Speak Out 12/19/05

Awesome displays

WE TOOK a drive through Cape County Park to see the lights and Christmas displays. It is awesome. It just gets bigger and better every year. I'd like to say thank you all and God bless you to all those who participated in these displays. They're spectacular.

Wonderful show

I WOULD like to comment about the performance of the Bethel Assembly of God Christmas program. From humbug to hallelujah, it was a wonderful show, and everybody did such a great job. I would like the people to know what a great job they did.

All must sacrifice

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS won't mean much if the Patriot Act is not renewed and enforced against terrorists. Terrorists will destroy America and its rights if our country is not protected. In America's time of war, sacrifices are needed by everyone, not just by our brave soldiers.

Secular holiday

IN RESPONSE to the comment addressing "true believers of separation of church and state," many supporters of secularism are indeed good Christians, as were many of the Framers of our secular constitution. The Christmas holiday was not always so joyful as it is today. During early times, celebrations were forbidden by despotic theocracies. Many of the freedoms we now associate with Christmas came about as a result of moral, liberal, secular government.

Presents bring smiles

REGARDING THE giving of Christmas presents: My parents didn't have two nickels to rub together. My sisters, brothers and I used to go all over Cape Girardeau looking for old soft-drink bottles to cash in so we could go to McDonald's and get a hamburger. Christmas is about Christ being born and being kind to others. Buying presents is buying something that someone wants or needs. I give to a lot of charities, and once in a while when I see a homeless person, I'll buy them food and something to drink or give them money so they can get clothes or shoes or whatever they need. I like to see the smile on people's faces, and I like to make them feel good. I had a really bad childhood, and that's why I buy gifts: to make up for what I never had.

No more money

PRESIDENT BUSH has admitted that he had bad intelligence on going to war with Iraq. That ought to be the reason why Congress tells him no more money to fight this war.

Support new laws

WE ALL have to wake up to the dangers of alcohol, be it beer, wine or hard liquor. Alcohol is a mind-altering drug, no matter your age. Teenagers' brains are all still developing and extremely prone to damage and addiction. Please support the new laws. There is life without alcohol. I know. I am a 15-year recovering alcoholic, and it is the first drink that gets you.

Inequitable charges

A WOMAN is accused of attempting to bite an officer and to scratch another one, and she's charged with felony assault. Four football players are accused of beating and kicking two individuals, and they're charged with misdemeanor assault. This is ridiculous.

Not an easy schedule

MATT SANDERS' article, "A working mom's prerogative," was interesting. Perhaps his next story could be about those stereotypical stay-at-home moms. I'm been a working mom. I've been a stay-at-home mom. I'm currently a stay-at-home mom, and I've got news for Matt Sanders and modern working women. I doubt any of them could keep up with my schedule.

No help needed

KATHLEEN PARKER has rocks in her head. Most women in America are for choice or their rights even though some would never get an abortion. They still want to have that option. Parker is trying to make her own point. Hillary Clinton's not going to need too much help to be elected president. Everyone knows where she stands on the issue.