Speak Out 02/17/04

A big risk

TO THE woman who says to do more research before getting your children vaccinated: How would you like it if your child came down with polio? The disease has been completely eliminated because of the vaccine.

Student perspective

A STUDENT response to your headline that "Students benefit from tougher homework policy" might be that such a claim depends on whether or not you are an already overburdened student.

In the red

I THINK people are going to have to march on Washington and tell President Bush we're tired of the misinformation he's giving us. The Democrats had us out of the red. Now the Republicans are in, and they got us in the red. We're going to stay in the red for a long time.

Thanks for purse

I WANT to thank the very nice person who found my purse at Jackson Wal-Mart and turned it in to the desk. I am forever grateful. Thanks a million.

Viewing wildlife

BEING A nature person, my husband and I took a ride to the country west of here to see the falling snow -- Mother Nature at its best. We captured the sight of deer, rabbits and beavers. Out of nowhere, I spotted what I thought was a baby seal. My husband laughed at me, saying it was an otter. What a beautiful animal sliding through the water. I understand the conservation has stocked them in the area of Whitewater. Congratulations on preserving these endangered animals. We saw no mountain lions or coyotes. There's nothing like a lazy Sunday drive out of the city. Try it.

War records

THE WHITE House press secretary said questions about whether George Bush showed up for his National Guard duties constituted "gutter politics." A columnist in the Missourian says John Kerry was a virtual ally of Jane Fonda. Kerry was wounded three times in Vietnam, won a Bronze Star and a Silver Star and went back into hostile fire to get a man out of the water.

Protecting your pets

FEB. 14 is National Pet Theft Awareness Day. I just wanted to remind everyone of ways that they can protect their pets from theft. Never leave your pet outside unattended, especially in rural areas with few neighbors around. Do not let cats out to roam. Never leave a dog in a truck or a car unattended while you run errands. Make sure you lock the doors and allow for proper ventilation without making your pet accessible. Place locks on all your gates, fences and dog runs. Make sure your pet's wearing an identification tag. Have your pets microchipped. If you tattoo, use your Social Security number and place it in an area that is visible.

Blame NAFTA

I READ the comment about the all the jobs being exported to other countries, especially Mexico. I wonder if these people have thanked President Clinton for backing NAFTA.

Make more cuts

I WILL vote for a sales tax, but I will not vote for any other tax. I think it's time to get rid of Fire Station No. 3. The city manager can take a cut too. And let the fire chief and police chief take cuts. I think you ought to cut things like activities in the park. Kids get enough activities today. So cut it out.

School suggestion

SOMEONE SUGGESTED that students be charged for parking at Central High School. They already are. I still say is the biggest way to save some money is to get rid of some administrators at the central office.

Buy American

THERE'S NO point blaming the politicians. They're not the ones driving the foreign-made cars and buying the foreign-made clothes and shoes off the shelf. If you buy American, U.S. factories won't close. Don't blame the politicians.

Fix all the problems

IF A quarter-cent fire sales tax does so much, why not raise the fire tax a penny and take care of all the problems?