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Viewpoints Our Opinions Tin Can Sailor’ has power to make all Americans thankful Every American should read a bode like Tin Can Sailor, just published by Naval Institute Press. It's the eyewitness story of Raymond Calhoun, an officer on the U.S. destroyer Stenett in World War 11. Sterrett was one of the most distinguished American "tin cans" in history's greatest war. The highlight of the book is Sterrett's participation in the savage Third Battle of Savo Island. That was part of the epic struggle at Guadalcanal, turning point of the war in the Pacific. In that bloody close encounter of battleships, cruisers and destroyers, at night, the U.S. Navy took a beating; that was not the fault of the fighting men aboard the eight destroyers and five cruisers which intercepted a Japanese force including battleships, and turned back the Japanese fleet. Reading descriptions of the bravery, quiet dying words, unselfishness and patriotism of so many fatally wounded men on a U.S. warship should make every American proud. Reading how the badly wounded sat in line waiting for the one overworked doctor, quietly, without complaint or even a murmur, makes one glad to be an American. Every citizen today can feel a greater pride in this country recalling inspirational unity, courage and dedication of Americans in the greatest military struggle of all time. Reading how the crew of Sterrett coped with triumph and disaster makes one thankful. It’s a time to be remembered, the nation's finest hour. * Maybe they just don’t want to give a buck for Donald Duck! Euro Disney, bankrupt, has been given a new lease on life by its parent Disney company and 63 creditor banks. The new infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars, it’s hoped, will make Euro Disney, 18 miles from Paris, profitable. One wonders. In this country, with its lower educational standards and childlike television programming, millions are vowed by Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. In Europe, where students and adults are more serious and better educated, perhaps most never will go bonkers over simulated cartoon characters. It may be a situation similar to that involving Nancy Kerrigan recently; this intelligent figure-skating silver medalist accepted a million dollar offer to come to Disneyland in Florida and ride in a parade. As she drove about with a suited-up Mickey Mouse by her side, she realized it was all very silly-and said so. Most Americans are easily entertained, even by canned-laughter nonsense passing for comedy on TV. Europeans are a bit more sophisticated, on average, and Frenchmen have lower incomes. They may not give a buck for Donald Duck, or something like that. Deadlines For Submitting New Articles and Photographs 5-pM Moriday For Wednesday Edition 5 pm Thursday for Friday Edition 7<£e ‘f&ood&w 0 7wKe4rty&uruuxt ‘2Velc<MKe& *7<x *7&e £cU&vi. ‘Pten&e s4cCdfte<i4, *76e*K: Editor Houston Times-Journal P.O. Drawer M Perry, GA, 31069 Houston Times-Journal P.O. Drawer M • 807 Carroll Street • Perry, Ga. 31069 Phone: (912) 987-1823 Member Georgia Press Association-National Newspaper Association mat. a ruv P-xvt euv r.'.tnf: a/L j £.f ■.j .. CA.«'V<iA« (Vi/ oa. tiv«. pA«A4* oa- tile- rwtjjhX, pK.op£«/ tiV and to p^tctcarvoC«mm«nt a- 'Le.d'iec yu<^an«4< Your right to read this newspaper is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Our Goal The Houston Times-Journal is published proudly for the citizens of Houston and adjoining counties by Houston Publications Inc.,Perry Ga. Our goal is to produce quality, profitable, community-oriented newspapers that you, our readers, are proud of. We will reach that goal through hard work, teamwork, loyalty, and a strong dedication towards printing the truth. Bob Tribble President Our Staff Brigette Loudermilk Editor and General Manager Mitch Tribble Eddie Byrd Secretary Advertising Director Newt: Brenda Thompson, Pauline Lewis Sports: Veto Roley Advertising! eresa M. Gavilan Composition: Stacey Shy Classified Advertising: Melanie Bullington Bookkeeping: Judy Hubert Circulation: Donnie Forehand Our Policies •Signed Letters to the editor welcomed. Please limit to 300 words and include address and phone number. •Liability for an error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. •We cannot be responsible for return of pictures or material unless stamped return addressed envelope is included. The Houston Times-Journal (USPS 000471) is published semi-weekly for SIB.OO per year by Houston Publications, Inc., 807 Carroll Street, Perry, Ga. 31069. Second Class Postage paid at Perry, Ga.,POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Houston Times-Journal, P.O. Drawer M.PerryGa. 31069 Daniel F. Evans Vice-President Julie B. Evans Treasurer U.S. health care doesn’t need bureaucratic ills The newspaper headline was reminiscent of many we have seen before: "$10.77 Connector Cost Navy $544." A spark plug connector that can be bought at the comer hardware store for $10.77, including sales tax, was bought by the Navy in quantities for $544 each. You remember the S6OO hammer and $2,000 toilet seats? And other items purchased by military services for outrageous prices? How, a friend asked me, can this happen. Who is at fault? The defense contractor should be banned from doing business with the federal government now and forevermore. It won't be. You can bet that today the same contractor is selling items to the Navy. Business as usual. ttAtJUT &ALLE-M [""HOUSTON LAKE RD. AT THE BYPASS 1 r didn't D.O.T. JJ'ir ( THE MUMP WOULD BE l (.AtUNO IT A I \ GONE WHEN THEY J \ 5P££D 6>(JMP I \. Finished? / tiovil / An update on changes at your local newspaper Well, I guess it's time for an update on some of the changes going on at the Houston Times- Journal. Many of the old policies I'm used to working under are still the same-weddings, engagements and births are printed in the Wednesday edition, cartoons are printed on Wednesdays, Woods and Water pages are printed on Saturday, church news is printed on Saturday, etc. But there will be some changes many of you will want to know Your Opinion Land owner lauds foresters (Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to Mr. John W. Mixon, Director, Ga. Forestry Commission, Macon, Ga.) Dear Mr. Mixon: This is my letter of appreciation for the outstanding service rendered on February 28,1994, by your Foresters in Houston County. I own 47 acres of mature 35-year old pines on Langston Road, about 1 mile from Perry, Ga. At approximately 5 a.m. on Feb. 28, the Houston County Sheriff was cruising on patrol. He noted a blazing fire on my property, spreading rapidly through the pine tree underbrush. He contacted the local fire department and asked for help. They determined beyond their scope and promptly contacted the Houston County Forestry unit. Within minutes Joe Batchelor was on site when the fire was raging. Joe met Faye Allen who brought the dozer equipment from the Forestry Unit located on U.S. Hwy 41, south of Perry. Joe spent the next two hours cutting the necessary firebreaks and contained the then controlled fire to about 7 acres. Because of the prompt intervention of your Forestry personnel, my mature pine trees remain unharmed. This is true of adjacent trees and nearby homes and other structures. There could have been major losses due to fire damage. Joe Batchelor is a remarkable professional. He is typical of what we have come to expect from the quality people working for the Forestry Service. Several years ago, I planted 110 acres in loblolly pines under the F.I.P. program of reforestration. Harry Graham and Joe Batchelor were most helpful to me. They gave appropriate advice and supervised the whole project. The pines are looking great with more than 95 percent survival, thanks to their guidance. The Georgia Forestry Commission renders the residents of this county and state a great service. We sleep better just knowing you are here when we need you. Sincerely, Deryle T. Whipple, MD Retired Pediatrician The person or persons in the Navy who bought that item should be fired or court martialed, depending on whether it was a civilian or military personnel. Three whistleblowers who had become frustrated because their superiors would do nothing about this came forward. Fortunately a congressman has taken steps to protect the whistleblowers from reprisals. There's nothing particularly wrong with buying $10.77 spark plug connectors for $544 each...bul something's gotta be done about those scoundrels who blow the whistle on such practices. As for those responsible for such waste of taxpayer money, some way will be found to protect them. When I was in the navy during World War II when somebody screwed up we gave them a about. First and foremost, if you did not see the page 1A brief, all newspapers will be delivered through the mail beginning with the Saturday edition. The Shopper's Extra will still be carrier delivered and circulation will increase to everyone in South Houston County. Another change on the horizon will be an increase in subscription rates and rack prices, effective May 1, 1994. There is an ad in today's edition explaining the new rates. Houston Times-Joumot Page 4A promotion and transferred them. Which brings my thinking around to this: How would you like your health care in the hands of people like that? There isn't enough money in the world to cover all of us with those kind of purchasing agents buying our health care. * * * Speaking of health care, I get around to my own experiences recently. My wife and I both had surgery during the past two months at two separate health care facilities. The contrast between what we paid for similar services is startling. For example, she had knee surgery. For $1,400 everything was included...operating room, anesthesia, anesthesiologist, EKG, surgeon, the works. She was put to sleep. So was I. and the offer to renew your subscription during the month of April at the current rates. A recent change that is still causing some confusion is our new deadlines. Due to our new printing schedule, classified deadline for the Wednesday edition is noon Monday and for the Saturday edition is 5 p.m. Thursday. Deadlines for submitting articles, photos, announcements, Letters to the Editor, etc. is 5 p.m. Monday for the Wednesday edition and 5 p.m. Thursday for the DARE graduates learn why they should say no to drugs Editor's note: The following letters were written to us from two students who have Just completed the local D.A.R.E. program. Like other fellow grads, both say they are thankful tor the program. Dear Editor: This year in D.A.R.E. I’ve learned more about drugs. I've learned what D.A.R.E. stands for which is Drug Abuse Resistance Education. I've learned that any kind of drug you use is still bad for you. I've also learned about different kinds of drugs like marijuana, crack-cocaine, dope, pot, and alcohol. I've learned that alcohol is the most dangerous drug of all and that it damages more lives than other drugs. I've learned that not only adults use drugs, but children too. Some use it because they're depressed, or becuase they want to get back at their parents, while others do it to fit in a group, or try to be cool. So kids, please don't do drugs! Sincerely, Jessica Green Dear Editor: This year I have learned that drugs are not at all good for your health, and they can make you very sick. I feel great about being a part of this excellent program. D.A.R.E. is an educational program, but I’ve also had a lot of fun'while learning. I also learned about self-esteem and that it's important to have good self-esteem because if you don't you might do something stupid. Peer pressure and how to handle it is another topic we have discussed. I really enjoy D.A.R.E. class. Sincerely, Josh Crockett Wednesday, April 6,1994 "Houston Times-Journal My charges were different. I had a hernia surgery. My bill from the anesthesiologist was SBB2. The cost of the anesthesia was $385. Charges from the hospital pharmacy were $577. Medical surgical supplies were $352. Use of the operating room cost $1,506. Use of the recovery room cost $372. There also were charges for EKG and monitoring. There were other charges. I haven't heard yet what the surgeon charged. Please see EVANS, page 7A Jj Brigette L P m Loudermilkl || Editor Saturday edition. As always, we will continue to cover happenings in the community and welcome articles written by individuals covering club, school and church activities.