Speak out 9/26/01

I WAS crushed to read the story in Friday's newspaper about residents of Sikeston throwing bottles and rocks at policemen. Someone slings a ball bearing at a car, shattering the window and injuring a baby in the back seat, and the people there defend the prime suspect by fighting police. I suggest the people of Sikeston come together. No time is right for such hooliganism, but to do so now is more damning.

Understanding crashed

THE STOCK market runs its course naturally, based on what buyers and sellers think is in their best financial interest. If Southeast Missourian editorialists don't know this and think large numbers of buyers and sellers are or might be motivated by patriotism, then your understanding of the stock market has, like we hope the stock market won't, crashed.

Weed cover

THE WEEDS in front of Cape's vo-tech building alluded to by a Speak Out caller are in some circles said to be a cover for what's inside. Carpeting, furniture and other administrative office accessories and niceties are purported to be comparable to treasures gracing the floors, walls, halls, and ceilings of the French palace retreat of one-time absolute monarchs at Versailles.

Bad idea

IT BORDERS on being anti-American for a Speak Out caller to suggest that, at this time of terror, SEMO eliminate its campus security.

Media to blame

THE THREAT isn't to our civil liberties but results from the ongoing assault on intelligence sources, methods of surveillance and classified information by irresponsible media. The media has too often patted itself on the back for exposing would-be secretive operations to protect the national interest. The chickens have come home to roost.

Donate refunds

CONSIDERING THE surprise that the events of Sept. 11 took us by, the government was unprepared to pay for such a catastrophe. I think it is only just and right that everyone, if they are able, donate their tax- cut refund check either to a victims' charity or back to the government in this time of need. I'm sure your generosity will be rewarded in the future.

Thanks for flags

THERE IS not enough Speak Out space to thank the Southeast Missourian for including in its distribution of Southeast Missourian newspapers for use in the classroom a parcel of paper American flags. The flags are being proudly displayed in classrooms, on classroom doors, in the hallways, on student lockers and in a variety of other appropriate places. Though made of paper, the degree to which they are being displayed clearly communicates that the U.S. is not a paper tiger.

Genetic programming

THERE IS no doubt that we are genetically programmed to seek retribution. Even the most sincere pacifists would likely agree that it is difficult to suppress the retributive impulse in times like these. However, whether we should follow that course in instinctual fashion may be subject to debate, though that seems the least likely thing to happen in the current environment characterized by, in many ways, justifiable and vengeful herd mentality.

Good coverage

I APPRECIATE the way the Southeast Missourian and KFVS have reported on local response to the terrorist attack. It's easy to criticize what you do, but you have helped us see the good happening here. I've lived in many parts of the country in both big and small towns, but the Southeast Missourian is the finest newspaper I've ever read. KFVS news is one of the best TV stations I've watched. Everybody is working hard. Keep up the good work.

Read carefully

LETTERS FROM Libertarians are instructive during this time of troubles. One should read them carefully, understand their recommendations and be resolved to do the exact opposite.