Dear editor:
In response to a letter written by Russell Greim on Nov. 19, I would like to say that I am not sure that this young man knows what he is talking about.
First, Mr. Greim states, "I understand Mr. Mumpower's loss." Do you really? Have you ever lived in a house for many many years, raised your children there, grown old there? Until you have actually owned a home and had the state of Indiana take it from you, then you cannot possibly understand how Mr. Mumpower feels. I am sure his pain is greater than most of us have felt.
Secondly, I fail to see how Mr. Mumpower is being selfish by wishing to keep his home. I also do not see how a new music building is going to "benefit" the community. A few people will come to this university each year to use the music building, but Mr. Mumpower lives here.
Muncie was here before Ball State was -- many students forget that people have set their lives up here. They did not simply come to Muncie for a few years to party or take some classes. I think Mr. Greim is perhaps the one being selfish.
As for the $115,000 the university paid Mr. Mumpower, that is meerly a drop in the bucket. I am sure that $115,000 is a lot of money to a sophomore, but to those of us living in the real world and going to college, $115,000 will not buy much. This is especially true for Mr. Mumpower since he has lived in his home for many years.
Finally, eminent domain is defined as,"the right of a government to appropriate private property for public use." Nowhere in that definition does it say "for the good of a community." How would you feel, Mr. Griem, if the government took your vehicle for public use to better the community? Would you see this as justified?
I feel for Mr. Mumpower. He has every right to "create such a controversy." Yell and scream Mr. Mumpower, even if it doesn't further your cause. As someone who really knows how it feels to have your own home and want to protect it, I am sorry you are having to go through this mess.
Alicia Lambert
Junior
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
