Move over

THIS IS for the motorists who drive on Jackson Boulevard much slower than the speed limit. I don't care how fast or slow they drive, but could they please get in the correct lane? One of these days they're going to cause an accident, and someone's going to get seriously hurt. Move over if you're not going to drive the speed limit and you're not passing someone.

Meaningful columns

AFTER BEING reared with a conservative background and considering my basic beliefs as those of a Republican, I have found myself almost completely reversed in the past few years. The bombastic, hate-filled speech of conservative commentators has turned me off. I am delighted today to read in the Southeast Missourian articles by Paul Greenberg and Cal Thomas, two columnists whom I have considered Republicans and in whom I've been disappointed. Greenberg's discussion of "conservative" not being the same as "right-wing" and Thomas' good explanation of the faith factor and politics were a joy.

No need to worry

I WAS wondering: Why are we so concerned about global warming? If you believe in the evolution theory, why worry? If we evolved from one being in the ocean, we will just adapt to whatever comes. On the other hand, if you're a Christian, you know God has full control and nothing this great can happen unless he wants it to. You need to trust in God and be ready for whatever his will is. Either way, there is no need to worry.

Lights in the park

MY HUSBAND and I went through North County Park and saw all the holiday lights. We thought it was beautiful. Everyone did such a good job. It looked like a lot of hard work, and we certainly appreciate it. There were quite a few things to see. We got to read all the signs, and it really filled the park. We want to thank the park officials and all the fine businesses and individuals who went to all the trouble to put up the lights. Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone.

Movie not religious

IN RESPONSE to the movie review of "The Golden Compass": I like the movie. I don't think it had any religion in it, which is good.

Bring back Scooby Doo

JACKSON CITY Park lights: Where is Scooby Doo? he has been taken from the park and is needed. Please have some holiday spirit and put him back.

VA is the best

DOES SOCIALIZED medicine work? Yes. Are there any examples of it in the United States? You'd better believe it. In fact, it is the best health-care system in the nation. In addition, in part because all records are electronic, it saves about $1,500 per patient more per year than Medicare. What is it? It was established to take care of our heroes and is known as the Veteran's Administration.

Election impact

I'M DISILLUSIONED. I thought the GOP was for free trade. Now I read where almost 60 percent of Republicans oppose free trade. What's going on? Oh, we're getting closer and closer to an election year.

No access for G-men

PITIFUL, TAXPAYERS, pitiful. Only one-third of FBI office computers have Internet access.

Waiting list

THERE IS a waiting list (our group is on it) for those wanting to display lights in County Park North. There are at least 21 groups or people waiting to have a display. Why aren't we getting calls from the county park department?

Cost of flying

DURING A business trip to Tampa, I read the St. Petersburg Times, which listed the priciest airports and change from 2005 to 2006. Cincinnati was the most expensive with a cost of 20.63 cents per mile to fly, a 34.6 increase from 2005 to 2006. The source was The Wall Street Journal. Most listed cities average cost per mile was between 11 cents and 14 cents per mile. I guess that makes Cape Girardeau Regional Airport the most expensive also. Thanks for nothing, city fathers.

Different take

PUBLISHER HENRY J. Waters III of the Columbia Daily Tribune had a different take: "Trouble is the firewood sellers did not try to comply [with the rules]. They simply ignored the rules and now think the city should bend them. But, of course, the city should do no such thing. Proper government rule-making must be nondiscriminatory above all else. Would it make sense to allow scofflaw wood sales for one seller while enforcing rules on others?" Government heavy handedness? Or violation of rules? Can someone sell firewood without a license next to the Southeast Missourian?

Seeking justice

HOORAY FOR Detective Jimmy Smith. He is a good cop who believes in justice, not just the letter of the law.

How smart are we?

WHEN I go shopping or to a restaurant, I am annoyed by kids running wild and uncontrolled by their parents. This also happens in school. Ask any teacher. How do you think scores would turn out if all the adults in Southeast Missouri were required to take a Missouri standardized test? Most of us can't get past the first few questions of the game show "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-grader?" Bashing the schools isn't the answer.

Water, not juice

JUICE IT up? What kind of food advice is that to offer to young parents? Any dentist will tell you that the sipping all day of juices and carbonated beverages is incredibly damaging to anyone's teeth. Yes, toddlers need fruits and veggies, but juice should be lower on the list. Teach your children to drink water from the tap. That helps the planet too.