Speak Out 11/08/04

Religious guidance

HOW DISAPPOINTING to read that a church member is indignant about finding an election flyer on the windshield of his car on the church parking lot. The flyer promoted no individual or party. He called his church a "sanctuary." He has confined his religion so that it is manageable in his life. My faith teaches that it is a way of life and should be my guide at home, work, in my political judgments, in my leisure or whatever my circumstance. My church is not a sanctuary. It is a place to gather with fellow believers to praise and thank God for all his mercies and blessings and seek his guidance and graciousness in all my thoughts, words and deeds as I journey through life.

Rude behavior

IT'S NOT so much the clothing issue for the Southeast Missouri State University campus. It is more of an issue about social skills and manners. Students today are lacking good manners. It is inappropriate and rude for students to talk on cell phones while a professor is teaching. The young adult generation is made up mostly of individuals who were never disciplined appropriately as children. They were shown that their rude behavior is acceptable and was tolerated by their parents. Now they are having a rude awakening in the real world. I am a college student, and I want to learn about my subject without having classmates talk to their friends.

Taxpayer control

TO THE person who said college students should be able to wear what they want because of the money they pay. I'm helping pay their way too with the taxes I pay, so they should wear what I tell them to wear.

Satisfying results

MY SIX most satisfying results of the recent election: 1. President Bush was re-elected. 2. Matt Blunt was elected governor. 3. (tied) Peter Kinder was elected to lieutenant governor and Tom Daschle was defeated. 5. Sarah Steelman was elected to state treasurer. 6. Mel Martinez won the very close race for Florida senator.

Total insensitivity

WHAT WERE the Missourian writers and editors thinking with the graphic description of child sexual abuse in Friday's paper? We don't need to read that while eating our Wheaties. Glen Allen is a small community, and that family lives there. Treat their family crisis with more respect. Once again the Missourian shows total insensitivity.

Pets aplenty

I HAVE a black cat that I adopted from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. She is a sweet little timid kitty. For those of you that want a pet, go to the humane society and get one. It is well worth it. These animals have nothing but love to give. A note to seniors: Senior pets are usually a lot calmer than younger pets. If you're lonely, adopt a senior cat or dog. They may have medical problems, but they are the most loyal pets you'll ever have. To solve the pet overpopulation problem, spay or neuter your pet early. Your dear little furry companion lives a healthy and longer life if you do.