> SOUTHERN INDIANA —
This past weekend, if someone mentioned my column or a local controversial issue, I just stared at them blankly. Even if they mentioned a local politician, I still just stared at them blankly.
Then when they asked if I was feeling OK, I shrugged my shoulders and said I just didn’t have an opinion one way or another. Then they stared at me blankly.
All of this blank staring was beginning to look like a legislative session so to snap us out of it, I explained that I was only trying to celebrate Labor Day weekend the way most people do — by taking a rest from my work.
It completely wore me out.
I don’t have the energy to write a column now so you know what that means. Yes, time to share reader’s opinions.
The column about storing a gun in your locked car while at work led to several people writing in with additional examples of why someone might want to do so.
One writer said, “No pun intended, but you hit a bull’s-eye on this one. There are a myriad of reasons for possessing weapons secured in your automobile on your employers property while you are working. Following are just a few of many:
1. You live in a desolate section of Clark County with the nearest neighbor 1/2 mile through the woods and you return from work at midnight.
2. Your workplace parking lot is unlit and unsecured. You work the second shift. You would want your weapon handy
3. Coming home from work at midnight — or any other time — your car breaks down on a desolate stretch of a county road.
4. Car jackings at night at stop lights are not uncommon. You would want your weapon handy.
You get the drift ... Galligan doesn’t!”
•••
Several people wrote in response to my column on the tax referendum for Clarksville schools, where I suggested that those for a tax can always pay it voluntarily. Some didn’t seem to think my idea would work:
“I’ll bet this one is going to go over well! I’m amazed how often people will demand a general tax increase; but, if there is not one, they will be the LAST people on earth to freely give any money to the cause.”
“Gee, I know those people that voted yes will run right over to the school and give them money.”
•••
After a recycling column, I found out one reader also shares her opinion regularly with the solid waste district:
“Every year the bill irritates me no end; I write [in red] “Paid under Protest” on my check and the bill remittance.”
•••
The responses on the Lee Hamilton column had the predictable love it, hate it responses but I found out that many are a bit conflicted about our government system:
“Your article on Hamilton and career politicians was 100 percent accurate. Hopefully people will listen. Having said that I still would prefer Hamilton over Hill if that were the only choices I had. Naw ... maybe I just wouldn’t vote. I hate voting for the lesser of two evils.”
“… I have to commend you on an honest look at what Lee was saying … Lee did some good things. But I agree with you, he was very instrumental in giving us a huge government that appears to be nearly out of control.”
Finally, let me share one last tidbit from someone advising me on my topic ideas:
“Ease up on my buddy, Tom, would you? Give somebody else your attention for a while. How’s this for an idea: ‘The reason I write so much about Tom Galligan is that he appears to be the only elected official in Clark County who is really making things happen!’ ????”
When I read that, I just stared at my computer screen blankly.
— Sellersburg resident Debbie Harbeson enjoys staring blankly at readers’ responses. Write her at debbie@debbieharbeson.com
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