Over the past week, our local high school seniors bid farewell to their high school careers to embark on their futures. This amazing group of young men and women have already dived into the real world head first. Some already have a few college courses under their belts and are heading off to local colleges and universities in a variety of fields. Several young men and women have committed the next few years of their lives to the United States of America, choosing to serve in the Armed Forces. Still even more have already joined the work force; others are engaged and planning weddings; some are relocating for personal and professional reasons; while a few plan to join their family’s business.

After approximately 14 years of early mornings, late nights, hard tests and endless assignments, this group is sure to do great things in life. The scholarships, awards and honors they attained during their school years prove how dedicated they are to being successful.

We look forward to watching their journeys continue, as well as how they help this parish grow. They will soon be the  educators in the classroom; the medical professionals performing tests and surgeries; the contractors who oversee the building of local homes and businesses; the farmers who provide soy beans, rice and crawfish; and more.

The Jennings Daily News congratulates each and every graduate on this exciting time in their life. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and look forward to what you will continue to bring to our communities.

California Senator Diane Feinstein is proposing an AR-style rifle ban to save our children. Yet on this 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, she doesn’t mention the 54 million abortions conducted in this country nor show remorse for this disrespect to human life. Speeches at every Democratic National Convention reference abortion or a pro-choice platform to huge cheers from the rabid convention hall audience. Mother Theresa identified the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion because it is a war against children, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself. If a mother can kill her own child and then tell young people not to kill one another, it is the ultimate hypocrisy in the eyes of the young.

Feinstein and her cohorts are using the Sandy Hook tragedy as a first step to trash our Second Amendment right for law-abiding citizens to own and bear arms as a defense against tyranny. Abolishing our Second Amendment is necessary for President Obama as described in his July 2, 2008 speech given in Boulder, Colorado, where he promised the creation and establishment of a “Civilian National Security Force that should be just as powerful, just as strong and just as well funded as the U.S. Military.”

The national security objectives described by Obama define brutal totalitarian government modeled after the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. Achieving his objectives is currently being initiated using the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act that he signed into law on Jan. 2 that allows the arrest and indefinite military detention of U.S. citizens. In addition, Obama can secretly target U.S. citizens for execution without even charging them with a crime as admitted by Attorney General Eric Holder.

Robert A. Dahlquist

Orange, Calif.

I quote the Jennings Daily News of Feb. 15, 2013 Headline: “State asked to assist with Jail Funding”

Maybe a better idea would be to contact the U. S State Department for assistance.

According to a recent news article, “U. S. plans to build two prisons in Haiti”, the U. S. Embassy there announced that the U. S. government is planning to build two prisons in Haiti’s countryside that will cost up to $10,000,000

These two jails are to be built in a country where many people are still living in tents and cardboard shelters with little or no sanitary facilities. Wouldn’t you think that building decent housing would come before new jails?

Is the American government mixed up on its priorities or what?

It would be nice to have just a part of that money to help build a new jail in Jeff Davis Parish, Louisiana.

Richard Boisture,

Jennings

The information below was sent to all three people who represent us in Washington asking for their support in passing new tax reforms and to give special consideration to bills already before the senate and the house on “The Fair Tax”. I would ask local readers to also look into the fair tax, and if you agree that it may be the best tax system for the future, contact your representation in Washington and ask for their support. That’s the way things get done.

The Revenue Act of 1862 was passed as an emergency income tax measure to pay expenses of the Civil War. It also started the office of commissioner of internal revenue. In 1872, law makers allowed that temporary law to expire. Income taxes did evolve, but in 1894 the Supreme Court declared the income tax bill of 1894 to be unconstitutional. Government always needs to grow and even proper growth needs income. By 1913, under President Wilson, and under very suspicious circumstances during the Christmas Holidays, we were made the recipients of “ The Federal Reserve”, and in February of 1913  with the 16th Amendment to the constitution, which made permanent the IRS, and the infinite power given them over we defenseless taxpayers to collect our taxes, and unfortunately to wield their authority over all at their discretion.

No one can disagree that our income tax system has become totally unmanageable, and only benefits some politicians, all lobbyists, CPAs, tax lawyers, and their corporate clients. The everyday working American citizen has long ago been left out of consideration. We the people had already decided that changing our tax code was mandatory, and that was before our friendly people at IRS decided to flex their muscle to help decide elections by strong arm tactics against any they considered to be “the enemy”. Now we must consider doing both, revamping the tax laws and the IRS. The only solution to both is already presented before congress and the senate “The Fair Tax”. It has been thoroughly reviewed and endorsed by 80 well known economists from prestigious Universities across the United States. This system is revenue neutral, is a consumption tax (a tax on spending, not on income), gives a monthly rebate to those in poverty level for money spent on life necessities, and gets rid of income taxes, and other Federal taxes, and gets rid of the IRS completely. (The economists gave frank opinions, not the bias of politicians and other groups who will loudly oppose the proposal).

With the above information in mind, I strongly urge you to really look into the fair tax with an open mind, and no political agenda, and consider throwing your support to the bills already submitted to the House and Senate. This is the type of leadership towards reform that we expect from those we send to represent us in Washington.

J B Hargroder MD

Jennings

John Kerry speaks out about the Benghazi affair saying it’s exaggerism and people need to calm down and get the facts correct.

This same person was known as a turncoat in the Vietnam War and has the ability to turn about three hundred and sixty degrees at any time.

To call out people that suffered this experience overseas and that saw their companions die is not a time or place to exaggerate the facts in order to justify their lack of support or lack of doing correct things to prevent the slaughter there.

Hiding behind others is not a President’s right in order to cover up lies and distorted view of the facts.

American voters need the truth and the whole truth and not a run around view of misrepresentation in the destruction of life and embassies, which cost the taxpayers millions.

I admire these senators that are risking their jobs in order to have the truth appear on our TV screens in order for us, the voters, to finally understand what really did take place.

For a diplomat to be killed along with some of his staff is no laughing matter and to try to cover this up is of low esteem.

This is how lies get started.

Dick Waltrip

Mermentau

Paul Jasper Chaisson

Paul Jasper Chaisson

The family and friends of Paul Jasper Chaisson are mourning the loss of their loved one who was called from this life and into the arms of the Lord on Friday, May 17, 2013, at the age of 82.

Funeral services honoring his life will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings on Monday, May 20, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. Paul will be laid to rest in Pine Island Cemetery where he will be honored with full military rites. Father Babasino Fernandez will officiate.

A gathering of Paul’s family and friends to bid their final farewell will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 4-10 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, May 20, 2013, at 8 a.m. until the time of his funeral mass at 10:30 a.m.

Paul Jasper was born in Pine Island to the late Edmond Chaisson and the late Rose Allemond Chaisson on November 9, 1930. He served his country honorably in the United States Army where he bravely fought for his country in the Korean War. Following his military service, Paul indulged in his love for agriculture and became a farmer. He enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, fishing and raising cattle.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Leola Guidry Chaisson of Pine Island; his son, Michael Chaisson (Amanda Boudreaux) of Hathaway; five daughters, Rita Chaisson of Pine Island, Catherine Ray of Lake Charles, Wanda (Carl) Trahan of Jennings, Susan (Pete) Myers of Lake Arthur, and Diana (Harold) Orr of Elton; his brother, Raymond Chaisson of Hathaway; three sisters, Mable Fontenot of Jennings, Ruth Cormier of Roanoke, and Lois Phillips of Houston, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.

Paul now rests in Heaven with his beloved family who preceded him in death: his parents, Edmond and Rose Chaisson; his daughter, Brenda Vanicor; and three brothers, Willis, June and Joe Chaisson.

To extend online condolences, please visit www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.

Victor H. Raphael

Victor H. “The Godfather” Raphael, 76, passed on Monday, May 13, 2013. He was a licensed funeral director and mortician.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 11 a. m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Jennings.

Visitation will be held from 8 a. m. until the hour of service, with father Offor serving as celebrant. Interment will be in Park Cemetery.

Professionally, Victor was known affectionately as “the Godfather” because of his “take charge” and brutal honesty. He was a loyal member of the New Orleans Embalmers Association (NOEA) and life member of the Louisiana Funeral Directors & Morticians Association and life member of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association. Victor was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Council #77.

Victor  leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Ella Marie Duhon Raphael; three daughters, Brenda Hayes of Richmond, Calif.; and Bella and Barbara Raphael of Raleigh, N.C.; one stepdaughter, Brandy White of Baton Rouge; two stepsons, Robert and Quincey Duhon, both of Jennings; one sister, Jerry R. (Dr. James) Caillier of Lafayette; one brother, Adonis Raphael of Houston, Texas; one aunt, Lucy Vallot Hebert of Abbeville; 23 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; three godchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend.  Arrangements by The Louisiana Funeral Directors & Morticians Association and Heritage Funeral Directors (504) 944-5500.

Online guest registry @ heritagefuneraldirectors.com.

Harold Langley

Funeral services for Mr. Harold Langley, 72, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2013, at First Church of Christ with Brother Jack Harris officiating. Burial with military honors will be in  Liberty Cemetery in Elton under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held today, Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 3-10 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, May 20, 2013, from 8 a.m. until the time of services at First Church of Christ.

Mr. Langley died Friday, May 17, 2013, at 9:39 a.m. at his residence.

He was a resident of Jennings and a member of  First Church of Christ. After graduation from high school, he joined the US Navy to serve his country from1958-1961, and upon his return home he worked in oilfield production.

Mr. Langley is survived by his wife, Bonnie Langley of Jennings; two daughters; Patti of Pine Prairie, and LaDonna of Iota; six sons, Howard Mark of Jennings, Jimmy (Phyllis) of Amarillo, Texas, Dennis of Jennings, Richard (Lucillle) of Eunice, Mark of Houston, Texas, and Harold (Mary) of Jennings; three brothers, Dore (Elinor) Langley of Woodlawn, Noah Langley of Kaplan, and LB Langley of Hot Springs, Ark.; 19 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus and Nora Dukes Langley; a daughter, Tina; and a sister, Nora Langley.

Words of comfort may be expressed at www.miguezfuneralhome.com.

Kirt Louis Guidry

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Kirt Louis Guidry announces his passing from this life and ascension into Heaven during the early morning hours on May 17, 2013 at the age of 76.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held in Kirt’s honor at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Mermentau on Monday, May 20, 2013, at 2 p.m. He will be laid to eternal rest in St. John the Evangelist Cemetery where he will be honored with full military rites. Father David Broussard will officiate.

A gathering of Kirt’s family and friends to bid their final farewell will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 2:30-9 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, May 20, 2013, at 9 a.m. until the time of his funeral mass at 2 p.m.

Kirt Louis was born in Andrus Cove to the late Augustine “Gus” Guidry and the late Molly Cormier Guidry on July 7, 1936. He served his country honorably in the Unites States Air Force from 1955 until his retirement in 1975 at England Air Force Base. This proud American served his country for 20 years earning numerous decorations for his bravery and dedication to protecting the freedom of all. Kirt was honorably discharged earning the title of Law Enforcement and Corrections Supervisor and Technical Sergeant. Following his military service, he worked as a electrician and carpenter. Kirt loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren whom he loved so dearly. He also enjoyed wine making.

Kirt is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Pierce Guidry of Mermentau; his four daughters and their spouses, Tina and Robert LeBlanc of Markham, Texas, Gaynell and Terry Guillory of Evangeline, Joycelin and Mohammed Shamsie of Benton, and Bernadette and Scott Guidry of Pattison, Texas; one brother, Roland “Rag” (Grace) Guidry of Carencro; his sister, Joyce (Horace) Broussard of Lafayette; his cousin, whom he looked after like a sister, Judy (Wilbur) Reon of Jennings; and his 12 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Kirt was preceded in death by his parents, Augustine and Molly C. Guidry; two daughters, LaDonna and Belinda Guidry; one brother, Warren Guidry; one sister, Dixie Gonsolves; two grandsons, Dammon Guidry and Josh Guidry; and his two brothers-in-law, Wallace Pierce and Henry Fontenot.

To extend online condolences, please visit www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.

Sheriff’s Office

Seven people were reported as booked into the parish jail by the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office over the last week.

Saturday, May 11

Floyd Daniels, 72, of Jennings, was charged with attempted manslaughter. No bond was listed.

Sunday, May 12

Jarriel Palfrey, 32, of Jennings, was arrested on a warrant for contempt of court. No bond was listed.

Quiana Randolph, 33, of Welsh, was arrested on a warrant for contempt of court. No bond was listed.

Monday, May 13

Allison J. Peters, 45, of Jennings, was charged with a second-offense DWI, possession of a firearm by felon and failure to use ignition Interlock device. No bond was listed.

Conni Bertrand, 36, of Westlake, was charged with obscenity, resisting an officer and improper supervision of juveniles. No bond was listed.

Wednesday, May 15

Chester Moore, 40, of Welsh, was arrested on a warrant for child support. No bond was listed.

Thursday, May 16

Chasity Istre, 28, of Jennings, was arrested on a warrant for theft. No bond was listed.