SPEAKOUT

Improve mascot instead of changing

I'M CALLING concerning the mascot change at Southeast Missouri State University. For years we've been known as the Indians and Otahkians. I think it's a shame that that's going to change. I don't understand why we just don't change our image as the mascots, maybe learn a little more about the Indians and make it more realistic. I don't think it's disrespectful to the Indians if we do it that way.

Help in the rough times

I'D LIKE to say thank you to pretty wonderful friends and neighbors. After we lost our husband and dad, these people have been the greatest. Some of them have taken me to the doctors many times. Neighbors have helped with grass cutting. Others just call to check that I am OK. Some call to just say "hi" or "let's go out for a while." They were in there helping in the rough times. I don't want to say who those people are. Let many, many people think "they mean me." These people have been here for me with support and many prayers. Last and not least, thanks to our pastor who is a very special servant of God and the people of our church. My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

Paycheck is returned

I WOULD like to say thank you to the gentleman who picked up my paycheck that I dropped in Chan's parking lot the other day and turned it in. Without that, I would have been out a lot of money. Thank you very much.

Neighborhood kindness

WE WANT to thank our good neighbor, Mr. Ed Ringwald, for all of his Random Acts of Kindness in our neighborhood.

Don't fly ripped flag

I THINK it's pretty pitiful for anybody to have an American flag flying that's ripped up. It looks pretty pitiful. I'd like to see it taken down and a new one put up.

Don't change the mascot

I'M A student at Southeast Missouri State University. I was calling in regard to the story in the paper about the university finding a new mascot. I do not agree with this opinion. The school should stick with the Otahkian and Indian logos. It would be bad for spirit, which is already declining as it is, and if they really want to be politically correct, they should stop burning coal and sulfur in their power plants. That creates greenhouse problems.

Ridiculous argument

THE ARGUMENT that the administration of Southeast Missouri State University is having over the mascots, the Indians, is ridiculous. There are several, if not many, professional sports teams that have Indian or Native American mascots. To name a few, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Washington Redskins, the Cleveland Indians and the Atlanta Braves. If the school would like to spend money on something that would help us, maybe they should change their course, because the numerous dollars and hours that are being spent on the proposal of a "Sun" mascot are ridiculous.

Thanks for the sodas

I WOULD like to thank the wonderful woman in the red car who paid for my and my mother's sodas at a convenience store. This is a wonderful act of kindness.

A really big heartland

JUST ONE more time on this heartland thing. When the federal building was blown up in Oklahoma, they said, "Terrorists have struck at America's heartland." I was watching a football game from Ohio, and they said it was being played in America's heartland. I've heard this in different states. Unless you live in a coastal state, you are considered America's heartland.

Help the needy instead

TODAY I was given a balloon while I was stopped at red light on Broadway. It was being given out by the United Way employees. This was nice, but I really don't consider this an act of kindness. I believe an act of kindness is when you help another person, and I believe the United Way could have used that money to buy needy families clothes or food. They should think about that next time and really do an act of kindness.

SEMO made right decision

I'VE HEARD the best news today that I've ever heard when Ron Shumate and company got canned. I think SEMO is headed in the right direction.

Voluntary giving

I DO not believe in taking from the rich and giving to the poor. That is socialism. If the rich inherit whatever they have, that is all well and good. If they hold on to it, that may be a different story. That should be good too. They can pass it to their heirs. But some of the rich people are not smart enough to hold on to their money, so they too lose it. But it is wrong to take from those who have to give to those who have not unless it is voluntary.

Disagrees with statements

I CAN'T believe that Ron Shumate would make the statements he ever made. No. 1, he hasn't never helped anyone graduate. They've had to do it themselves. And No. 2, he does not care about the kids. That's why he's where's at today.

Shumate is Mr. Basketball

I JUST cannot believe that the university is terminating basketball coach Ron Shumate. I remember when Shumate started here in 1981. He has put Southeast Missouri State University on the map, built the Show Me Center and has been nothing but Mr. Basketball at Southeast Missouri State University. I'm not aware of all the facts involved, but I cannot think that there would be anything that would substantiate and justify such an action. We're needing an athletic director. I think the answer, maybe to both situations, is to change Coach Shumate to Southeast's athletic director. Any other comments from anyone out there would be greatly appreciated.

Compliment for photographer

I THINK that photographer Don Shrubshell does a great job. He has great photos in the paper.

No more SEMO donations

I WILL never donate anymore money to Southeast Missouri State University due to the firing of Coach Shumate. I think in time you will find I will not be the only one that feels this way. I know that some of the reasons the university are reporting aren't all true.

Shirley Young deserves credit

I WAS very pleased to read your article about Shirley Young. I've known her husband since childhood and Shirley since college. We are fortunate to have her represent our town, Scott City. If some of us would do half what she does, what a splendid little town this would be. Thank you for recognizing Shirley. The facts are all true.

Undiplomatic headline

I'M NOT a big fan of Ron Shumate, but I think your headline in Friday's paper is very cold. I think the word dismissed would just as well to use it as the word that you used. That would call for a little diplomacy.

An Oriental mascot?

REGARDING THE new proposed SEMO logo of the Sun: I don't think it appropriate because a majority of our students are not Oriental. Yet.