By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
This past week, the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours was held at the John Johnston Farm & Indian Agency.
Andy
Hite and his wonderful staff were gracious hosts. Along with the
expected mingling, sharing of business ideas and catching up with
friends, was the opportunity for everyone in attendance to board the
General Harrison and take an evening ride on the restored section of the
canal.
Anyone who knows Andy is aware that history lessons lurk
around every corner. On a personal note, that is one of the things that I
enjoy about visiting the Johnston Farm. I rarely leave the site without
gaining at least one new bit of knowledge about the history of our neck
of the woods. Our evening on the General Harrison was no different.
A
number of things come to my mind after our boat ride. First, is a fact
that Andy pointed out to his audience. That fact is, the average figure
for dollars spent, per person, per day, for a family visiting one of our
historic sites is $80. Think about it. If a family of four spends the
day at the Johnston Farm, $320.00 has come to our community. And that is
just the average. Those are dollars spent in our restaurants, motels
and retailers.
That fact alone makes it common sense for all of us to support our local historic sites.
Another
thing that comes to mind is, I wonder how many of you really know and
understand the significance of the historic places that are right on our
own doorstep? I know that some will say that they don’t care. I truly
feel sorry for them.
Anyone who knows me, knows that aviation is a
passion of mine. While it is true that Wilber and Orville Wright made
their first flight in North Carolina. Most of the research was done in
Dayton and their flying machine was refined and perfected at Huffman
Prairie, now a part of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Think
about that. Wilber and Orville were not fictional characters
now-consigned to our history books. The brothers were real people who
literally made history, right here in our area. You can walk on that
same ground. It is just a short drive.
The same goes for our John
Johnston Farm. The grounds were the site of Pickawillany, an English
trading post that earned a significant place in the history of the
territory, and the history of our country. We have all read about the
War of 1812 and the Hundred Year War between England and France. People
and places right in our backyard played important roles in those events,
and consequently, the shaping of the United States of America.
This
fall will mark the 150th anniversary of the forming of the 110th Ohio
Volunteer Infantry. They were soldiers, most from right here in the
Piqua area, who marched off to fight in some of the most definitive
battles of the Civil War.
Those soldiers mustered and trained on
Col. John Johnston’s property. In other words, on the grounds of the
current John Johnston Farm & Indian Agency. I went out to the farm
about a week ago and spent some time, just looking over the land, much
of it now growing soy beans or alfalfa for hay. I cannot look at that
ground without visualizing the young men who, though probably scared to
death, yet filled with a spirit of excitement for the unknown adventure
ahead of them, learned the intricacies of becoming a soldier.
One
has only to turn around to look at the Johnston farm house, then still
the home of Johnston family members, and realize those young recruits
saw that exact same home as they trained and drilled, and lived in
tents, in the Johnston’s front yard.
Even if you do not realize
it, it may have been one of your family members training for battle on
those grounds. It may be that one of your ancestors first came to the
Piqua area by way of a trip to Pickawillany or Fort Greenville.
People
are staying closer to home these days as long-distance vacations are
even more costly. I can’t think of a better time to visit some of those
places that played important and historic roles in the building our our
nation — right here in our own back yard.
It will be a fun
experience for the entire family. Just remember to be very careful — you
may just learn something along the way.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Calls to 9-1-1 from whiners and liars can keep officers from real calls
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
"I'm gonna tell. I'm gonna tell on you!"
How many of us heard that phrase during our childhood? Those same threats are still being made today. My guess is that the same whiners are making them.
The proliferation of cell phones have turned whiners into ... dangerous frequent whiners. Many of them are just liars who have an ax to grind.
I am talking about the enormous, (in my opinion), number of calls received by Miami County 9-1-1 that range from much ado about nothing to flat-out exaggerations and lies.
Law enforcement officials receive a number of calls during any given week to check out a reported "child endangering." Granted, officials cannot afford to take any call lightly. Each one is investigated.
What so often happens is that it is just a parent dealing with a family situation. Most of the time, they are just disciplining their child. Usually, it involves a parent, who believes as I do, that teaching a child right from wrong must occasionally involve a spanking, or similar punishment. Nowadays, if this happens within site of some bleeding-heart do-gooder, they call the police and a good parent finds themselves explaining their actions.
Another frequent report to police is of animals not receiving proper care. Usually, these calls report inadequate shelter or no food and/or water available to the pet. Again, no one wants to see an animal mis-treated. But, the cell phone whiners society just loves to stir the pot so they call to make a report. Sometimes, officers find a situation which warrants action. All too often, officers find that the report was somewhere between exaggerated and false.
People make accusations of vicious dogs. More often than not, the truth is, again in my opinion, that the caller is, in fact, just scared of dogs, period. Oh, and it seems to me that every caller who is making a complaint about a vicious or loose dog is observing a Pit Bull. It does not seem to matter that the true description of the dog running loose in the neighborhood is actually a ten pound bundle of fur with a wagging tail who is just enjoying his momentary freedom. The cell phone whiner reports ... a Pit Bull.
The same thing goes for many calls regarding "reckless drivers." How many of these calls are simply cases of a driver cutting someone off in a lapse of attention or judgement so the driver who was cut off thinks, "I'll show you." They then call 9-1-1 to report someone "Weaving all over the road, cutting off drivers ..."
I know for a fact, that most calls for assistance to the 9-1-1 center are real. I am not suggesting that anyone hesitate calling to report a real crime or emergency situation.
What I am saying, at the same time, is to stop and think before making a reactionary call to report something that just makes you mad.
Just because you don't like that someone is disciplining their child does not mean that they do not have the right to do so and it certainly does not give you the right to interfere.
If you see a child playing somewhere that doesn't seem right, how about doing things the old-fashioned way? Stop peering through your window shades, get off your lazy butt and go outside to see what is going on. Who knows, you might even meet your neighbor in person. What a novel concept.
I would like to see officers begin citing individuals who make complaints about non-existent problems or are just doing their best to exact revenge on someone who made them mad.
I would like to see that, but officers are already too busy running down calls for people who really need help. They don't have time to deal with even more frivolous things.
The bottom line is that if you need assistance or have a real crime to report, please call 9-1-1. If you do not have a legitimate reason for calling an emergency call center, what you are doing is potentially keeping emergency personnel away from someone whose life might depend on a quick response.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
"I'm gonna tell. I'm gonna tell on you!"
How many of us heard that phrase during our childhood? Those same threats are still being made today. My guess is that the same whiners are making them.
The proliferation of cell phones have turned whiners into ... dangerous frequent whiners. Many of them are just liars who have an ax to grind.
I am talking about the enormous, (in my opinion), number of calls received by Miami County 9-1-1 that range from much ado about nothing to flat-out exaggerations and lies.
Law enforcement officials receive a number of calls during any given week to check out a reported "child endangering." Granted, officials cannot afford to take any call lightly. Each one is investigated.
What so often happens is that it is just a parent dealing with a family situation. Most of the time, they are just disciplining their child. Usually, it involves a parent, who believes as I do, that teaching a child right from wrong must occasionally involve a spanking, or similar punishment. Nowadays, if this happens within site of some bleeding-heart do-gooder, they call the police and a good parent finds themselves explaining their actions.
Another frequent report to police is of animals not receiving proper care. Usually, these calls report inadequate shelter or no food and/or water available to the pet. Again, no one wants to see an animal mis-treated. But, the cell phone whiners society just loves to stir the pot so they call to make a report. Sometimes, officers find a situation which warrants action. All too often, officers find that the report was somewhere between exaggerated and false.
People make accusations of vicious dogs. More often than not, the truth is, again in my opinion, that the caller is, in fact, just scared of dogs, period. Oh, and it seems to me that every caller who is making a complaint about a vicious or loose dog is observing a Pit Bull. It does not seem to matter that the true description of the dog running loose in the neighborhood is actually a ten pound bundle of fur with a wagging tail who is just enjoying his momentary freedom. The cell phone whiner reports ... a Pit Bull.
The same thing goes for many calls regarding "reckless drivers." How many of these calls are simply cases of a driver cutting someone off in a lapse of attention or judgement so the driver who was cut off thinks, "I'll show you." They then call 9-1-1 to report someone "Weaving all over the road, cutting off drivers ..."
I know for a fact, that most calls for assistance to the 9-1-1 center are real. I am not suggesting that anyone hesitate calling to report a real crime or emergency situation.
What I am saying, at the same time, is to stop and think before making a reactionary call to report something that just makes you mad.
Just because you don't like that someone is disciplining their child does not mean that they do not have the right to do so and it certainly does not give you the right to interfere.
If you see a child playing somewhere that doesn't seem right, how about doing things the old-fashioned way? Stop peering through your window shades, get off your lazy butt and go outside to see what is going on. Who knows, you might even meet your neighbor in person. What a novel concept.
I would like to see officers begin citing individuals who make complaints about non-existent problems or are just doing their best to exact revenge on someone who made them mad.
I would like to see that, but officers are already too busy running down calls for people who really need help. They don't have time to deal with even more frivolous things.
The bottom line is that if you need assistance or have a real crime to report, please call 9-1-1. If you do not have a legitimate reason for calling an emergency call center, what you are doing is potentially keeping emergency personnel away from someone whose life might depend on a quick response.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Memorial Day: A time to remember and give thanks.
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
As we approach the commencement of another class of seniors from area schools it got me thinking, as so often happens, as these young adults prepare to take their next steps in life.
Like every class before them, some will choose to serve our country by entering the military.
I have been re-reading "Goodbye Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War," a book written by William Manchester and published in 1980. Before becoming a very successful author, Manchester was a United States Marine during World War II.
In the book, Manchester talks about his personal experiences during the war and chronicles many of the events that took place during war. He also chronicles his 1978-79 journey to visit many of the Pacific islands where some of the deadliest battles ever fought took place and his effort to come to terms with his own demons, the same ones faced by most who have ever fought a war.
Like most military service men and women, Manchester was basically a pacifist. Very few men can enter a situation where they are there to kill others while watching friends die in the worst imaginable ways, and knowing they they could suffer the same fate at any moment ... yet, they continue to do the job anyway, and not be affected.
Manchester questions from his 1979 perspective, how thousands of young Marines could bring themselves, during the bloody battle for Tarawa, to wade though waist to chest-deep water for hundreds of yards, in their attempt to make it to shore while hundreds, if not thousands, of Japanese machine guns and rifles hammered away at the defenseless Marines. The carnage was indescribable, yet those young American Marines never faltered.
Our Marines did take Tarawa but at a cost of more than 3,100 dead and wounded.
Manchester's question, and now mine, is what kind of person does it take to perform in such a manner and could, or would, today's generation of kids do that same thing, if called upon? We obviously hope that such a thing will never again be necessary, but if it would, what would happen?
In his book, Manchester concluded that the youth of the seventies had evolved into a generation who would not obey orders to knowingly and willingly enter a situation where thousands might be cut down in minutes.
I ask, how would America's parents react? Would Americans stand for another conflict such as the Second World War? Would they allow our leaders to put our youth into a similar situation? We were, indeed, a different country then. And yes, I believe a better country.
Still, no matter how things used to be, today's youth are still "going to bat" for our country. Every day, our country's military men and women knowingly put themselves in harm's way.
The number of men and women and the manner in which they face the enemy has evolved, I guess we could say in a "good" way. Americans are no longer required to "take a beach" by sending thousand of exposed troops into the muzzles of the enemy. But they are still out there putting their lives on the line for the rest of us.
One might look at it that our Japanese and German foes of the 1940's at least had the courage to wear a uniform and fight in an honorable fashion, or at least as honorable as war can be. The foes that face our troops today are most decidedly cowards who hide behind women and children and prefer techniques of ambush and suicide bombers.
The common denominator is that our own children fighting current conflicts all possess the same sense of duty and honor shared by our fathers and grandfathers. Thank God for all of them.
As we celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, please remember our remaining World War II veterans, our "Greatest Generation," who fought in a truly worldwide conflict. Let us also remember all of our other veterans of all wars and conflicts.
Most importantly, remember those thousands of Americans who fell in battle protecting our families, our country and our way of life.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
As we approach the commencement of another class of seniors from area schools it got me thinking, as so often happens, as these young adults prepare to take their next steps in life.
Like every class before them, some will choose to serve our country by entering the military.
I have been re-reading "Goodbye Darkness: A Memoir of the Pacific War," a book written by William Manchester and published in 1980. Before becoming a very successful author, Manchester was a United States Marine during World War II.
In the book, Manchester talks about his personal experiences during the war and chronicles many of the events that took place during war. He also chronicles his 1978-79 journey to visit many of the Pacific islands where some of the deadliest battles ever fought took place and his effort to come to terms with his own demons, the same ones faced by most who have ever fought a war.
Like most military service men and women, Manchester was basically a pacifist. Very few men can enter a situation where they are there to kill others while watching friends die in the worst imaginable ways, and knowing they they could suffer the same fate at any moment ... yet, they continue to do the job anyway, and not be affected.
Manchester questions from his 1979 perspective, how thousands of young Marines could bring themselves, during the bloody battle for Tarawa, to wade though waist to chest-deep water for hundreds of yards, in their attempt to make it to shore while hundreds, if not thousands, of Japanese machine guns and rifles hammered away at the defenseless Marines. The carnage was indescribable, yet those young American Marines never faltered.
Our Marines did take Tarawa but at a cost of more than 3,100 dead and wounded.
Manchester's question, and now mine, is what kind of person does it take to perform in such a manner and could, or would, today's generation of kids do that same thing, if called upon? We obviously hope that such a thing will never again be necessary, but if it would, what would happen?
In his book, Manchester concluded that the youth of the seventies had evolved into a generation who would not obey orders to knowingly and willingly enter a situation where thousands might be cut down in minutes.
I ask, how would America's parents react? Would Americans stand for another conflict such as the Second World War? Would they allow our leaders to put our youth into a similar situation? We were, indeed, a different country then. And yes, I believe a better country.
Still, no matter how things used to be, today's youth are still "going to bat" for our country. Every day, our country's military men and women knowingly put themselves in harm's way.
The number of men and women and the manner in which they face the enemy has evolved, I guess we could say in a "good" way. Americans are no longer required to "take a beach" by sending thousand of exposed troops into the muzzles of the enemy. But they are still out there putting their lives on the line for the rest of us.
One might look at it that our Japanese and German foes of the 1940's at least had the courage to wear a uniform and fight in an honorable fashion, or at least as honorable as war can be. The foes that face our troops today are most decidedly cowards who hide behind women and children and prefer techniques of ambush and suicide bombers.
The common denominator is that our own children fighting current conflicts all possess the same sense of duty and honor shared by our fathers and grandfathers. Thank God for all of them.
As we celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, please remember our remaining World War II veterans, our "Greatest Generation," who fought in a truly worldwide conflict. Let us also remember all of our other veterans of all wars and conflicts.
Most importantly, remember those thousands of Americans who fell in battle protecting our families, our country and our way of life.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Underage party not the end of the world
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Another prom season has come — and gone.
The good news is that our kids all came through it safely. The bad news is that there were a few bumps in the road for some.
As sometimes happens, some of our kids were involved in a a party that included underage consumption of alcohol. The resulting uproar produced a number of expected, and some unexpected, reactions.
As so often happens, a lot of the heat was turned toward the Piqua Daily Call because we made the decision to report the incident and publish the names of those involved.
To address that particular issue, there is no law that prohibits a newspaper from publishing the identities of accused subjects, including juveniles.
Sometimes the decision to publish information, and the related names, is not a popular one. Which side of the line one stands on, usually depends on if one is, is related to, or is friends with, an involved subject.
That fact of the matter is that a group of respected young residents, did in fact, have a party and were caught with alcoholic beverages. Were their actions illegal? Yes. Was it the end of the world? Not at all.
One way to look at this is that potential tragedy may have been averted. It is entirely possible that if one, or more, of these kids had left the party and attempted to drive, prom weekend could have taken a more tragic turn.
As it was, no one was hurt. A few egos may have been bruised. Those involved are going to have to face the consequences of their actions. But, it is not the end of the world for anyone.
These are good kids. They are a bright hope for the future of Piqua and for themselves. Everyone makes mistakes. Let's just be happy that these mistake, in the grand scheme of things, were minor.
How many of you, during the course of this story, probably related to friends, family or co-workers an incident from "the good old days," when you were involved in a questionable activity? Yes, I know. Most of us have a story or two.
In a nutshell, our kids learned a life lesson. Sometimes, the best lessons sting a little. That way, they are better remembered.
My message to the kids involved is, don't let this get you down. Yes, you made a mistake and will have to pay the price. It is okay to be ashamed of what you did, but do not be ashamed of yourself. Your accomplishments far outweigh this setback so move on and continue to live life.
You are all just getting a good start on life's path. Hang in there. We are counting on you.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Another prom season has come — and gone.
The good news is that our kids all came through it safely. The bad news is that there were a few bumps in the road for some.
As sometimes happens, some of our kids were involved in a a party that included underage consumption of alcohol. The resulting uproar produced a number of expected, and some unexpected, reactions.
As so often happens, a lot of the heat was turned toward the Piqua Daily Call because we made the decision to report the incident and publish the names of those involved.
To address that particular issue, there is no law that prohibits a newspaper from publishing the identities of accused subjects, including juveniles.
Sometimes the decision to publish information, and the related names, is not a popular one. Which side of the line one stands on, usually depends on if one is, is related to, or is friends with, an involved subject.
That fact of the matter is that a group of respected young residents, did in fact, have a party and were caught with alcoholic beverages. Were their actions illegal? Yes. Was it the end of the world? Not at all.
One way to look at this is that potential tragedy may have been averted. It is entirely possible that if one, or more, of these kids had left the party and attempted to drive, prom weekend could have taken a more tragic turn.
As it was, no one was hurt. A few egos may have been bruised. Those involved are going to have to face the consequences of their actions. But, it is not the end of the world for anyone.
These are good kids. They are a bright hope for the future of Piqua and for themselves. Everyone makes mistakes. Let's just be happy that these mistake, in the grand scheme of things, were minor.
How many of you, during the course of this story, probably related to friends, family or co-workers an incident from "the good old days," when you were involved in a questionable activity? Yes, I know. Most of us have a story or two.
In a nutshell, our kids learned a life lesson. Sometimes, the best lessons sting a little. That way, they are better remembered.
My message to the kids involved is, don't let this get you down. Yes, you made a mistake and will have to pay the price. It is okay to be ashamed of what you did, but do not be ashamed of yourself. Your accomplishments far outweigh this setback so move on and continue to live life.
You are all just getting a good start on life's path. Hang in there. We are counting on you.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Same-sex marriage and an election year ...let the fireworks begin
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
I don't know about the rest of you but I will be so happy when the upcoming presidential election is finished.
You may, or may not, have noticed that television ads are beginning to take up more time slots than scheduled programming.
What is sad — actually just downright disgusting, is that the stuff we are hearing could make Pinocchio jealous.
The latest hot topic is changing laws to allow same-sex marriages. North Carolina held an election this week that would allow for same-sex couples to wed. The measure was soundly defeated.
Liberals have been coming unglued since the election. They claim that everyone has the right to make their own choices and marry whomever they choose.
The majority of Americans seem to still believe that marriage is a religious, or faith-based, action first and foremost. The governmental status of marriage is an entirely different issue. In other words, marriage, in the eyes of God, is one man and one woman.
What strikes me as I watch current events unfold is that all of the voices we hear are those crying loudly that same-sex marriage should be legalized and that they, the liberal masses, are being discriminated against because gays are not allowed to marry.
The media, in their ever-present bias reporting ways, manages to film, interview and focus on pro-gay marriage individuals and groups. To read and see the media coverage, one would swear that 99.9 percent of Americans supports same-sex marriage.
Why, then, do such issues get voted down by such wide margins? Could it be that the big media organizations are ignoring the majority of the people? Could the liberal media be attempting to sway public opinion by telling only one side of the story?
Part of the reason is that America has such a mind-set of political correctness, those who are in the majority are afraid to speak out publicly because they will be branded as anti-gay and chastised mercilessly.
Americans are being brainwashed into following the leader — or should I say dictator. We are being "trained" to forget our religious beliefs and go with the flow ... as seen through rose-colored liberal glasses.
That brings us to President Barack Obama's latest wolf-in-sheep's-clothing remark. Our president is now on record as being in favor of gay marriage. Guess what folks? It is an election year. Obama has not spoken a word of truth since taking office. He is one of the most crooked politicians in American history and all he wants is to get re-elected. Of course he is in favor of same-sex marriage.
This is the same man who has been photographed failing to salute the American flag. This is the same man who has repeatedly apologized to foreign countries for America's actions.
Now hear this, Barack Obama cannot be trusted.
As for same-sex marriage, the only equitable solution is to recognize "marriage" as what it is, a religious union of a man and a woman — exactly as God intended.
There should be civil union laws for same-sex couples. They should be afforded the same benefits as any other American.
A "couple" in the eyes of American law is fine, but a "married couple", one man and one woman, is only valid in the eyes of God.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
I don't know about the rest of you but I will be so happy when the upcoming presidential election is finished.
You may, or may not, have noticed that television ads are beginning to take up more time slots than scheduled programming.
What is sad — actually just downright disgusting, is that the stuff we are hearing could make Pinocchio jealous.
The latest hot topic is changing laws to allow same-sex marriages. North Carolina held an election this week that would allow for same-sex couples to wed. The measure was soundly defeated.
Liberals have been coming unglued since the election. They claim that everyone has the right to make their own choices and marry whomever they choose.
The majority of Americans seem to still believe that marriage is a religious, or faith-based, action first and foremost. The governmental status of marriage is an entirely different issue. In other words, marriage, in the eyes of God, is one man and one woman.
What strikes me as I watch current events unfold is that all of the voices we hear are those crying loudly that same-sex marriage should be legalized and that they, the liberal masses, are being discriminated against because gays are not allowed to marry.
The media, in their ever-present bias reporting ways, manages to film, interview and focus on pro-gay marriage individuals and groups. To read and see the media coverage, one would swear that 99.9 percent of Americans supports same-sex marriage.
Why, then, do such issues get voted down by such wide margins? Could it be that the big media organizations are ignoring the majority of the people? Could the liberal media be attempting to sway public opinion by telling only one side of the story?
Part of the reason is that America has such a mind-set of political correctness, those who are in the majority are afraid to speak out publicly because they will be branded as anti-gay and chastised mercilessly.
Americans are being brainwashed into following the leader — or should I say dictator. We are being "trained" to forget our religious beliefs and go with the flow ... as seen through rose-colored liberal glasses.
That brings us to President Barack Obama's latest wolf-in-sheep's-clothing remark. Our president is now on record as being in favor of gay marriage. Guess what folks? It is an election year. Obama has not spoken a word of truth since taking office. He is one of the most crooked politicians in American history and all he wants is to get re-elected. Of course he is in favor of same-sex marriage.
This is the same man who has been photographed failing to salute the American flag. This is the same man who has repeatedly apologized to foreign countries for America's actions.
Now hear this, Barack Obama cannot be trusted.
As for same-sex marriage, the only equitable solution is to recognize "marriage" as what it is, a religious union of a man and a woman — exactly as God intended.
There should be civil union laws for same-sex couples. They should be afforded the same benefits as any other American.
A "couple" in the eyes of American law is fine, but a "married couple", one man and one woman, is only valid in the eyes of God.
Friday, April 27, 2012
No excuse for abuse!
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Another local child has been buried, the victim of alleged child abuse.
This is getting to be an all-too-frequent occurrence at all levels of our society. Innocent children are the ultimate victims of situations where an angry or abusive adult takes out their wrath on those who cannot defend themselves.
I find myself asking, “Why, and how, do these things happen?”
Although some situations are first-time issues, I see too many times that the person responsible for the violence is a husband or boyfriend and the investigation reveals abuse that has been ongoing and long-term.
The obvious question, then, is “Why do women stay in an abusive relationship?” You will hear excuses, ranging from “I love him,” to “He promised he won’t do it again.” There are, I am sure, many cases where the abuser has threatened the life and safety of his mate should she attempt to leave.
In my eyes, there is no excuse for either mental or physical abuse of a wife or girlfriend. Neither is there a legitimate reason for someone who is being abused to stay in that situation.
When there are children involved, it is criminal for a mother to put her children in harm’s way just because she is attracted to a man, who also happens to be an abuser.
What makes some women tick, I wonder? I have seen women practically abandon their children because she fell, head over heels, for some “bad boy” type, who turned out to be a real bad boy who physically abused the children. Yet, when confronted, the mother refused to believe her “bad boy” capable of such an act — in spite of the evidence. When given a choice, her decision was to stay with Mr. Bad Boy.
I became a grandfather last week, for the 7th time, and as I look into the eyes of my newest granddaughter, I can’t help but realize the enormous responsibility put on all of the adults in her life. It is our job to protect her from harm.
Our role as parents and grandparents is no different than that of our counterparts in a pride of lions or even our own pet animals. Of all creatures on God’s Earth, there is nothing more dangerous than a mother, of any species, who feels her offspring is in danger.
Why, then, do some human females have such a tendency toward putting their children at risk just so they can gain the approval of, or be with, a man?
An excuse of “I have no one else to turn to and/or no place to go,” is just not viable today. Help is out there. All one has to do is reach out … beginning with your local police department.
Please, if you are a victim of abuse, get help. The life you save, may be your child’s.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Another local child has been buried, the victim of alleged child abuse.
This is getting to be an all-too-frequent occurrence at all levels of our society. Innocent children are the ultimate victims of situations where an angry or abusive adult takes out their wrath on those who cannot defend themselves.
I find myself asking, “Why, and how, do these things happen?”
Although some situations are first-time issues, I see too many times that the person responsible for the violence is a husband or boyfriend and the investigation reveals abuse that has been ongoing and long-term.
The obvious question, then, is “Why do women stay in an abusive relationship?” You will hear excuses, ranging from “I love him,” to “He promised he won’t do it again.” There are, I am sure, many cases where the abuser has threatened the life and safety of his mate should she attempt to leave.
In my eyes, there is no excuse for either mental or physical abuse of a wife or girlfriend. Neither is there a legitimate reason for someone who is being abused to stay in that situation.
When there are children involved, it is criminal for a mother to put her children in harm’s way just because she is attracted to a man, who also happens to be an abuser.
What makes some women tick, I wonder? I have seen women practically abandon their children because she fell, head over heels, for some “bad boy” type, who turned out to be a real bad boy who physically abused the children. Yet, when confronted, the mother refused to believe her “bad boy” capable of such an act — in spite of the evidence. When given a choice, her decision was to stay with Mr. Bad Boy.
I became a grandfather last week, for the 7th time, and as I look into the eyes of my newest granddaughter, I can’t help but realize the enormous responsibility put on all of the adults in her life. It is our job to protect her from harm.
Our role as parents and grandparents is no different than that of our counterparts in a pride of lions or even our own pet animals. Of all creatures on God’s Earth, there is nothing more dangerous than a mother, of any species, who feels her offspring is in danger.
Why, then, do some human females have such a tendency toward putting their children at risk just so they can gain the approval of, or be with, a man?
An excuse of “I have no one else to turn to and/or no place to go,” is just not viable today. Help is out there. All one has to do is reach out … beginning with your local police department.
Please, if you are a victim of abuse, get help. The life you save, may be your child’s.
Friday, April 6, 2012
ONG soldiers who died should be honored, as well as those who came before them
By Mike Ullery
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Three soldiers from the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Ohio National Guard lost their lives this week while serving our country in Afghanistan.
Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Hannon, 44, of Grove City; Captain Nicholas Rozanski, 36, of Dublin; and Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey J. Rieck, 45, of Upper Arlington, gave their lives in service of their country.
They are not the first Ohio soldiers to die for us, and as much as we wish for it to not be the case, they probably will not be the last. Their names are fresh in our minds and hearts as we grieve for them and for their families.
I wonder how many of you recall the name Marion A. Ross? Ross was a Civil War soldier from nearby Christiansburg. He was a Sergeant Major in Company B, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In April of 1862, Ross, along with 19 other Ohio soldiers and two civilians who took part in what became known as "The Great Locomotive Chase" or "Andrews' Raiders."
The group captured a Confederate railroad train nearly 200 miles deep into enemy territory before being captured. Ross was one of eight of the Raiders hanged by the Confederates as a spy.
Marion A. Ross, from tiny Christiansburg, Ohio, became one of the first American soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for bravery in the face of the enemy.
On April 12, in Columbus, the Ohio National Guard will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Andrews' Raiders and our country's first recipients of the Medal of Honor.
What strikes me about this is that, while the names Hannon, Rozanski and Rieck are, to us, real people who not only are part of history, but a part of us, people like Marion Ross seem to be all but forgotten, just a footnote in our history books.
The point is, that Marion Ross, just like his current day counterparts, was a living breathing person, a man from a small town who was doing his duty when his life was cut short before the age of 30.
I feel certain that the families of modern-day soldiers who go in harm's way and put their lives on the line, hope that the memory of their loved ones and the sacrifices made are long remembered and appreciated by the rest of us.
I can't help but feel that Levi and Mary Ross, Marion's parents, felt the same for their son. (Both of Ross' parents died before the end of the Civil War.) The same sentiments go for the families of the thousands of American Marines, soldiers, seamen and airmen who have given their lives defending our nation.
Too many Americans brush the history of our nation aside. Too many Americans, and others, attempt to re-write history to suit their own political or religious beliefs.
The fact is, no one can change history. Some of the events that make up our history are not very pleasant. Some of the events are even an embarrassment. Still, they are part of the chain of events that brought us to this point.
Most important for all of us, is to never forget those who served and sacrificed for our country. We must all remember that just as Hannon, Rozanski and Reick were real people, so were Ross and thousands of other Ohioans, Americans all, who lie beneath marble headstones and bronze markers in cemeteries around this great country and overseas.
We all owe them a debt that can never be repaid. The least we can do is honor them by never — ever, forgetting.
Memorial Day is not far away. As you make the trip to a local cemetery to honor your family members this Memorial Day, take some time to look over surrounding grave stones and say a prayer for those who served.
Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
Three soldiers from the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Ohio National Guard lost their lives this week while serving our country in Afghanistan.
Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Hannon, 44, of Grove City; Captain Nicholas Rozanski, 36, of Dublin; and Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey J. Rieck, 45, of Upper Arlington, gave their lives in service of their country.
They are not the first Ohio soldiers to die for us, and as much as we wish for it to not be the case, they probably will not be the last. Their names are fresh in our minds and hearts as we grieve for them and for their families.
I wonder how many of you recall the name Marion A. Ross? Ross was a Civil War soldier from nearby Christiansburg. He was a Sergeant Major in Company B, 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In April of 1862, Ross, along with 19 other Ohio soldiers and two civilians who took part in what became known as "The Great Locomotive Chase" or "Andrews' Raiders."
The group captured a Confederate railroad train nearly 200 miles deep into enemy territory before being captured. Ross was one of eight of the Raiders hanged by the Confederates as a spy.
Marion A. Ross, from tiny Christiansburg, Ohio, became one of the first American soldiers to be awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for bravery in the face of the enemy.
On April 12, in Columbus, the Ohio National Guard will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Andrews' Raiders and our country's first recipients of the Medal of Honor.
What strikes me about this is that, while the names Hannon, Rozanski and Rieck are, to us, real people who not only are part of history, but a part of us, people like Marion Ross seem to be all but forgotten, just a footnote in our history books.
The point is, that Marion Ross, just like his current day counterparts, was a living breathing person, a man from a small town who was doing his duty when his life was cut short before the age of 30.
I feel certain that the families of modern-day soldiers who go in harm's way and put their lives on the line, hope that the memory of their loved ones and the sacrifices made are long remembered and appreciated by the rest of us.
I can't help but feel that Levi and Mary Ross, Marion's parents, felt the same for their son. (Both of Ross' parents died before the end of the Civil War.) The same sentiments go for the families of the thousands of American Marines, soldiers, seamen and airmen who have given their lives defending our nation.
Too many Americans brush the history of our nation aside. Too many Americans, and others, attempt to re-write history to suit their own political or religious beliefs.
The fact is, no one can change history. Some of the events that make up our history are not very pleasant. Some of the events are even an embarrassment. Still, they are part of the chain of events that brought us to this point.
Most important for all of us, is to never forget those who served and sacrificed for our country. We must all remember that just as Hannon, Rozanski and Reick were real people, so were Ross and thousands of other Ohioans, Americans all, who lie beneath marble headstones and bronze markers in cemeteries around this great country and overseas.
We all owe them a debt that can never be repaid. The least we can do is honor them by never — ever, forgetting.
Memorial Day is not far away. As you make the trip to a local cemetery to honor your family members this Memorial Day, take some time to look over surrounding grave stones and say a prayer for those who served.
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