Speak Out 1/28/09

Landlord breaks in

MY landlord came to my house today. I'm a stay-at-home mom. I asked him to come back when my fiance was there. I felt uncomfortable that he was there. He broke in my kitchen door. I called the police department. The police said he should have reasonable access to get into the apartment, even though he broke in. I know that's not correct. I feel like my rights have been violated.

Security issues

I want to congratulate the new Obama administration on this success: North Korea, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, according to the Southeast Missourian, have all given accolades to the new administration. He must be proud. To top it off, we're going to close the facility holding terrorists in Guantanamo Bay. Way to go. I feel so much more secure now that Obama is in office.

Unequal treatment

HOW interesting it was to read the editorial that declared how wrong it was for Rod Jetton to strip Scott Lipke of one of his committee chairmanship and how now the editorial board was glad Lipke got his committee duties back. What is even more interesting is the same thing was done to Commissioner Jay Purcell by Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones, and the newspaper has nothing to say about it. People of this town expect more from the Rust family. It's a shame we are not getting it.

Straight-A

I find it amazing that someone can try to blame the date of a final for a poor finals grade. Funny how my straight-A student got straight-A grades on all of her finals.

Waitress remembers

I used to be a waitress because I loved the atmosphere. I loved to work with the public. It was not based on how much I made. I would have good days and bad days. Sometimes I would get a $1 tip on a $30 meal with excellent service. Now that I am the customer, if I get poor service the waiter or waitress will get only a 10 percent tip -- or less if it was horrible service. The way I see it, if you cannot afford to tip your waitress a decent tip, then you cannot afford to eat out.

Bush will be missed

THANK you, President Bush. You will be missed.

Health overhaul

COMPARED to other advanced countries, America's health care isn't all that hot. Virtually all citizens agree that the system needs a massive overhaul. There is disagreement as to how this can best be accomplished. President Obama's proposal is a good step in the direction of what I hope will become a universal, single-payer health program. Please support the president's proposal.

Test timing

EVERY study ever done on the scheduling of tests, including finals, has shown that gaps of off time significantly and negatively impact student performance. Experts agree that testing over material -- even material that is learned, not just memorized -- should take place in a timely manner. Jackson administrators are ignoring all data when they schedule finals as they do.

Poor performance

THE Missouri Division of Employment Security has to be the most inefficient state agency we have. Why is it taking up to eight weeks for people to receive a check? It's because the division is so automated it can't handle the change. You cant get through on the phone. The website is useless. If division workers were laid off for a while, they would understand the needs of the people who are unemployed.

University parking

REGARDING the Southeast Missouri State University request to add stoplights at Broadway and Henderson Avenue. All that's needed are pedestrian lights for students to cross Broadway from the proposed parking lot on the south side. I would propose an even better idea of constructing another parking garage on the south side and building a walkway over Broadway.