Side Of Miller Story People Don’t Know Houghton Leans Far Left Broome’s Contribution Meaning Of ‘Militia’ Dracula Is Fictional Coercion Won’t Work…

Side Of Miller Story People Don't Know Houghton Leans Far Left Broome's Contribution Meaning Of 'Militia' Dracula Is Fictional Coercion Won't Work All You Need Is Love

I am writing in response to the letter by Ken Smiley, Jan. 28, regarding the treatment Robert Miller received from those around him during his eviction from Lancaster House North.

First, I would like to thank Mr. Smiley - again and publicly - for inviting Robert in, providing him with a sandwich and drinks and calling to report that he was safe inside his store. We appreciate his kindness very much.

However, in his letter, Mr. Smiley was quick to criticize Robert's brothers for not taking him in during this time.

My husband, Barry, who is Robert's half brother, has been working hard to relocate him and pick up all the other pieces left behind by this whole situation.

Unfortunately, Mr. Smiley knows nothing of Robert's history - 60- plus years his family has endured with many difficult situations. Nor is he aware of all that my husband and family have done for him over the years, including theses past several months.

Did Mr. Smiley ever consider that this might not be all that we have to deal with in our lives?

We have a young son at home and, as parents, his safety and well- being are our No. 1 priority. Mr. Smiley told us himself of problems he has had with Robert in his store - problems in which he made him leave, telling him he was not welcome. I agree those actions were justified, so surely he can understand why we would not want to subject our son to some of the undesirable behaviors that can accompany Robert's mental illness.

Mr. Smiley also complained about Robert's brothers not going to the hearing for him while he was in the hospital. Another thing he does not know is that, as soon as my husband was made aware that there was going to be a hearing, he called District Judge Bruce A. Roth's office to inform them of Robert's hospitalization. He was assured that the information would be passed along to the judge, leaving him with the impression that the hearing would be postponed. Days later, we found out that Judge Roth held the hearing anyway, when the eviction notice was in Robert's mail.

By the way, the notice for Robert's hearing was taped to his apartment door, after being filed by Lancaster House North. They were fully aware that he was in Friend's Hospital in Philadelphia as of Dec. 17, and, finally, on the evening of Dec. 30, we received a call from a social worker from the building, telling us that we should come get the envelope that was taped to Robert's apartment door.

My husband has worked diligently to rectify this situation and was told by every agency and contact that he made that the process was too far advanced to stop or postpone the eviction.

My husband doesn't really need to be defended by me, because every single person who knows him is well aware of the man he is - a man who gives of his time and energy and helps anyone, anytime he can. This includes the constant help and support he gives to his half brother, Robert.

Mr. Smiley wanted to put shame on my husband, Barry, but shame on you, Ken, for being so judgmental of a man you know nothing about.

Karen Bankler

Manheim Township

The Lancaster Democratic Party keeps nominating extreme left- wing candidates. Tom Houghton is a Chester County personal injury attorney who spent one term in Harrisburg voting for tax increases and shilling for left-wing causes. The voters tossed him out.

Now, we have been told, he has been recruited by MoveOn.org to run against Rep. Joe Pitts. Local Democrats look like they are going to endorse him.

Four years ago, Bruce Beardsley, then chairman of the Lancaster County Democrats, told the Intell/New Era, "The truth is, our Democratic Party in Lancaster County tends to be more progressive than the state Democratic Party as a whole."

As with many political terms, "progressive" does not describe its true meaning. Progressivism is a political philosophy that is quite far left of liberalism. They obviously haven't learned anything since then.

Local Democrats are more interested in being liberal than they are in listening to the people. Supporting a guy like Tom Houghton proves it.

William Lambertson

Ephrata

W. Robert Broome was instrumental in the founding and funding of what today is the EMS Services/LEMSA of Lancaster. He served as the head of nursing at St. Joseph Hospital. Bob was futuristic regarding the combination of fire and emergency rescue services. On his "own time" he would show up at Station 5 and proceed to train the fire crews in the new methods of first aid/CPR and the "cutting-edge" technology that became everyday operations.

Then-Lancaster City Fire Chief J.D. Mummaw and Sister Joan Dreisbach, administrator of St. Joseph, collaborated to form one of the first rescue units in Lancaster County, known as Rescue One. Bob played a big role in securing rescue equipment, known as "jaws-of- life." He then trained Lancaster firefighters and the crew at St. Joseph Hospital, Medic One, to work in conjunction to perform vehicle extrication and other forms of fire and emergency, life- saving rescue.

The emergency services in Lancaster County can be proud and thankful that Bob chose this as his home and workplace.

Ed Knight

Retired Fire Marshal

Lancaster City

In a recent letter, William Musser, of Manor Township, cites the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, "A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Mr. Musser then asks "What militia do you belong to, or intend to join, should your service ever be required?"

What was meant by "militia" in those days was basically all able- bodied (male) citizens. But what is important, if one read the plain English above, is that it is a right of "the people" which shall not be infringed.

This is the same "the people" referred to in the First Amendment, which gives the right to free speech, which both Mr. Musser and I are exerting.

It is a people right, not a militia right.

John W. deGroot Jr.

Manheim Township

Mr. Bill Mattern (1/31 Letters), please let me point out that Dracula is fictional and was created to entertain through fear. No one ever really died at his hand or fangs.

The movies you mention are also works of fiction designed to do the opposite and elate the viewer into a state of blissful adoration of what they consider to be gods or lords.

What concerns me is the people in positions of power using these fictional beings to program populations to wage wars that result in millions of deaths.

George N. Bennett

East Lampeter Township

Think about it, Rep. Pitts. Your argument, "If it doesn't work, it doesn't work," regarding the controversial NSA metadata collection, calling out President Obama on his "promise to transition custodianship ... to a third party," sounds very familiar and is as valid on behalf of companies and organizations that desire to follow their conscience and not pay for insurance that will cover contraception and abortifacient drugs.

There, too, President Obama is seeking a way out (or in) through the use of a third party.

Any way you slice, dice or spin it, it's coercion. And it doesn't work.

Mary Canfijn

Lancaster

Please stop and think how you got into this world.

You were conceived in your mother's womb. And you were born a tiny baby, and every year you get bigger. You learn to talk and walk and use your brain to learn, like working as doctors, nurses, lawyers and other kinds of jobs.

I don't know why some people don't stop and think about why they kill people through terrorism, stabbing, shooting, beating a child or older people and animals.

It just seems as if people don't have any conscience, and this is a shame.

I just wish we could be one nation and love one another. God would like to see that. But if you don't want to believe, it is OK.

Linda Sager

East Hempfield Township