SENTINEL TRIBUNE
Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Page 4
BETWEENTHE " "
N E S "Stories from the Batt Cave"
mercies
Traveling " stop us from traveling, but it sure around a gate waiting to board, line
slowed us down. The farthest we up so early, you'd have thought
By Tom Merchant - Sentinel Tribune -- tmerchant@ncppub.com
Criminal justice system seriously flawed...
The other day I read a story in the Star Tribune about a man who
was convicted of assault on a baby and domestic abuse. As far as the
courts action, they seemingly got it fight convicting the man of his
crimes.
I am OK with that, however after reading the particulars of how
this 7 week old baby was horribly abused I am completely aghast at
the sentence or in this case non sentence was handed down.
The man pleaded guilty to third degree assault and also pleaded
guilty to domestic assault by strangulation of his girlfriend, the child's
mother, last February.
Beside that, this was no ordinary case of shaken baby syndrome.
Interestingly enough when the mother took the child to the hospi-
tal in late January, doctors concluded nothing was amiss. The mother
persisted, and brought the child back in February 17, when doctors
found new and healing femur fractures. Two days later, a CT scan
showed bleeding on both sides of the boys brain and on March 4,
seven broken ribs were discovered.
Here's the rub -- the sentencing judge ordered the man to serve a
year in jail. Because he had already been in jail for 240 days -- two
thirds of the sentence --his time on the charge was finished! He was
given 15 month stayed prison sentence and probation. On the other
charge of domestic assault he was given a similar deal which stayed
the rest of a 180 day jail sentence, plus an additional three years on
probation. In total the man received seven years of probation! That to
me is incredible to say the least. There was no mention of counseling.
for anger management or anything else. Basically he received practi-
cally no punishment.
I am sorry folks -- people who seriously abuse children, women,
men, elderly, animals, or mentally challenged should never get off this
easy. To make matter worse this person plead guilty to a prior domes-
tic assault charge, and convicted of a second domestic assault charge.
In the most recent case, which I suspect there was a plea agreement the
judge chose to sentence the man to the low end of the guidelines. Of
course as a lay person I can not make a defined judgement of whether
or not the court erred on this one, but you be the judge.
By comparison there was another case where a man committed a
hit and run of two army recruiters, seriously injuring one of them. In
this case one of the victims was dragged over a mile, and at one point
the defendant stopped and tried to dislodge the victim by kicking him.
The man plead guilty in November to first degree assault and criminal
vehicular operation.
The difference in this case the sentencing guidelines called for an
11 to 15 3/4 years prison sentence. The judge obliged to give the man
the maximum sentence of 15 3/4 years sentence.
Looking at the circumstances I feel that is a fair sentence. But in
the other case, I am sorry, what was that judge thinking?
It is hard to say how much suffering each of these victims will
suffer over the rest of their lives, so I think it is only fan" for the defen-
dants to suffer an equal amount of time.
....... J.tis hard to say how much these injuries will affect that small
-,,- ¢ lJ ..wever, at that age he more than likely will have hardly al!y or
no recollection of terrible suffering he endured.
Somehow I also wonder if these two men will have to live with
their misdeeds for the rest of their lives, or do they have no remorse.
In the end I just don't get it. I know one thing, I would hate being
a judge, prosecutor or a defense attorney. In these types of cases they
certainly earn their money.
Have a great week and do good!
The Fuller Brush man was my
idol.
He traveled.
I didn't.
When I was a farm boy, my fam-
ily traveled away from the greater
Hartland area only for weddings,
baptisms, confirmations, gradua-
tions, reunions, and funerals--all
conveniently held within two
states. Our travels were even more
compressed than that--southern
Minnesota and northern Iowa con-
fmed us.
We were dahy farmers, tethered to
the barn. My father explained our
lack of travel by saying that the
rich people lived on the other side
of town. In place of wealth, the
foils who resided on our side were
given rocks in our fields. It seemed
unfair.
Dad was a homebody. He was
happy going to Vivian's Cafe and
Einar's Hardware. He needed travel
like he needed another aperture in
his cranium.
I traveled in my mind. They were
very short trips. My mind was
always somewhere else. If I was
sure where, I'd have moved there.
I read hand-me-down National
Geographic Magazines, I watched
travelogues (while worrying about
contracting malaria from them) and
envied the traveling geese flying
overhead. Bird field guides were
my travel books.
I married young. Like most new-
lyweds, we had little money. Time
filled with work, school and family.
We were trying to make something
out of hope and hard work. We
took on the world and found that
much of life is a hill. We learned
precious things, but we didn't trav-
el. Having no time or money didn't
ventured was to Nebraska and that they were going to a Black Friday
was work related, special. I've flown in planes so
Travel was just around the cor- cramped that it was like sitting on a
ner, but never that comer, folding chair at a five-hour funeral.
Mark Twain encouraged me by Planes so crowded, I felt like a
writing, "Twenty years from now T-Rex. I could move my arms only
you will be more disappointed from the elbows down. I've sat
by the things that you didn't do next to glum fellows who consid-
than by the ones you did do. So ered baggage claim a lottery.
throw off the bowlines. Sail away We travel far from home and look
from the safe harbor. Catch the for things like home. We compare,
trade winds in your sails. Explore. like the optometrist does as,he tests
Dream. Discover." our prescription, "Is this better or is
We wanted to dabble in travel, this better?"
but we jumped in with both feet I love to travel. I go places where
instead. We went to Israel. It was a I'm allowed on the furniture, but
trip of a lifetime. I'm not sure that's why I travel.
When I travel, I say a prayer of Perhaps the lack of traveling in
traveling mercies, my youth bred wanderlust. After
Many of us do. We pray for a some recent shambolic travel, I
safe trip, a sharp mind, a well- returned home happily. I love trav-
behaved vehicle, good health, green cling and I love coming home. I'm
lights, cheap gas, etc. Minnesota grown. I have a severe
I read the book "Traveling case of Gopheritis. I'm a dairy
Mercies" by Anne Lamott. The farmer's son. Whenever people
author claimed the two best prayers complain about the state's weather,
she knows are, "Help me, help me, taxes, roads or politics, I tell them
help me" and "Thank you, thank TiM. Not TMI, which stands for
you, thank you." "Too Much Information." It's TIM,
My wife loves to travel with me. which means "This Is Minnesota."
That way, when she uses an air- Life is what we make of it. Travel
port restroom, there is someone to is the traveler.
watch her bags. When I went to Israel, I knew
I've been on the road a lot it was a trip of a lifetime. Then I
recently. Speaking, telling stories, had an epiphany while driving to
writing, doing radio things and a funeral of someone important to
leading occasional tours in Ohio, me. I realized that every day is a
Illinois, Utah, Iowa, North Dakota, trip of a lifetime.
South Dakota, Wisconsin, Alaska, I wish each of you traveling mer-
Nebraska, Texas, Washington cies whether you travel near or far.
(both state and D.C.), Montana,
California, Nevada, New Jersey, ©AI Batt 2014
Indiana, Florida, Arizona, Kansas, 71622 325 St.
Alberta, British Columbia, etc. 1-1, MN 56042
Uffda! http://albatt.net/
Traveling has its peculiarities.
I've watched gate lice, a term
for airline passengers who crowd
Mission Statement
• The Sentinel Tribune serves the residents and: b.usines ,#omrr rfity of
Cottonwood, Redwood; Murray and Lyon "County and southwest Minnesota by
applying its available resources to accurately and consistently produce a quality
newspaper which thoroughly covers the news of the area, stimulates thought and
conversation, delivers advertising messages in a timely manner, and provides infor-
mation of general value to its public. In so doing contributes to the overall quality of
life and economic health of its readers, advertisers and community in general while
stimulating the professional development of its employees.
Life choice, but what of the choice of the
For you did form my inward child to live?
There is no question but that
parts; you did weave me in my
mother's womb. I will give thanks life begins at conception. Scripture
to you, for I am fearfully •and won- makes it clear that at conception a
derfully made. Wonderful are all person is created who has eternal
your works, and my soul knows it properties, a soul, and infinite value
well (Psalm 139:13, 14). (Psalm 51:5; Luke 1:44). Mankind
January 22 is the anniversary of is unique among God's creation
the Supreme Court Decision known in that we are made in the image
as 'Roe v. Wade.' This occurred of God. Unlike non-human life,
in 1973, fifty-one years ago today, we are made like God rationally,
Approximately one and one-half morally, and spiritually. That is
million babies are aborted every why the taking of innocent human
year. By that estimate, over 75 life is so tragic. Unfortunately our
million babies have been killed in world is becoming more and more
the United States during that time. bio-centric, valuing non-human life
This represents many children (animals, trees, and the earth) above
who would have become mothers human life.
and fathers, students and teachers, Those who favor abortion, in this
workers, and by now grand-parents, writer's opinion, have two wrong
This is a great loss for our land. views of the control of life. First,
This is a blot on our land. Each life is not to be controlled by gov-
year it is important to reflect on this emment agencies. God never gave
fact, and pray for those efforts that the government the fight to deter-
are being made to change the law mine which humans are persons
so that lives may be saved. We and which persons have a right to
can rejoice that in 1984 President live. A country called Germany
tried that under the rule of Hitler and
Reagan established January 22 as
"National Sanctity of Human Life millions of innocent people died.
Day." Our nation practiced this prior to
What is abortion? It is the tak- the Civil War and a whole race of
ing of human life before birth. The people were treated as mere prop-
pro-abortion lobby has changed the erty to be bought and sold.
terminology to call an unborn child Second, life is not to be con-
a fetus while just a few days, weeks trolled by selfish choices. Freedom
or months later as a newborn it is is not the power to do whatever you
called a baby. Abortion is called wish to do, with your own body
a choice. Surely no one is against or that of another. Freedom is the
i¸¸ //ii¸ ii:
i~~
power to do what is right, ing to the Lord (praying). I spent
There is also an increasing attack that summer back in the 70's having
on elderly life. Euthanasia is a a very serious time with God. He
growing problem. Some of our started showing me how ignorant I
states have laws allowing for assist- was about Him! People were fasting
ed suicide, and others are consider- and praying for me; there is a spiri-
ing it. When life is treated with tual battle going on and the enemy
such disdain, we are not far from the of our soul is real as is hell. Several
garbage heap as a society, months later I had a real born again
What can we do? We certainly experience with Jesus and I am so
need to pray for America. We thankful.
need to support pro-life agencies I'm told that the major
such as the National Right to Life, Universities in America are being
Carenet, and all of the pregnancy "flooded" with this "Middle East"
care centers that have been estab- religion and the students are going
lished across our land. Finally, we for it, hook, line and sinker. The
need to have compassion on those book of this and the book of that
who are victims of the abortion is being accepted but Jesus and the
industry. God forgives any sin, Bible are not cool with them???
no matter what we have done, if Why the lie and not the truth?
we come to Him through His Son The Lord says, "In that day I will
with repentance and faith. Where set about to destroy all the nations
sin abounded, grace did much more that come against Jerusalem. I will
abound (Romans 5:20b). pour out on the house of David and
Pastor Rob Adams on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the
www.ibcwestbrook.org Spirit of grace and of supplication,
Real born again so that they will look on ME whom
experience they have pierced; and they will
mourn for Him, as one mourns for
I was talking to a nice young man an only son. They will weep bitterly
some time back and I was asking over Him like the bitter weeping
him if he knew his Grandmother over a firstborn." Zechariah 12:9-
started a revival in Westbrook? 10. "I will destroy all the nations
"No," he said. I went on to tell him that come against Jerusalem." What
she did and had quite an influence are these nations that surround Israel
on me and I believe this town. It was and hate them? Why do "they,' say-
brought to my attention that I need- "We will destroy Israel on Saturday
ed to be born again. Oh! I thought I and the U.S. on Sunday?" Why can't
was a Christian! Well, I decided to
our educated see the writing on the
spend some time studying and talk-
wall? Who is the deceiver they are
listening to? It certainly is not Jesus!
Jesus says, "Keep seeking, keep
knocking, keep asking if you want
to know the truth!" Jesus will show
you the truth! In John 10:27 Jesus
says, "My sheep hear my voice and
I know them and they follow me."
vs. 25-26 He says, "I told you and
you do not believe--but you do not
believe because you are not of my
sheep."
Some bible teachers say the
Laodicean Church of Rev 3:14-22 is
the church in it's f'mal state of apos-
tasy and I agree...vs. 16 says "You
are lukewarm and I will spit you
out"...you say, "I am rich and have
become wealthy and have need of
nothing." Do you not know that you
are wretched, miserable, poor, blind
and naked and are in desperate need
of some eye salve from Jesus so yon
might see? You must overcome the
lie.
Ron Sletten
(ISSN 8750-3905)
Thomas Merchant Managing Editor
Junette Merchant Office &Production
Joan Spielman Ad Representative & Office
Published every Wednesday at Westbrook, Minnesota 56183
Periodicals Postage Paid at Westbrook, Minnesota 56183
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE FOR THE SENTINEL TRIBUNE WILL
BE: In the following counties: Cottonwood, Redwood, and Murray
$45.00 per year. Elsewhere in Minnesota $49.00 per year. Out of
the state $55.00 per year. Canada and foreign countries inquire at
the Sentinel Tribune Office. If wrong amount is submitted subscrip-
tion will be pro rated accordingly.
"Snowbirds" may put their paper on hold at no extra charge while
they are gone, or pay $5.00 extra to have it mailed out of state.
Missed copies cannot be furnished because the cost of mailing
single copies is about $2.00• Any request for a back copy must
include $3.00. Newstand price is $1.00 per copy.
© Copyright 2014 Sentinel Tribune a New Century Press
Newspaper
Mail Change of Address Notice to:
P. O. Box 98, Westbrook, MN 56183
CALL WESTBROOK OFFICE 507-274-6136 FAX 507-274-6137
TOLL-FREE 1-800-410-1859
News Desk E-mail • sentrib@ncppub.com
Editor tmerchant@ncppub.com
DEADLINES
All news 12 Noon Monday
All Peach Ads 9 a.m. Fdday
Sentinel Tribune Ads 12 Noon Monday
Classified Ads 9 a.m. Friday
OR DROP NEWS ITEMS AT THE
BUBAI FOOD STORE IN WALNUT GROVE
Monday thru Saturday 9:00 a,m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(Ads & News items are picked up 9:00 a.m. on Friday)
(All non-business ads must be pre-paid)
WESTBROOK SENTINEL TRIBUNE OFFICE HOURS
Monday, Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
