Speak Out A 01/18/01

Change the statue

I AGREE wholeheartedly with the decision of the New York Fire Department to have a statue depicting all races represented by their fire department in the bronze reproduction of the photograph showing three white firefighters raising the flag. In keeping with this valiant effort at political correctness and a fair representation of the races, I'd hope that the Civil War statue at the Common Pleas Courthouse in Cape would be changed so that the Civil War soldier would have an afro and be wearing a sombrero while simultaneously playing a sitar so that as many races as possible could be represented there as well.

They want it all

I HAVE to respond to the article concerning the debt of college graduates. Delayed gratification is the problem. They don't know how to do it. They think they have to drive nice cars and have cell phones. No sacrifices are made in lifestyle. In my opinion, that's the key.

Affordable tuition

I BELIEVE it's important that we have an alumni center at Southeast that will meet the needs of alumni living in the area. I'm proud of the education I received at Southeast. Those talking about transferring to another university ought to think very hard before they do that. Southeast has the lowest tuition of any of the other regional universities in the state and delivers an excellent education at a very low cost. One of the reasons that many of the buildings aren't in the best of shape is because the university is trying to maintain an affordable tuition.

Remember this word

THE ENRON debacle proves that corruption and greed transcend political parties. So if you want to keep bashing the Clintons, go ahead, but I've got one word for you: Enron.

Good for the farmers

BUD HUNT of the Daily Dunklin Democrat did a pretty good job of rationalizing the resumption of a limited economic relationship with the reprehensible regime in Cuba. Still, his elevation of potential economic gain for farmers over fundamental human rights was more than apparent.

Losing the benefit

WHY SHOULD Missouri taxpayers pay for Southeast Missouri State University if the graduates leave the state for employment? The graduates pay taxes to another state, yet the Missouri taxpayers pick up the tab.

Taking a break

I THINK it is less likely that we will soon be reading tributes to the alleged benefits of laissez-faire economics, even on the Opinion page of the Southeast Missourian, at least until the Enron scandal blows over.

Reason to agree

FOR THE first time I find myself agreeing with the concerns about individual rights and freedoms so eloquently expressed by Mary Nall. The reason is two words: John Ashcroft.

Eliminate the arts

ABOLISHING all fine arts offerings would be a good idea, because the most sophisticated, culturally advanced, and enriched nation in pre-World War II Europe was what became Nazi Germany.

Campaign advantage

A RECENT story claimed the Carnahan-Talent race in Missouri was a tossup. That was probably true until it came to light that incumbent Sen. Jean Carnahan returned a campaign contribution from later disgraced Enron executives. Thus, one suspects Carnahan's lead is currently in the double digits.

Lack of manners

I AT least have the human decency to remove my hat when I enter a building. There is a complete lack of manners these days, and I get tired of the rudeness I am confronted with daily.

Bending to pressure

PRESIDENT Bush is excited about money and testing for education because that is what the public wrongly wants.

MY COUSIN lives in Mexico as a missionary teacher, and I am repeatedly amazed at how lucky we are in the United States. The school he works at is in the middle of a very dry region and is quite susceptible to fire. Sadly, however, it can't afford fire extinguishers, so one little Mexican child a day has to be in charge of monitoring fires. If the student sees one starting, he starts yelling and alerting everyone to evacuate. I think it is so depressing that these people cannot even afford emergency equipment.

This is the goal

IT IS somewhat presumptuous to try to speak for prize-winning syndicated columnist Paul Greenberg. However, I will try to answer a question raised in Speak Out. A caller wanted to know what the Palestinians possibly stood to gain from ceasing terrorist attacks on Israel. Basically, it would be land, peace and, possibly, a Palestinian state.

Ketchup conundrum

I DON'T understand ketchup. I accidentally squirted some on my khaki pants. The stain won't come out. If they can make it red and green ketchup, why can't they make a clear ketchup?

Physical education

I THINK SEMO made a very sensible decision when it put Academic Hall at the top of a steep hill. Thus, students who walked there for classes were forced to, for their own good, get in good physical condition.