OpinionMay 28, 1999
SPEAKOUT
I WAS delighted to learn that Dr. Nitzschke is resigning as president of the university but terribly dismayed to learn that he is staying on as a fund raiser. He will bankrupt everyone in the city before we can get rid of him. THE SWEETHEART contract and backroom secrecy of the recent Nitzschke-Dobbins arrangement is characteristic of Democratic machine politics, not the administration of a comprehensive, regional university. ...Headed for bankruptcy
I WAS delighted to learn that Dr. Nitzschke is resigning as president of the university but terribly dismayed to learn that he is staying on as a fund raiser. He will bankrupt everyone in the city before we can get rid of him.
A Democratic scheme
THE SWEETHEART contract and backroom secrecy of the recent Nitzschke-Dobbins arrangement is characteristic of Democratic machine politics, not the administration of a comprehensive, regional university. It raises questions regarding the judgment of the regents in general and Mr. Dickerson, in particular. Of course, governor and senate hopeful, Mel Carnahan is ultimately responsible.
Plenty of good neighbors
I JUST wanted to report that I have some wonderful neighbors. It's just a continued act of kindness, especially for one of them. I have one across the street, Mr. Renfro. He brings my paper and puts it next to my kitchen door. And Miss Roe who lives next door makes it possible for us to still live alone. She takes us to the doctor, gets our groceries for us and takes us anywhere we want to go. Another neighbor on the other side calls to see how we're getting along. We're both in our 90s, and we're living alone. If it wasn't for our good neighbors, I don't think we'd be able to live alone like we do.
Keep on doing a good job
WELL WHAT a way to wind up Random Acts of Kindness Week with all of the comments from people who don't want to receive the paper anymore because of a girl graduating with her child. How horrible. I have not been this incensed in years. This child had a child, yes. But she fought to stay in school and to graduate. We should praise her. I was very proud of her, and the picture was great. Southeast Missourian, you do a good job, and you keep on doing it.
An administrator's perspective
I'M CALLING because I was appalled at the number of Speak Out calls that the Missourian published that crucified the young lady graduate and the photograph on the front page. Let's take it from another point of view that I have as a school administrator, who by the way, had two lovely pictures of children on the front page. Everyone makes a mistake, but as a school administrator I see this young lady learning from her mistake and bettering her and her child's life by getting a wonderful education and not being someone who gave up on life. If it's someone's place to judge that, I think she has done a wonderful job. It would have been much easier to give up. Please, people in Speak Out, be more respectful to our young people and this young lady and this beautiful child. Apparently, the Missourian photographer has a better viewpoint on life for young people than the people who want to put her down. He must have a good and caring life. Thank you, Lou Peukert.
Long hours to repair lines
I SYMPATHIZE with the AmerenUE customers who still didn't have power restored after several days, but I have a friend who is a lineman in Jackson, and they had to work 32 hours straight. If they would have had to obey the labor laws, people in Jackson might still be without power.
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Thanks for quick response
I WANTED to thank the Jackson utilities department for getting my lights on so quickly after the storm. My power wasn't off very long, and I appreciate all the hard work for getting power back on so quickly.
Need better preparation
I'M CURIOUS if anyone else has had this thought. The recent storm, for the most part, was rather localized. I know AmerenUE worked its tail off attempting to restore power. The company even brought in crews from other areas. Still, my home was without power for 78 hours. My question is: What happens if a real tornado hits or if we have a strong earthquake? Frankly, I don't believe AmerenUE made a very wise decision to downsize, especially in a fault area. I think we should all be better prepared for a possible catastrophe. Plus, there is absolutely no way that I'm going to give Bill Clinton or Al Gore the pleasure of seeing me with my hand out to FEMA.
Need more energetic people
I'M SORRY Dr. Nitzschke is stepping down from being our university president. How sad it is that it seems in the school districts -- Jackson, Cape Girardeau and here at SEMO -- we can't seem to find people who look on the job than anything other a potential step to retirement. It's too bad that the university and the school districts are spending so much money to bring people in who, really, after a year or two are looking at retirement or semi-retirement. This is sad. Something needs to be done to find people more energetic about doing a job, even it does mean long hours.
School takes responsibility
WHAT A great state to live in. I just had a meeting at my child's school. Now the school and everyone else's tax dollars will pay for all of the special needs of my child. The school will pay for the prescription drugs, the diabetic test strips, the special meals, the eye exams, the dental exams and also the physical therapy and occupational therapy. What's even better is the therapist will come to school, even after school hours, and then the school has to bring my child home. The school will provide summer school for my average-intelligence child. This is so exciting. Now as a parent, I can have some of my own free time back. I don't have to be responsible for my child. I can count on everyone else's tax dollars to raise my child.
Three main errors
THE CALLERS should who have criticized the recent photo of the Delta High School student committed three main errors. They over-emphasized the effect of print media on adolescent behavior. They blindly passed judgment on a poor teen-age mother. And they failed to recognize the triumph of this story, namely the fact that this young woman has beaten the odds and has finished her high school education.
Don't allow censorship
ONE MORE thing about the senior and the baby picture on the front page of the Missourian, I implore you to please not let this small group of people who are complaining about it try to censure the newspaper. I don't like censorship in any form, and I think you should remember freedom of the press and print whatever you want to on the front page that is appropriate.
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