SPEAKOUT

I JUST WANT to say that I'm really upset over the witch hunt for David Stewart that's going on. I didn't even know there was a Center for Earthquake Studies until I read about David Stewart. I didn't know, having lived in Cape all my life, that we had over 200 earthquakes on the New Madrid Fault a year until David Stewart told us. I didn't even know how to prepare for an earthquake, or have any knowledge or concern until David Stewart informed me, and I think it's terrible that we're taking a man in our community and trying to discredit him. It's just totally incredible what we're doing to this man. I can't believe the people at Memphis State cut off contact with him. I can't believe they wait until right before the event is supposed to happen and then come out and try to make themselves look good and discredit him. I think we're doing a real discredit to this man, who has sincerely tried to help this community. Thank you.

I WAS GLAD to see that I was not the only one offended by Dr. Crowe's ridiculously sarcastic remarks in the Public Mind last week. I think he should have thought twice, maybe even three times, before placing his childish remarks in the paper and continuing the stupidity of the press' heyday with the earthquake situation. They say wisdom comes with age. Let's hope so for Dr. Crowe's sake. Thank you.

I'D LIKE TO ask our mayor in Scott City why the people shouldn't have been told about the stealing in the police department. She tried to hide it and I'd like to know why. Thank you.

I WOULD LIKE to thank the person who found my set of keys. God's blessings.

CONCERNING THE RAISE of golf fees at the city-owned golf course: As a senior citizen I've paid taxes for over 40 years. I can't play softball or soccer anymore, all of which, of course, are free. I play golf for enjoyment and exercise. It's a shame that the golden years are attacked by our city officials while younger sports are free.

I FEEL I must speak out concerning the disgraceful beating Dr. David Stewart and Dr. Iben Browning are taking over Dr. Browning's earthquake projection. Dr. Browning never said there would be an earthquake on Dec. 3. He said there was the probability of an earthquake in the 30- to 60-degree-latitude range, which includes Japan, California and the New Madrid Fault 48 hours either side of Dec. 2. I would say that he hit it fairly close with two in Japan and one in Alaska, all within this range. The media picked up on this and blew it all out of proportion as they normally do everything. As far as panic, where are these people? Most of the people I know are grateful for the projection, as it has prompted them to take steps to prepare for any emergency. Most have a healthy concern and are not panic stricken. In my opinion, Dr. Browning's method should be studied. Perhaps he has something the so-called scientific community doesn't have. They could just join forces on making earthquake predictions. Frankly, I think he is so far ahead of them that this is what is bothering them. I can remember when severe thunderstorms or tornadoes could not be predicted; but due to study and modern technology, we now have almost-to-the-minute warnings. Are we going to banish Don McNeely, Brian Alworth or Bob Reeves because often their predictions do not materialize? I know people who panic over this all the time. I for one commend Dr. Stewart and Dr. Browning and hope that people who are totally against them will carefully study the situation and realize what a great service they have done for our community. Both are intelligent, educated and fine gentlemen. Dr. Browning has been a great service in the medical field and has other outstanding inventions. He is a serious scientist and he warrants our respect. Thank you very much.

I HAVE HAD all I can take of this John Martin incident. I am sure Mr. Martin, as well as the rest of us, were taught to respect the law. If I'm stopped or told I am doing wrong, I will abide by the law, and not try to rebuke the officer for doing his job. By the way, have you any idea what policeman get paid in this town? How would Mr. Martin like to hear back talk and abuse constantly for eight hours a day for that pay? Face it, Mr. Martin, you were wrong, and evidently you were never satisfied, as shown in all the letters to the editors you write. So you do owe Mr. Jordan an apology. I appreciate our police and our laws. Thank you.

I WONDER IF anybody out there in Speak Out land could tell me when the National Audubon Society is going to sell bird seed? Thank you, Speak Out.

I'M JUST CALLING to thank the news station out of St. Louis that spotted the missing family from Hayti. So, for the news station out of St. Louis, thank you and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I HAVE A large cistern out here. Can anybody tell me the best way to fill that. Would it be sand or chat or what? I'd appreciate any kind of comment. Thank you.