Speak Out 8/10/12

Farming laws

How ridiculous of the person to call in and say that farmers should sign something saying that farmers will not contribute to global warming. I have news for you: Get off farmers' backs. Thanks to farmers, we eat. Thank you so much, Mr. Farmer. Some of the laws they've made for farmers are ridiculous. My sister-in-law who's in the farming industry said they were telling her she couldn't stir dirt. Excuse me, that's what you do on a farm. You plow. You put in food. Some of these laws are getting pretty stupid.

Newspaper format

I'm calling to say I really like the new format of the newspaper. I like having the SemoEvents on the second page. I like the way the records page has been laid out with bigger print -- easier to read. Thank you for making this upgrade.

Parents' responsibility

The school district already provides a free breakfast and lunch at school, and now it has to provide free clothes, too. Where does the parents' responsibility come into play?

Property taxes

To the person who no longer has kids in school who believes they're having to pay property tax is socialism, think this through a little more carefully. When you were younger and your kids were in school, whose tax dollars did your kids benefit from? Yes, those who no longer had kids in school but who were still paying property tax. My dad always said that he always felt like in regard to personal property tax, you were paying for the generation behind you more than your own, since you generally had a smaller house and paid less taxes when your own family was young. It all evens out.

Ballot language

Can one safely assume that Robin Carnahan is trying to sabotage the vote on the health care act? She should be professional and objective in her ballot wording, not attempt to sway the outcome. Thumbs down to Carnahan.

Olympics, taxes

Medalists will have to pay hefty taxes for standing on the podium in London. It's not the value of the medal itself that will require a separate line on this year's tax returns; it's the tax on the prize money that comes with a gold, silver or bronze. You see, they are of the 99 percent and not the 1 percent. That is why they have to pay. That is so that Congress can vote themselves bigger raises, better health care and big pensions with a lot of days off during their terms. After all, what did the medalists do? They just worked hard every day to get to where they are and possibly win.

Wasting time?

Our Republican-led House hard at work to help America: In the 18 months the 112th Congress has been sworn in, the House has introduced 60 bills to rename post offices. Thirty-eight have passed the House and 26 have become law. During those 18 months, the House has produced 151 laws, 17 percent of which have been to rename post offices, according to Congressional Democrats. Not a single bill has come to the House floor aimed at reforming the U.S. Postal Service, which is bleeding billions of dollars because of congressional mandates. The middle class' hard-earned tax money at work.

Reasoning skills

Our society's problems stem from two simple criteria. So called educators do not teach inductive reasoning skills. Just watch the reality TV shows. For those who don't know what this is, it only proves my point. The second issue is people should mind their own business and stop ruining mine with all the intrusions that accompany a tyrannical dictatorship government.

Small-business man

Reality check. I have delayed plans to hire three people because of the additional payroll taxes and health care regulations and the additional taxes that come with it. I am just one small business among millions that provide the majority of jobs in this country. Business is not growing and expenses are higher. Your president wastes billions in taxpayer money on failed ventures and economic policies. The worst part is much of it is sent out of the country. And yet he keeps asking for more from those that already pay the majority of taxes that supports his entitlement programs. Now that is not fair or even logical.