They work for the taxpayers

I WORK for a company here in town and managed a successful business for 25 years. They didn't name this business after me, and the person who's taken over my place has done a good job and increased the business. I do not understand why for some reason we think, because someone works for the school system, they should be entitled to have the building named after them. They're hired. They're paid to do a good job. It's a necessary job, and most of them do a very good job. But for some reason we have the idea that these buildings and everything in them are because of these people. The taxpayers paid for these buildings. They're only doing the jobs that they have been paid for. A lot of good people don't have buildings named after them, but it's always the ones who work for the taxpayers for some reason we feel like the buildings should be named after them. I don't see it.

Character in public

IT'S PRETTY bad when you have a president who does things his own party is ashamed and embarrassed to discuss but still supports him. Oh yes, it's his private life. I forgot. You only have morals and character in public life.

Casinos exist to make money

I WAS astounded by a telephone call regarding how I would vote on Amendment 9. Not once did the person calling mention that it was about riverboat gambling. Instead, he focused on jobs and education. As was stated in an editorial a while back in the Southeast Missourian, the money the state receives from riverboat gambling is a very small percent as it concerns a total state budget. Gambling addiction is growing and can be devastating to families when money is gambled away and families go hungry. Is this what we want for our children? I am further amazed at their audacity in portraying themselves as concerned for the public welfare. The bottom line is they are in the business of making money.

Religion and oppression

TO THE person who said the Bible doesn't change: The Bible has been rewritten many, many times. There are even books of the Bible referred to that have never been found. Stop using your religion to oppress people. That is not God's plan.

Looking for more Speak Out

I AM calling in response to the person that doesn't like the idea of increasing the size of Speak Out. I suggest that he not read it. I and all the people I know look forward to look at more of an increase. Also, I'd like to suggest while I'm calling that you should have a rule that the people who call in should be required to give their name.

REPLY: Callers are encouraged to leave their names and phone numbers when they call Speak Out. This is so we can call back to clarify comments that are garbled in the recording process. Many times, calls aren't published because the transcriber can't understand the caller. However, we will continue to publish Speak Out comments anonymously.

Going with the president

MY NEIGHBOR said she would be through with President Clinton if the accusations between him and Monica were true, but when the president admitted the affair she said he was framed and it wasn't his fault. Now she says she will follow President Clinton to hell. I think she will.