Speak Out 05/12/04

Support for Pilots

WHOEVER SUGGESTED the Pilots as the mascots for Southeast Missouri State University had a very good idea. It goes with the theme for the city. I hope they do that.

Repulsive actions

I THINK it's repulsive what these soldiers did to these prisoners in Iraq. But I think it's also repulsive the people thought it was their job to show the pictures to the world and damage our country like they have all over the world. This is something that's going to last for years and years that our children and grandchildren have to live with.

Lack of good applicants

LOSS OF jobs and unemployment are not the problem. The jobs are here. The problem is that competent people are not available to fill them. In an article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch titled "Jobs are here but not enough, not the skills to fill them," a survey showed there were 28,000 job openings in October. Only 20 percent of the companies surveyed said job applicants matched the required skills well or very well. Employers also asked to name the shortcomings they most often encounter. Lack of positive attitude topped the list followed by poor communication skills and a poor work ethic. This should be an indication to young people they should stay in school and get the best education possible, especially in relationships, community activities, skills and ethics and morality because the jobs are here.

Please repaint lines

THIS MESSAGE goes to Mayor Jay Knudtson and the city council. Would you please ask somebody from the city staff to see about getting the lines repainted on Mount Auburn Road from the new Independence Street intersection back to Route K. The lines have faded out to the point that you can't see the center lines where you use the turn lanes. It's very dangerous.