Speak Out 05/05/04

Pride and respect

I STARTED to say it has been interesting to watch and read reaction to the name change for SEMO. But it isn't anymore. Many who want change have stooped to twisting into slandering the pride and respect the university had for representing a proud people. Hate has raised it's ugly head. There are those who either don't understand or refuse to believe we were proud to remember our nation's American Indian.

Budget solution

THE EASIEST way to help with the city's budget crisis is to enforce the laws on loud mufflers. It would solve the noise pollution and the budget in one attempt.

No predators

AREN'T HAWKS and wolves predators? What would you use as a mascot, a hawk or a wolf? What would the name of the women's team be changed to? Lady Hawks? Lady Wolves? I don't mind if the name is changed from the Indians, but please come up with a more appropriate name for the teams. I also take offense to the remarks of the Speak Out caller who said Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties seem socially and culturally deprived and have rough, poorly educated, uncaring, insensitive bigots. Speak for yourself.

Express your views

I ATTENDED the forum held at Southeast Missouri State University regarding changing the mascot. Of the 75 to 100 people who were there, there was no one against the change. If people are against the change, they need to attend the meetings and discuss their views with the committee. After seeing the film last week regarding the Indians' point of view, I don't see how anyone would want us to continue to be insensitive to their feelings. Please attend the forum at 7 p.m. May 12 at Academic Hall.

Source of shame

I'M A senior at Southeast Missouri State University and have lived in the Cape Girardeau area all my life. When I read stories about state representatives from Southeast Missouri making fools of themselves in public, or when I read all of the hateful, closed-minded, mean-spirited comments in Speak Out, I am embarrassed to be from Southeast Missouri. Shame on all of the people who choose to be ignorant country bumpkins, and shame on the rest of us for doing nothing to stop it.

Fighting for freedom

AS THE wife of a soldier with the Missouri National Guard, I am tired of the media's portrayal of the war in Iraq. My husband was activated in March 2003, and he has had his tour extended. At no time have we questioned that this must be. All the reports of approval ratings and the administration's handling of this war are doing nothing but undermining the ability of the military to do what must be done to return home safely and to a safer America. Why would CBS want to do a story on the mistreatment of Iraqi POWs when they know it will inflame the Iraqis even more? How dare they put my husband in more danger. This negative portrayal of the war was just what my husband feared the most. Our husbands, fathers, sons, wives, mothers and daughters will have sacrificed a part or all of their life for nothing if a free Iraqi government that is non-hostile to the rest of the world is not established.

Symbol of strength

THE GOLDEN Eagles will never be considered as the mascot name for Southeast Missouri State University. The marching band is named the Golden Eagles because the golden eagle was traditionally a bird that was thought of as a symbol of strength and power to the Indians. For an Indian to receive a golden eagle feather was supposedly one of the highest honors. Leave the team names the way they are.

Bad timing

I WOULD like to know whose idea it was to have the open forum on the mascot change at noon on a weekday? It isn't possible for those who are working to save and pay for their children's rising college tuition at this fine institution to attend this forum. I think that is a shame, seeing as though my hard-earned money is funding this political correctness mess anyway.