Speak Out A 04/21/03

Insufficient security

IF THE reason we went to war was to make life better for the Iraqis, why did we not do anything to provide security forces to prevent the looting of hospitals and historical treasures?

Looking for money

SITTING HERE with a painful, crippling disease and, like so many Americans, having no health insurance, I'm having a hard time seeing money go to foreign countries for any reason when our government obviously cannot afford to keep its own citizens healthy. Funny how government agencies can come up with money for some things but not for others.

Afraid costs will go up

IN RESPONSE to the editorial "Merger idea deserves a little more thought": This editorial points out what I have been saying since this story about the proposed merger of the University of Missouri and Northwest Missouri State University came out. I wish we could get this kind of coverage at Northwest Missouri. As an out-of-state student, it would cost me more than twice as much to go to the University of Missouri-Columbia than Northwest, and I'm afraid that level of tuition would follow a merger.

Destroying the myth

PLEASE QUIT harping on how to improve MAP scores and simply do away with the test. We have long believed in the credo that though other schools are having problems, our own local schools are in great shape. MAP scores are destroying that myth, and we can't have it.

New Beatles hit

I WAS very inspired by Jack Stapleton's rant about President Reagan and other conservatives who failed to convince people that government problems can best be addressed at the local level with strong local taxpayer support, a process called devolution. In fact, I was so moved by Stapleton's column, I am writing a song about its theme. Though the lyrics are different, the tune will be the same as the Beatles classic "Revolution." It will begin with, "You say you want some devolution. Well, well, you don't."

University economy

I THINK that Southeast Missouri State University should consider joining the University of Missouri system in the same manner that Northwest is considering. I read with great interest the article about how this would not remove bureaucracy from Southeast but would simply add to it. I strongly disagree. It would be a great approach to have one higher education system in this state and not several boards of regents, several overpaid university presidents and hordes of overpaid administrators sucking Missouri taxpayer dollars.

Perry's military

I WOULD like to pay tribute to former secretary of defense William Perry. It was Perry who molded the U.S. military machine into the most mighty the world has ever seen. Perry served as secretary of defense under President Clinton.

Make a donation

TO ALL these people whining because the tax votes didn't pass: Why don't you all start making big donations to the city if you want them to have all their stuff?

We need the U.N. now

ONLY UNDER United Nations supervision can Iraq possibly recover from the invasion and devastation that the Bush war has visited upon it. Only the United Nations can ensure that peace and tranquility return to the land. Continued U.S. domination will only cement the perception that this was an empire-building land and oil grab.

Balkan intervention

DAVID LIMBAUGH'S off-the-cuff contention that U.S. intervention in Kosovo was not in the national security interest betrays a mind-boggling lack of knowledge concerning the consequences of conflicts that have the potential to spread from the Balkans.

A church's support

TO SAY it has not been hard having a son in the war for Iraq's freedom is not being truthful. It is hard not knowing where your son is or if he is safe. I am so thankful, though, for my church family that has been there for us and others who have children in the Middle East. They have sent cards to us and our sons. They have asked about our sons and about us. They have above all else prayed for our sons and us. That is what has made this easier. First Baptist Church of Jackson is a wonderful family. Thank you to everyone for your prayers. I am thankful for each member of my church family.

Snake Hill and MAP

A POEM for your enjoyment:

The MAP is a test of student skill.

It doesn't wind 'round like old Snake Hill.

The MAP is as straight as straight can be.

Snake Hill has to go 'cause it's too curvy.

Getting the point

THE PARENTS in Scott City need to support the school board. It's lunacy to say that something dangerous has gone on for years and should be left alone. These parents complaining about games being canceled are missing the boat. The problem isn't that the games were canceled, the problem is the kids were illegally drinking alcohol and there were adults present who condoned it. What is the world coming to?

World fears a bully

MIGHT DOES not make us right. It just makes us victorious. When the bully has beaten up his victim, the world does not rally to congratulate the bully, but it does fear him more.

Reason to be proud

AFTER WATCHING news reports the last 10 years about what they claim is the norm -- teen dropouts, drugs, prisons full and so on -- I was impressed to see our young folks in the military knowing their jobs and showing their love for their country. How proud am I and secure and revitalized. "Anything goes" isn't what most Americans want for the future.

Don't worry, be happy

I WASN'T aware that Cape Girardeau had a regime. Last year, there was an election for a mayor. People freely went to the polls and elected a new mayor. You can always be down on your leadership, or you can find ways to support them and look for ways to make your community better. I think the people pretty well spoke when they elected our current mayor. As the Bobby McFerrin song goes, "Don't worry, be happy."

30 bags of trash

DRIVING INTO Cape Girar-deau on Route K Tuesday, there was a group of young folks picking up that unsightly trash thrown out by uncaring motorists. As I was coming back, I counted 30 trash bags. Some people don't seem to be thankful enough for the beautiful countryside. By their littering, they make it an eyesore. Thanks for those concerned volunteers who try to keep the roadsides pleasant for the travelers.

Let Saddam pay

REGARDING THE rebuilding of Iraq: Saddam Hussein, through his murdering, repressive regime and threats to use mass destruction, caused the destruction, so his oil wealth should be used to reconstruct Iraq for the Iraqi people. They suffered under his regime. Now they should get relief from Iraq's resources.

Thanks for concert

I WANT to thank all the students from Jackson High School and their music teacher, and want them to know how much I enjoyed their concert. I also want to commend the teacher for her selection of beautiful songs of praise to our God. Thank you so much, and God bless you all.

Avoiding death

IF WE had had parents who let us have parties at their house, the two people I went to high school with who were killed while driving home from field parties might not have died.