Speak Out 02/21/04

Tougher immune systems

POLIO HAS not been wiped out. Numerous cases have been reported in Third World countries. It could re-emerge anywhere at any time. The one immunization I question is mumps-measles-rubella. I believe these childhood diseases may help us to have stronger immune systems and be better able to fend off infections.

Kerry's war record

THE HEADLINE on the Opinion page questioning John Kerry's anti-war activities in light of his military service was a real no-brainer. Who better to challenge a senseless war than someone who has suffered the wounds and watched his comrades die in something that's so needless and unnecessary?

Jobs drying up

BEFORE THE Civil War, most Americans derived their income from farms. When the industrial revolution began after the Civil War, jobs began shifting from farming to manufacturing. During the last couple of generations, jobs have been shifting from manufacturing to the service industry. It irks me to hear Democrats try to make political hay over the loss of manufacturing jobs when, in fact, these jobs have been drying up for 40 years under both parties and will continue to do so regardless of who is the next president.

Where's the mud?

I BOUGHT my daughter who lives in Florida the Cape Girardeau Christmas ornament. I had saved the ornament until she came up to visit. The ornament shows the new bridge. Underneath it is bright blue water. What happened to the muddy Mississippi? It's really funny to see the water painted bright blue like the ocean. What in the world happened?

Setting the standard

I LIVE in Delta. I've always been proud of our school and faculty, but there's an underlying issue that concerns me. Some students are not being held to school policies concerning drinking and behavior. This is sad, but knowing the administration is allowing this is sad also.

Cuts at the golf course

I'VE BEEN wondering why in all the Cape Girardeau cutbacks being discussed that no one has mentioned the municipal golf course. Maybe that white elephant could be handled a bit less expensively.

What does he do?

I READ with interest where the legislature is considering a bill that would allow Cape Girardeau county raise the county treasurer's salary. The last two treasurers we've had in Cape Girardeau County are fine men. However, I wonder about just what the treasurer has to do. My understanding is the treasurer does whatever the commissioners tell them to do and writes checks. I really don't understand why that's such a tough job.

Weigh the risk

POLIO HAS not been eliminated. In fact, it's on the rise right now. As far as vaccinations, a lot of the things that we're vaccinated against are mutating, and the vaccinations aren't doing any good. Sometimes they do more harm than good. Yes, parents should weigh the risk of vaccination.

How much is enough?

GEORGE WILL had 28 questions for John Kerry. I'd like to share two of them: "You say the rich do not pay enough taxes. In 1979, the top 1 percent of earners paid 19.75 percent of income taxes. Today they pay 36.3 percent. How much is enough? You say federal government is not spending enough on education. President Bush has increased education spending 48 percent. How much is enough?" I'd like to ask all the candidates, politicians and taxpayers the same questions.

Looks like bragging

WHEN YOU perform a kindness for others, let them tell it. When you tell it, you come off looking like a braggart.

Don't make teachers pay

TEACHERS AND administrators shouldn't have to pay for parking at school. There's already a controversy over whether teachers are paid enough.