Speak Out 01/06/04

Restrict divorces

WHY DOESN'T state Rep. Jason Crowell propose a constitutional amendment to eliminate no-fault divorce in support of the family?

Time for a break

EVERYBODY IS growling and griping about state employees getting an extra holiday. They haven't gotten a pay raise in two years. It's about time they got a break.

Forcing beliefs

IT IS not always that easy to determine just who is forcing their beliefs, agenda and lifestyles on whom. Often those who complain the loudest that others are forcing their beliefs, agenda and lifestyle on them are at the same time trying to force theirs on others.

Bring back Nativity

OUR GRANDCHILDREN thoroughly enjoyed our Nativity scene. When they came over for Christmas, the Nativity scene had been stolen, and they were thoroughly disappointed. I wish the person who took it would bring it back. We know it was probably a foolish prank or something like that, and we forgive whoever took it.

A delight to read

ON YOUR Voices of 2morrow, Emily Hendricks is absolutely wonderful. She is such a refreshing, wise and considerate young lady. Her sense of humor is great. It's just a delight to read her articles.

Keep them coming

HEIDI HALL, thank you for your unique columns these many years. I always looked forward to Wednesday because of your special twist to everyday happenings. Please tell us you will continue to write your column from Florida.

Poles are eyesores

I THINK the electrical poles they're putting on East Main Street in Jackson ruin the look of the city.

Doctors don't listen

WHATEVER HAPPENED to the good old days when doctors listened to their patients? The real problem with medical care in this country -- and this community in particular -- is that doctors don't listen. The doctors may know all there is to know about medicine, but they don't know their patients if they don't listen.

Where's the beef?

I CAN'T believe that there's anybody dumb enough to think he can get mad cow disease by eating any beef bought in the grocery stores.

Saved by grace

TO THE person who says we stop being sinners when we accept Christ: We accept Christ so we can ask for forgiveness. Christ is the only one who doesn't sin. Like it says in the Bible, if we say we do not sin we deceive ourselves. Christ died for our sins. Everybody is a sinner. We can become sinners saved by grace.

Decorations stolen

I'M DEFEATED. I've put out Christmas decorations every year for the past 18 years. I've had objects stolen time after time. I've always said I'll try again because I thought there were more good people than bad people. Apparently I'm wrong. I've never seen the likes of it. Apparently the police can't do anything about it. It really makes me angry, and I have a very dim view of Cape Girardeau.

Tavern shootings

BLACK PEOPLE need a place to go just like white people. You didn't close Ed's Bar down after the shooting there. You didn't close the Players' Lounge down after the shooting there. So, what's the problem? This is a racist town, and I don't think that's fair. Don't try to make the Taste into a bad place.

Sneaky city council

THE SOUTHEAST Missourian reported that councilman Matt Hopkins said the tax proposal for the fire department would help the city's general budget because the fire department would not have to be budgeted for. What a sneaky way to get what the council wants even though the taxpayers said no last April.