The Comet welcomes letters to the editor responding to articles and events in the news. They must include the author's name, address and telephone number. The letter writer's name and city/town will appear in the paper - no exceptions. Letters must be 400 words or less in length. Please send your letters to: editor@carrollcountycomet.com; Letters to the Editor, Comet, P.O. Box 26, Flora, IN 46929 or P.O. Box 179, Delphi, IN 46923; or fax 574-967-3384 or 765-564-2010. By submitting a letter or opinion article, the author grants the Comet the right to publish, distribute, archive or use the work in print, electronic, on-line or other format.

Gas prices - are they really that out of line?

The weekly poll implied (as have virtually all media and politicians, especially Democrats) that gasoline prices are a disaster. This is comparing apples and oranges as the old saying goes. Comparing real gas prices today versus 1966, they are still a bargain. Median family income: 1966 - $7,500 2008 - $61,000 Average miles per year driven: 1966 - 10,000 2008 - 10,000 Average miles per gallon: 1966 - 13 2008 - 23 Average gallons used per year: 1966 - 769 2008 - 434

The average cost per gallon in 1966 was 32¢ per gallon causing an expenditure of $246 per year, or 3.2% of the median family income.

In 2008 gas would have to cost $4.50 per gallon to equal 3.2% of the median family income.

Since I got these figures from census and government sources, I believe them to be very accurate and they make the comparison of apples to apples rather than the apples to oranges that the media and politicians trumpet. It seems to me that people ought to be questioning why we have the built-in inflation that caused the median family income to increase by a factor of 8.13%. Lon Bohnstedt The Villages, Fla.

Pesticide responsibility lies with applicator

In the July 9 Carroll County Comet, an article by the Carroll County Agriculture Association (CCAA), suggested action to take if one is contacted by pesticides drifting on to his/her property and person from airplanes spraying nearby fields. The article omitted some very important considerations.

1. Although it is important to shower immediately after exposure to pesticides, a person may not want to wash all the clothing. Because it is a violation of the Indiana Pesticide Use and Application Law section 14(2) to apply any pesticide/herbicide in a manner that contacts a human, it may be wise to retain some of the pesticide contacted clothing in a plastic bag. Accidental or careless application of pesticides that affect a citizen should be reported to the Office of the State Chemist (telephone 765-494-1942) if contact occurs. The Office will tell the affected person to retain some of the clothing he/she was wearing when contacted with the chemical for verification and analysis. It will then send a professional chemist to test the area and the clothing where the contact took place.

2. If, as the article from the CCAA suggests, a person should avoid contact with the spray drift, it may be wise to restrict children and pets from playing in areas that have been contaminated until the area is deemed safe.

Placing the burden of care and protection on the neighbor as the July 9 article infers, ignores the real source of responsibility.

Applicators should be held responsible for their actions. The right to farm does not include the right to contaminate a person or create a chemical hazard in a neighbor's yard. Jim Tarnowski Camden

Disagrees with EDIT supporting Chamber

I will readily admit, I am opposed to most tax increases unless they provide benefits to all county taxpayers and residents. I am not opposed to a tax increase if any and all funds are directed to and utilized by the general fund. Tax increases in that area could be expended to restore vital, discontinued services such as sheriff and emergency medical.

Several months ago Dick Bradshaw approached the commissioners and requested "seed money" for the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. He stated with "seed money" the Chamber could become "self-supporting."

Three weeks ago Mr. Bradshaw returned to the commissioners to present EDIT funding recommendations, which included funding for the Chamber, a private, businesspersons organization.

If the tax increase is approved, the Chamber will receive approximately 21 percent of the funds, totaling $116,200 for the year 2009. In the year 2010, that figure increases to approximately 28 percent, totaling $154,500. (Of the total, a portion set aside for operating expenses while the remainder is for joint Chamber-EDC projects.)

I resent this blatant attempt to subsidize the Chamber with our tax dollars. If you agree, contact your county council members prior to the July 28 County Council meeting. Carl Perry Rossville (Carroll County)

County needs Carroll Manor

If you were unable to visit Carroll Manor on Open House day you missed a lot. This is a beautiful, peaceful country setting with a large yard and plenty of nice trees and colorful flowers for the residents to enjoy while outdoors or from their windows. Inside you have a lovely country décor and furnishings that give a warm and homey feeling for the residents. Also, an elevator is available for their convenience.

The staff is loving and caring for the residents. They also keep the place very clean at all times.

We all get older as the years go by and have no idea what the future may be. If we are alone maybe a home like this one we could call "Home sweet Home." We need to think of others who may be left alone.

Carroll Manor is a lovely, well kept home and it would be a shame to close it. This county is blessed to have a home like this with so many benefits for its residents. Please drop by and tour this wonderful home. Joan McCain Bringhurst