Speak Out 05/16/04

Whatever it takes

SO MANY Americans are outraged by the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, but where is their outrage when it comes to our soldiers and other Americans? Terrorists beheaded Mr. Pearle and Mr. Berg and crashed planes into our buildings and even blow up their fellow Iraqis. We need to do whatever it takes to win this war on terror.

Praise for bus system

I HAVE to commend the school bus system this year. It has been very consistent about being on time. Great job.

Great 'Aladdin'

CENTRAL JUNIOR High School really put on a nice "Aladdin." Hats off to the organizers who put it all together. It showed lots of happiness with the kids. All did a very nice job.

Setting an example

A UNIVERSITY is supposed to be a leader, a visionary. The Indian is wrong. Set an example, will you? Who knows, Jackson may rise to the challenge too and do what is right.

Time to fix street

WHEN IS someone going to fix the street behind the new bowling alley in Jackson? I think it's way past time for it to be fixed.

Covering the abuse

HOW DARE anyone judge the right of the media to air information about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners? We aired Sept. 11 information non-stop for nearly a year and a half, yet someone questions the media's right to show American military behaving in a dishonorable and disgusting manner.

Wrong message

THE PRISON scandal goes beyond anything I thought possible. How did the people running the war think the world and the Iraqis would respond? Did they really think systemic abuse wouldn't be found out? So now people are supposed to believe the story that we're bringing democracy and freedom?

Mascot implications

WHAT ABOUT the Crusader as a mascot? It sounds good. The Crusaders were Christian, but they were not Christ-like. They were murderers and used God as an excuse to murder and take back the Holy Land. This is the center of the Muslim angst against Christians. I thought this would be something to bring up in the midst of all this mascot name changing.

Opposite effect

WHAT DO you think captured U.S military personnel can anticipate now that the news of the abuse of Iraqi prisoners has surfaced publicly? How can anyone think this Iraq invasion is leading Iraq to democracy or making anyone safer from terrorism? On the contrary, it's promoting terrorism and turning Iraq into a fanatical fundamentalist nation -- exactly what President Bush argued he did not want.

Belated attention

ISN'T IT ridiculous that once again the right wing jumps to the defense of immoral acts in Iraq by blaming the media for reporting it? The media are belatedly doing their jobs. What is horrific is that military commanders in Iraq had reports of these violations for months, as did the Pentagon and White House, and no-one did anything about it.

Reacting to aggression

A RECENT comment excused the abuse of Iraqi prisoners with the words, "Not long ago, these prisoners were trying to kill Americans." Most of these prisoners are civilians with no more military interest than those of us at home in Cape Girardeau. The rest are resisters against an occupying force. However you slice it, these abused Iraqis are just like you and I would be if the United States were attacked.

Know the culture

I DON'T think anyone should say that the Indian and Otahkian nicknames are not offensive unless you are a Native American. I know this region has a rich history, and many people are mixed bloods, but if you have not grown up practicing native culture you have no business saying you do not find it offensive. Only after careful thought and a working knowledge of Native American culture can any white person venture a meaningful opinion on this topic.