LETTERS: MORE ON AMENDMENT 7 ISSUES AS ELECTION DAY DRAWS NEARER

Here are excerpts from the latest bach of Hancock II letters:

... It's time for Mel Hancock to be honest with the voters of Missouri. Amendment 7 is not about giving voters the right to decide on future tax increases. If it were that simply there wouldn't be any opposition to it. In reality, Amendment 7 is a mean-spirited blood feud being waged by Mel Hancock and his wealthy friends against the Missouri Constitution, the Missouri General Assembly and Gov. Carnahan. Tragically, millions of innocent Missouri citizens are caught in the crossfire.

DARLENE SANDERS

Sikeston

... Call it performance-based education, mastery learning or outcomes-based education, they all have the same objectives and the same consequences. SB 380 was passed in 1994. This bill is connected with the federal law Goals 2000. Did you vote on SB 380? Would you like to vote when, what, where and who has connections with your children in the school system? We have to vote yes on Amendment 7, or we will basically turn our children and our local schools over to government control.

DONNA MILLER

Cape Girardeau

... I am just as confused as ever. Whom can we believe? As a concerned citizen, I don't want to do anything to hurt our schools or law enforcement, but I am also convinced that it is too easy for government, rather than make tough cuts and live within their budget, to raise taxes.

I don't believe that if Hancock II passes 7,700 criminals will be released and 9,000 teachers will lose their jobs. We may be hurt more than I want by passing Hancock II, but still I don't believe the exaggerations. Whatever happened to integrity? Is truth on the endangered species list? As voters, we sure have our work cut out for us.

WILLIAM L. BURKE

Cape Girardeau