatur

The Germanic tribes of what we now call Western Europe had an interesting social structure. Initially, everyone worked together during the planting and har-vesting seasons. However, at other times they would select the strongest warrior from amongst them and go off to “war.” These “wars” were essentially exercises in ac-quiring slaves or settling some real, or imagined, grievance. Once the “war” was over, the warrior leader would revert to being just another member of the tribe.
These warrior leaders real-ized that they had a good thing going. They convinced their respective tribes that the warrior leaders should be hired full time and be sup-ported by the people. With time these warrior leaders became kings, barons, etc. while the people became serfs in a system controlled by those they once hired.
This history is being re-peated in our country. Our founding fathers assumed that elected officials would be in Washington only long enough to do the Nation’s business, and then they would go home to their full time jobs. Alas, the opposite has happened. While we do not yet have a king, we have the Senate and the House of Representatives striving mightily to have us become totally dependent on them for our wellbeing. A significant step was taken towards that goal with the passage of Obamacare. The next step was Obama’s control of the financial system. The final element of the triad appears to be Obama’s interest in having us give up our 401K investments, our pensions, etc. in return for a govern-ment pension.
The net result will be ce-menting the privileged class in power. We serfs will work to maintain that privileged class in the power and com-fort to which they wish to be accustomed. There may be some money left for our pensions.

Robert Mooth
Decatur

I attended my grandson’s graduation from Mount Zion High School on May 23. Once again academia has provided proof that “book learning” does not make you smart. My granddaughter also gradu-ated from Mount Zion last year. Her ceremony was held outside but at 7 p.m. Yes, it was hot, however, it got a little cooler as the evening progressed and the sun went below the horizon. This year someone decided that 2 p.m. would make a wonderful time for the matriculation. I watched a pretty steady stream of people leave after being there for only 15 to 30 minutes. Many, many left before the graduation process even began.
It is such a shame to hold an event like this with such total disregard for, not only the participants but, family and friends wishing to attend. I would rather have waited an extra week or two for the ceremony and had it sched-uled somewhere inside, like the Civic Center where it was comfortable. Perhaps the band and chorus could have been heard then. As it was, the acoustics were very poor, the sound system totally inept, and any form of shade simply nonexistent. Oh yes, we brought an umbrella to shield us from the sun but when the ceremonies began it had to be put away as those behind us could not see.
It was an extremely dangerous situation for all involved, especially the grandparents whose tolerances aren’t what they used to be. Graduation is an important event in these young people’s lives. Please give it the respect it deserves.

Joan Stahly
Decatur

To All True Americans, listening to debate between Democrats and Republicans makes about as much sense as listing to Cub and Card fans. The question to ask is, at what point does govern-ment get too big? Do we really want government to regulate our salt and saturated fat intake? Or control your home or business temperature ther-mostats? Is the way to stop crime is to take guns away from law abiding citizens? Are corporations really our enemies while illegals flooding across our borders are not?
If the free enterprise sys-tem is so bad, are you ready to make your own clothes, grow your own food, make/distill your own fuel, cut your own hair, stop eating at restaurants, fix your own teeth and heal yourself with your own drugs? Chances are you get all these goods/services (and more) from one of those “evil” corporation. Yet people cry and demand to be “saved” by the biggest corporation of all, our government. When are “We The People” going to say enough is enough!

Rodger Sloan
Decatur

Thank you to residents in Decatur and Macon County who donated non-perishable food items for the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive on May 8. Your generosity netted more than 101,000 pounds of food for local food pantries! Congratulations on a wonderful example of a kind and caring community. Also deserving of praise are representatives from the following pantries: Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, AMELCA, Northeast Com-munity Fund, Ambassadors for Christ, Moundford, Rea-sonable Service, and New Vision. The Herald & Review, WAND TV and The Cromwell Radio Group were instrumen-tal in getting the word out to the community. Thank you to Decatur Trades and Labor Assembly and community volunteers who helped pick up, sort and deliver the dona-tions. A tremendous thank you goes to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch #317 members along with site coordinators Chris-tina Bateman, Dayle Irwin, Diane Phillips, Bill Conaway, and Mike Irwin who chaired and organized the food drive. Thank you again for your generous support of the Let-ter Carriers Food Drive and our food pantries. Everyone in our community can cele-brate the success of this food drive!

Sarah Sylvester Drake
Decatur

Like nearly everyone, I can’t understand the Good Samaritan Inn board’s decision to fire Kathleen Taylor. This type of ministry is (by all accounts) clearly near and dear to her heart. Secondly and most importantly, it’s hard to understand because the Good Samaritan Inn board won’t offer an adequately plausible explanation for their actions. Perhaps there was a valid reason. If so, say so (and not in the nebulous way they’ve attempted thus far).
What’s even more puzzling about Good Samaritan is this: Why wouldn’t a non-profit outreach ministry like this have open board meetings? Why won’t the board make their constitution and bylaws publically available? These points, as well as the dismissal have thus far simply defied explanation.
What are they trying to hide from the light of public scrutiny? Is there a “cover-up” under way here, or is it simply ineptitude on the part of the Good Samaritan board?

Tim Revis
Decatur

Recently, I attended my grandson’s high school graduation at the Decatur Civic Center. I was so disap-pointed in the way people were acting. I know things have changed over the years, since my Graduation from a Decatur high school back in 1965. I have noticed the changes during the time that my four sons have attended the Decatur public schools.
This was the first gradua-tion I have attended since they started using the Civic Center. I have never been so disappointed in the way the audience conducted themselves. My wife and I had the unfortunate luck of sitting next to a person who thought it was OK to yell at someone entering late, during one of the student speeches. He finally left while other graduates were walking across getting their diploma.
This was to be the Graduate’s Day. I was unable to here my grandson’s name read because of all the yelling and people leaving while some of the graduates were still on the stage.

Don Whiteman
Decatur

This letter is concerning legislation that would allow families to purchase road-side memorial markers and place them along public roads in Illinois.
In rural areas and some cities, the landowner is usually the one who has to maintain the right of way along their property. Most of the mowing in rural areas is done with large mowers that are not always easy to maneuver in tight quarters. I do not believe a landowner should be forced to maintain a marker unless they have a say as to where it goes and agree to the placement of the marker.
If this law is signed by Governor Quinn (Senate Bill 3803) the same rules should apply in towns, subdi-visions, and large cities. Not just rural highways and country roads.
Although I sympathize with those who lose someone in an accident, I do not believe we should have memorials at every crossroad, intersection or in front of someone’s home or property where a fatal accident has occurred.

George E. Muirheid
Cerro Gordo

The Good Samaritan Inn is a place where anyone need-ing a noon meal can obtain one 365 days a year. Over 9800 meals were served last year. It was started in 1982 by four local churches. For the last seven years it has been directed by Kathleen Taylor whose energy, foresight, and Christian spirit have provided significant services. She has had excellent relationships with local business that pro-vide food and support. She has spoken in over 60 churches to explain the program and to solicit their support. She has spoken to many social clubs, youth groups and business organi-zations.
My wife and I have con-tributed financially and have given hours of volunteer service. We did this because of the needs of persons and because we saw Kathleen as an excellent director.
Now for some unknown reasons the board has dis-missed Kathleen Taylor.
Supporters of the Inn are bewildered and angry.
In the past few months some board members who have served their three year terms refused to leave the board and were allowed to ignore the bylaws and remain on the board.
Our community needs Good Samaritan Inn and churches want to help. However, there needs to be some corrections made. I would like to make these suggestions:
1. The board will post its time and place for meetings and invite any interested persons to attend.
2. Board members will resign when their term is complete.
3. The board chairman told me the board wants to continue the work that Kathleen Taylor was doing—so put her back to work and let her do it.

Vernie Barnett
Decatur

THUMBS UP to the local partners who have made the spring such a great one for Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Comcast (great work day!), LSB (Thanks for the gift certificate and hosting our Wii event on Cinco de Mayo!) Rent-A-Center (we appreci-ated the Wii systems!), Mark McLeod and Jerry Dawson (the cookout was awesome!) and WalMart North (your ongoing support and generos-ity are fantastic!), Sunbelt Rentals (that Bobcat helped a lot!)and Jerry St. Clair (yours too!) Without such generous local support our kids would not have the valu-able programming they do. Thanks so much.

Zach Shields
Community Partnerships Manager
Big Brothers/Big Sisters

I am a student at Eisenhower High School. Lately there has been talk of the pointless things in the school. Students have all spoke of how the school is planning on changing into either one school or rebuilding two new schools. Do we even have the money to afford this change? What I don’t understand as a student, is that we have money to afford brand new flat screen TV’s, but we can’t afford new textbooks.
People have said if our ACT scores get lower gov-ernment is going to run our school, but what I don’t get is if we need a better education why waste the money on TV’s we can’t even watch?
They wonder why our scores go down, but they don’t think before they do.

Katrina Pedigo
Decatur

Finally, Decatur is united and heading in a positive direction! The lakefront project has somehow cast a magic spell, dissolved large egos, clarified visions and created hope and excitement for the future of the Decatur community in an amazing fashion.
Gone are the decades of warring factions between such groups as the City of Decatur, the Park District, the Chamber of Commerce, the EDC, the CVB and neighborhood groups. Sud-denly there appears to be a sense of team and collabora-tion, a unified purpose and goal for how we can improve not only the lakefront but connect those concepts and improvements to downtown Decatur and the rest of the community – what a refresh-ing change after all these years!
Suddenly it seems every-one’s glass is now half full rather than half empty, the naysayers are learning to think of the possibilities instead of the limitations, and the low hum you hear in your ears is the sound of synergy and momentum building in this community like never before. The feelings of anticipation and optimism are shockingly new to us, making us almost giddy with hope after decades of frustration and worry about our local economy.
Sure, there are still lots of challenges to be met and solved, and tempers will flare and disagreements will hap-pen. But the predominant atmosphere of having each other’s back and getting the job done is contagious and will lead us to success. Our mantra has become, “Go big or go home!” and this time, for the first time in many decades, I really believe we can take our community to a new level never dreamed of before.
Keep up the good work, folks, let’s make these visions come true!

Cheryl Marty
Forsyth

I am writing in response to the article “Decision puts heat on board,” in that I would like to state my sup-port of Kathleen Taylor. For the last year and a half, I have been volunteering at the Good Samaritan Inn on most Saturdays. During this time, it has been my pleasure to serve alongside Kathleen. It has amazed me the care and attention she gives to the men, women, and children that we serve each week, knowing not just the names of the faces we see, but also the stories behind the faces. I know that my view of Kath-leen is far from unique. When I found out that she had been fired by the Board of Directors, it saddened, disap-pointed, and puzzled me.
To the Board: The reason that you provide for her dismissal is inadequate. In general, it seems that when-ever a reason of “difference of vision” is given, it implies that no real reason could be found, other than “because we can.” To that end, I request that the Board provide a real reason as to her dismissal. If one is not possible, it seriously draws into question your ability to properly lead such a vital outreach to our community.
To my fellow volunteers, especially the founding and supporting churches: I ask that you join me in continu-ing to support the Good Samaritan Inn, and the men, women, and children that are helped each and every day of the year. Even though the decision of the board seems to be errant, we should not make others suffer as a result of the decisions of a few. Especially in such difficult times as we live in today, we can not conscionably aban-don such a vital service to our community.

Chris Myers
Decatur

Anyone looking for evidence that this country is headed in the wrong direc-tion, doesn’t need to look too far. I was at a grocery store recently and there was a woman wearing her pajamas and bath robe shopping.
There are a couple of ways to deal with this. Dick Durbin should be all over this and establish a federal program or charge a 5 percent tax for dirty pajamas and only 2 percent for clean pajamas. To avoid profiling, we’d need trained government employees to do assessments on pajama cleanliness.
Or we could go the private sector route and have stores hand out clean pajama dis-count cards.
As we continue to slide down the slippery slope that everyone talks about; just make sure your pajamas are clean. And to all you lawyers out there, get to work on your briefs.

Lee Shafter
Decatur

Democracy as I know it will never survive without God and Godlike morals. With the lying, cheating, greed, hatred and many other vices that are so prevalent in this world today it just wouldn’t be possible. With taking God out of our schools and way of thinking in so many ways we are definitely going in the wrong direction. I don’t mean just going to church every Sunday. I mean living with an honest heart and really caring for each other and remember why we are even put on this earth and how temporary it really is. How is it possible to make laws that are equal when our lawmakers don’t always pay taxes and obey laws and are already beholding to someone before they even start and are out to pad their pockets rather than really look for the welfare of our country. I know they are not all that way, but there appears to be a large majority that are. Let’s keep our eyes on them and keep track of what they are doing. Not only our law-makers, but our public is so much in need of more moral fiber and less “what’s in it for me” attitude and how can I cheat to get what I want. We need more honest concern for each other. Our country was started with the emphasis on God and it needs to get back to those values. I pray we see the light before it’s too late.

Mary Lou Meyer
Decatur

I attended my daughter’s 6th grade Dare graduation at Mount Zion Intermediate School recently.
This is a program to pro-mote awareness of drugs and alcohol among peers and the community. Officer Craig Reed is to be commended for his dedication in mentoring these young people. He is a sincere, kind person who only has the best interest of the children at heart.
Among the speakers was Scott England of WAND-TV. He gave a very emotional presentation, and I might add very effective talk. It is people like this that give to their community and take a stand for what they believe in.
They are to be congratu-lated for a fine job.
Congratulations to all the D.A.R.E graduates in all the surrounding communities, too!

Karen Ritter
Mount Zion

The photograph of citizen soldier Jason Stiff and his young daughter which ap-peared on the front page of the May 17 issue of the Herald & Review is one for which staff photographer Lisa Morrison is to be com-mended. I do not know the criteria for award-winning newspaper photos, but if four of them are that the reader smiles some and laughs some and brushes away tears some and returns again and again for yet another look…then pin one award on Ms. Morrison and another on yourself for recognizing the merit of the photo and the pleasure it would bring to your readers!

Barbara Beyer
Decatur

Macon County State Representatives Bob Flider and Bill Mitchell, who get thousands of dollars in contri-butions from the teacher’s union, did what they were told and voted no to allowing a voucher program for chil-dren’s in Chicago’s worst public schools.
So how would 30,000 (out of about 450,000) Chicago schools kids, who are mostly poor and black, have a chance to get a $3,500 vouch-ers per year to spend in a private drug, gang and crime free private school instead of the Chicago school system, about the worst in the nation? Remember, the Chicago Public Schools get about $12,000 per pupil. Only about six out of every 100 Chicago school kids get a college education eventually. Truth be told, probably only about three percent get even close to a real high school educa-tion.
Why would our representative’s here — 200 miles from Chicago — vote to prevent some of those kids from having a chance to better themselves? Flider and Mitchell you went out of your way to keep thousands of Chicago kids from a chance for a better life. We need to vote in November to keep both of you from doing more such harm in the future.

John Fick
Decatur

After attending the lake-front meeting May 11, I came to believe, in my opinion that we the people that are to pay for this fiasco are being led down the path. My opinion is this is just a way to get this property zoned for a residential development, a very expensive area to maintain, with a very short time where weather condi-tions will not allow the investment to pay back even a small portion of the cost.
It is my very strong belief that the park district should sell this park, just like they did with Faries Park. This proposed plan could then be developed by private enter-prise or not at all.

Delbert Cearlock
Decatur

Being a junior at Eisenhower High School is pretty tough. Not because of the crowded halls, the obnoxious kids, or the long days, but because of the ACT prep class we are all required to take. Because of the school’s fear of losing money and jobs, the students here are being hammered just about every day with ACT practice. Please don’t misunderstand me. I get it; the ACT is a very important test that is very important to our futures as students. But let’s get real. The only reason the school cares so much now is because their butts are on the line. Consequently, we spend an hour and a half of our day in a class, going over countless practice problems, and practice tests, that by the time the ACT actually does come, we are burned out. Not only do we have a whole class devoted to saving the school, but we also get drilled in our other basic classes. We could be spending our ACT prep time taking other classes that we will actually need for college.
If teachers do their jobs in the classroom, why should we have to waste our time attending a bogus hour and a half long class? Let’s stick them in the world’s most boring class reviewing the same material over and over again all year, and see how much their test scores go up.

Kayla Pfeifer
Mount Zion

I very seldom write, but I am so angry at the shape our state is in and not paying its bills. If I ran my house the way our government is run-ning this state, I would not have a home.
I know it is about time for all of you to be getting a raise. If we cannot pay our bills, you do not need or deserve a raise!
If we have to cut teachers, senior services, aid to the mentally ill, etc. You do not need or deserve a raise!
I say it is time to get rid of your comfortable chairs that I see most of you dozing in, while things are being discussed on the floor and get you some folding chairs. Maybe if you are not so comfortable, you will use your brains to solve our problems.
I am sure I am not alone in my feelings. So as the old saying goes – Shape up or ship out.

A. Rosetta Henderson
Decatur

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Decatur, Clinton and the towns and. rural residents throughout Macon and DeWitt counties for their wonderful generosity in sup-porting this year’s Letter Carrier’s Food Drive. To date, we have collected 96,000 pounds of non-perishable food and paper products, with residual donations still coming in. This bounty will be distributed between eight food pantries in Decatur, one in Clinton and one each in Maroa, Macon, Blue Mound and Niantic.
I also wish to thank the volunteers who help make this food drive an annual success. The union workers from Decatur Trades and Labor, church groups, family members of the letter carri-ers, retired people, legislators and candidates, and friends of friends. Without this army we would not be able to con-duct our Stamp Out Hunger campaign. Our residents have proven, once again, that we do care about those whose circumstances have left them in less fortunate conditions

Michael D. Irwin
Food Drive Coordinator
Br. 317, National Assn. of Letter Carriers

Once again our Illinois Leg-islature has failed to pass a budget plan.
How many of us would be fired for failing to do our jobs, not only once, but many times over the years? How many people have lost their jobs because the Illinois legislature has failed to man-age their finances and pay their suppliers the money they are due?
These same legislators seem to find time to campaign for re-election and buy themselves new autos at tax payers’ expense. Two of those recently purchased autos for Senate President Cullerton and House Speaker Madigan.
Their accounting systems are not dissimilar to the ones used in the country of Greece. Perhaps we should rename Springfield as Athens and Illinois, Greece.
We have all seen the riots going on in Greece; this also is not dissimilar to the Teachers Unions protesting in Springfield for higher taxes.
Citizens of Illinois no longer have to travel to Greece……..we have it right here at home.

Milton J. Brahier
Decatur

I am writing this letter to inspire and or motivate people to get involved in their communities and govern-ments by volunteering their time and voting. People have to stop complaining about things when they don’t get involved with the issues, injustices, or wrongs being done by our so called leaders. Start holding our lawmakers accountable to the citizens.
Get involved by doing your own research, attending meetings, and ask questions. Voters need to start realizing that their voice and vote counts. If you feel that your leaders are not performing their jobs, vote them out. But remember, there are good people serving in both parties and both parties make mis-takes.
I personally have gotten involved because I want to see Decatur and Macon County get back to our glory and pride days but it will take people getting involved in your community and gov-ernments to change from the status quo and that’s the way we have always done it atti-tudes. We the people can help improve things around here. I personally challenge everyone to ask your lawmakers running to be re-elected or new candidates the following questions then you can vote as a more informed citizen.
1. Are you easily intimi-dated by those with more power?
2. Will you represent our concerns by listening to us?
3. Will you do your own re-search and read all proposals on issues before you vote on it?
4. Will you be accountable to the voters?
5. Will you use common sense in your decisions?
6. Will you work toward a balanced budget and elimi-nate any deficits?
Hopefully, this insight will help citizens to start getting involved in your communities and governments. Gov-ernments will not change without the right leaders who actually care about the people and their needs.

Paul Conlin III
Decatur

I drove the bookmobile for more than 14 years, and would like to thank the pa-trons who came on board. It was more than a job; it was like being with family and friends. When the word came down that the bookmobiles were closing, staff had to get the message out. One boy who is home schooled came on board on a regular basis. He was so upset when he found bookmobiles were closing, he offered me the $3 he had in his pocket to help keep the bookmobiles on the road.
There were tears shed, cards made by the kids, hugs, and handshakes. Thank You.

Kenneth Banning
Decatur

Herald & Review, congratulations on your well deserved awards from the Illinois Associated Press and Illinois Press Association at the convention in Springfield. Keep up the good work.

Martha Land
Decatur

Its gardening time again. We rent garden space from the Park District and have for a number of years. Its either a best kept secret or few people are interested. So far there are three of us, leaving a lot of garden space unused. In past years there were 30 people. So few participants makes it not practical for the Park District to plow it. For the time, work, exercise and fresh air repayment is good fresh vegetables most of he summer.
It would be nice if more people would at least try

Ira Simpson
Decatur