Speak Out 12/17/05

Liberal propaganda

A SPEAK Out comment confused me. When has anyone's Social Security check ever been cut? Everyone I know who gets one gets small but regular increases. The liberal propaganda machine is really working on this subject. The liberals have made everyone believe the President wants to cut Social Security, when all he wants to do is allow working people to invest a little of it on our own and on a strictly voluntary basis. What's wrong with that?

Tough on young drinkers

I CANNOT say enough about judges who stand their ground on the new drinking and driving laws. It is true that law enforcement, judges and parents need to work together and teach children the law and its consequences. The worst thing parents can do is to make excuses and get their babies off the hook by paying lawyers to look for loopholes. Please, parents, practice some tough love. You are only hurting your child in the long run. If there are no consequences, why obey the law? This is a huge problem. So far the judges and law enforcement are on board.

Keep your seats

THERE WAS one suggestion in the Scott Moyers article on children and dining that was just plain nonsense. Children shouldn't be allowed to play under a table at a restaurant. It's nasty under those tables. That is no better than letting a child wander off. Children should be seated in their seats in a restaurant.

Angel search

PLEASE HELP me understand. My wife has a full-time job and makes $8 an hour. I'm out of work due to an injury. Is there any help out there? I would like to see my 7-year-old son and my wonderful wife have Christmas without an eviction notice. I am searching for an angel.

Taxing issues

THIS MORNING I saw a TV commercial attacking our friend, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson. The ad claimed Emerson was stealing from the poor and giving to the rich. That's all wrong. Everybody knows that when taxes are cut the federal government takes in more revenue. High-wage earners are paying a large percentage of the total tax bill.

Doesn't make sense

WHAT'S WRONG with this picture? The Hollywood left protested the death penalty for a convicted murderer who killed four people, yet they have no problem whatsoever with taking the life of a innocent, unborn child.

Wonderful feast

MUCH APPRECIATION and thanks to the Central Middle School and Central High School choirs. In a holiday setting, the old-timed madrigal feast provided an enjoyable evening. The lively festivities kept guests amused, and the guests were entertained well while they were eating a fabulous dinner. Student voices and their hospitality were outstanding. How blessed we are to have great and dedicated music teachers and helpers. Their long hours and tireless efforts are many.

Intersection lights

I WOULD hope that the Cape Girardeau County commissioners would see fit to install a street light at the intersections of U.S. 61 and Route Y, Route Y and County Road 301 and County Road 301 and County Road 302 before there is a deadly accident at one of these intersections. At least make them three-way stops. In the evening, it's difficult to see at these intersections if you're got headlights in front and in back of you.

Nativity tradition

THANK YOU, Jackson for continuing to display the Nativity scene with the figures that move in front of the courthouse. This Nativity set with the wooden barn has been displayed for as long as I can remember. Some of the wise men don't look as wise as they once were, but I always enjoy stopping and viewing it. Please continue to keep it as a Jackson Christmas tradition.

Evaluate administrators

IF SCHOOL administrative personnel are so scared of reverse evaluations by either parents or staff, then they should find another job. I am not an educator who will be led by a ring in my nose. Just as there are teachers who shouldn't be in the classroom, there are also administrators who have no business in their positions. There are evaluations that include both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. There are proper means of evaluations that can and should be used. Who better than teachers to evaluate administrators?

Nuclear support

MY HUSBAND has worked at nuclear plants for almost 20 years, and he is for nuclear power now more than ever. Why build another plant in Fulton? We need the money and jobs in this area desperately. Why not build one here? Let's quit taking for granted that what environmentalists say is correct. Let's do the research and bring less expensive power, more jobs and money home here in the Bootheel.