Speak Out 12/13/08

Root of the problem

WHY DO articles about why schools are experiencing decreasing ACT scores, fewer graduates and increased dropout rates not give the principal cause of these deteriorating results? Why not show the direct relationship between such results and the increased number of children born outside traditional marriages? These children typically lack proper supervision, which results in increased learning difficulties, higher crime rates and greater poverty. Wouldn't this problem best be improved by addressing this issue before advocating more government spending by expanding alternative education center, hiring social workers and adding special classes?

Voting for bailout

REGARDING THE House vote for the auto bailout. U.S. Rep Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau voted once again with the Democrats to hand out $15 billion more of our hard-earned tax dollars. She voted for the $700 billion banking bailout. Now she has voted for a $15 billion auto handout. How disappointing that our representative was one of only 32 Republicans voting for this outrageous measure.

Holding up a mirror

REGARDING THE comment about comedians from yesteryear: Listen to the innuendo and double entendre of some of those jokes. I'd also like to point out how racist, sexist and antisemitic a lot of those jokes were. Why do plays and movies have to make statements all the time? Because the writers and directors want to hold a mirror up to the audience. If you don't like it, look away.

Flags at vets home

TO THE person who said no one else displayed flags on Pearl Harbor Day, you'd better look closer next time. The Missouri Veterans Home was flying the flags at half-staff in remembrance of our veterans on Pearl Harbor Day as well.

Excellent concert

THE OAK Ridge Boys concert was excellent. I wish that the Show Me Center had advertised it more. There were many people who did not know about the concert.