Learn about polio, please
May I suggest that we all might find out about polio. I suggest you look it up on the web. Wow!
I am 91 and polio struck when I was a kid. No swimming. No movies. Iron Lung. Almost in our backyard! Parents were petrified.
Come on — no more. We even had a president with polio. And we are thinking, “No more shots.” Really?
Polio is rare in Indiana. The vaccine works!
Martin Burkhead, Bloomington
Protect bobcats: Speak out against trapping
The majestic bobcat, a vital part of our local ecosystem, faces a dire threat as the Indiana Natural Resources Commission considers allowing trapping in almost every county in southern Indiana, including Monroe County.
This decision could lead to ecological imbalance, depriving our community and future generations of the chance to witness these elusive creatures in the wild.
Bobcats are essential predators, primarily hunting rabbits, squirrels, voles and mice, helping to keep these populations in check. With an already significant overpopulation of white-tailed deer, reducing the bobcat population could exacerbate this issue, further straining our natural environment. The indiscriminate and inhumane nature of steel foothold traps, neck snares and metal cages can cause severe injuries or death to bobcats and other animals, including domestic pets, which makes this practice even more concerning.
We must act now to protect these animals and maintain the ecological balance of our region. The Indiana Natural Resources Commission is considering a quota of 250 bobcats/year, which flies in the face of the values of the vast majority of Hoosiers. The Indiana Natural Resources Commission should set the quota at zero, reflecting the values of the majority, not a small and vocal minority of trappers. Most Indiana residents cherish our wildlife and would rather see these magnificent creatures protected, not killed for profit or fun.
I urge all concerned citizens to attend and speak at the public hearing in Franklin on Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Fairgrounds (Scott Hall), 250 Fairgrounds St.; or write to the Natural Resources Commission at abonar@nrc.in.gov to respectfully urge a zero quota on bobcat trapping. Let us stand together to ensure that this beautiful native species remains a thriving part of our natural heritage.
Mary S. Madore, Bloomington
Thoughts about Feast
How could a businessman treat his employees as badly as was done at Feast? That is one of the best examples of terrible management skills. At least he should have given several weeks notice to the employees so they could make a reasoned decision to participate in the company’s financial problems or leave.
As he mismanaged it, they not only had no advanced warning, but were stuck with a much reduced paycheck for the holidays. I hope these employees apply for unemployment. They certainly should be eligible or else this tactic could be used to get any employee to resign and thus not be eligible for unemployment.
I feel very sorry for these employees. And I feel sorry for all the customers who expected much better from such a fine place to eat. All should boycott every one of this owner’s restaurants.
Earl Luetzelschwab, Bloomington
Thanks to David Askins
Thank you, David Askins, for your news blog. We will all be in the dark now about city and county government news. Please enjoy yourself, you deserve it.
Catryna Loos, Bloomington
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Letters: Polio vaccine; stop bobcat trapping; thoughts about Feast