Speak Out 6/9/07

SINCE RETURNING from Colorado for my granddaughter's graduation and party, I read the article about the party at Sikeston. There were about 75 young people plus relatives and teachers at my granddaughter's party. No alcohol was served, even to the adults. Everyone drank lemonade or soda and ate lots of food. The main source of entertainment was volleyball. The young people stayed for 1 1/2 hours after the party was supposed to be over. So they must have been having a good time. Don't tell me it can't be done without alcohol. How did all these drinking teenagers get home?

THE NEWS about the resistant TB and this fellow coming in from Canada raises a lot of questions. His passport was swiped, and it indicated he was to be retained. The federal government does not do anything to these border guards. They should fire them and never let them be an employee of the government again. But they don't have the willpower to protect the Americans they claim they're trying to protect. They try to protect the person who creates the problem.

TO THE single mother with three children who is tired of reading about gasoline prices and says there's nothing she or anyone else can do: She and everybody else can do a whole lot by watching how they drive. They don't have to race getting away from a stop sign or stop light. They can go slowly and use less gas. When getting away from a stop sign or stop light fast, you're probably getting five or six miles per gallon.

I AM so tired of trying to dodge potholes, broken up concrete and raised concrete on Lexington Avenue from Perryville Road all the way to Kingshighway. Take some pictures to city hall and see if the city might send somebody out there to see what they can do about the problem. This is one of the most traveled streets in town.

I'D LIKE to offer my deepest sympathies to the Republican Party. Republicans are short of good candidates for the presidency if they want to bring Fred Thompson into the mix, The man served in the U.S. Senate for eight years and basically had a reputation for being a do-nothing. If that's the best the Republicans can get, God help them.

I WANT to comment about the war in Iraq. I backed President Bush all the way. Could we take a chance that Saddam didn't have weapons? But where I draw the line is imposing a government on these people. There are three groups of people over there. They should have three governments. Lots of people think that government that governs least governs best.

I WANT to thank the two boys who stopped and helped when I turned over my motorcycle on the Scott City on-ramp going toward Cape Girardeau. I appreciate them for stopping and giving me help. Thanks for staying and making sure I wasn't injured.

I WORK at a convenience store in Cape Girardeau. Some people who pull up to the window get out of their car to get their merchandise and pick up the change up on the ground. That belongs to the store and is considered stealing. I would appreciate it if you would leave it alone.

THANK YOU for The Best Years magazine that comes with the Southeast Missourian. I always enjoy reading the articles. This issue was one of your best. Thank you to all who contributed.

I WAS on Highway 72 on my way to Jackson when I came up on a small pickup going 40 mph. I pass the pickup, and the driver went nuts. He passed me, flipped me the bird, tried to hit my vehicle, got in front of me, slammed on his brakes and slowed down to 35 mph. I passed him again, and right before you come to that rickety bridge he passed me again and slammed on his brakes going up the hill. I passed him again. Then he passed me and tried to run me off the road. He was reaching underneath his seat. I didn't know if he was reaching for a gun or what, but I wasn't going to sit there and find out. I called the authorities, who told me if I get the plate number and see him again, they'll go speak with this person.

THANK YOU, Fathers Arms Fellowship Church in Scott City, for the wonderful outdoor gospel singing June 3. The weather, music and fellowship with others were so nice. I hope you do it again soon. It was so nice for the community and everyone who wanted to stop by and enjoy the wonderful music.

I JUST finished reading this month's issue of The Best Years magazine, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. Carolyn Pendergrass has been so interesting to follow with her studies at the university. My favorite authors have to be JoAnn Bock and Bill Springer. I was in school with both of them as students, and it brings back a lot of memories. I also enjoyed the modeling. That was great. I appreciate Paul Corbin's honesty in the "Widower's Lament." Thank you so much for bringing this in our homes each month. It really means a lot. I'm in my mid-50s, so I can relate to all that's in it.

I FEEL the May 29 "God's answer" column by Gary Rust was one of the most meaningful column I've seen in the Missourian in many a year. I only wish everyone would read this article and take action to reverse the tragic stupidity of throwing God out of schools and public life generally. Many of us agree 100 percent with what Rust said. Please keep up the good work. It's very much appreciated.