Speak Out 06/10/04

Alzheimer's research

I IMPLORE all of Missouri's federal legislators to get on board. There would be no finer way to pay tribute to the legacy of Ronald Reagan than to slightly loosen the stringent standards inhibiting the National Institutes of Health from doing more vigorous research that might lead to a cure for the awful Alzheimer's disease that afflicted President Reagan.

Shelter in storm

MY SISTERS and I, along with all of our children and some close friends, went to Nashville to visit our niece. On the way home we ran into severe wind and blinding rain just east of Oran. Unable to see to drive, we pulled off the highway into the Oran Knights of Columbus parking lot. There were 19 of us in four vehicles. As soon as we stopped one of the Knights of Columbus members asked us to pull around to the back of the building and come in to the basement where we would be safe. We found many other people there. After the storm passed, we returned to our cars and continued on our trip home to Leopold. We just wanted to say thank you to the Oran Knights of Columbus who made sure our trip home that day was a safe one. We appreciated their kindness.

Doing good in Iraq

THERE ARE many good things being done by U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Wells for sanitary water have and still are being drilled. Children are receiving educational materials to be used with the more recently opened schools. Women are openly allowed to take a place as educators, politicians, nurses and study for careers in these and other academic areas. One soldier was so moved by a little girl who'd lost one eye that he personally paid for a prosthetic eye. The good things are hidden under a bushel basket and are never allowed to shine, but God knows about all the good being done. It is just a shame all of America and the world don't know or don't care to know. Pray for all our soldiers' safety today and every day.

Infallible positions

FOR THOSE of you who believe that the Bible is the ultimate source of truth, all-knowing and correct, you sure love to select which parts you wish to abide by. This same Bible that condemns homosexuality also tells us that women should be separate from men and be subservient. The Bible also, rather than condemn slavery, tells us that slaves should simply obey their masters no matter how cruel they might be. So I ask, if homosexuality is a sin, then slavery and misogyny must be correct, because the Bible is infallible.

Shared responsibility

I AM responding to the caller who said teachers must get the chip off of their shoulder before they can effectively teach. I think both teachers and parents should share equally in the blame for our poor-achieving students. Teachers should show their students the significance of what they are learning, not expect them to perform just because they will fail if they don't. Parents should take an active role in their children's education -- help them study, demand excellence from their children and quit making excuses for them when they fail to perform or act up in class.

Corporate benefit

FOR THE first time in a recovery, the share of additional income that has gone to corporate profits is greater than the share that has gone to employee compensation. And the reason we're in an economic recovery is because of increased worker productivity. We work harder. They get the money.

Teaching modesty

CHURCHES CAN teach modesty. If someone were to come dressed inappropriately to our car wash, they would simply be sent home. Churches are there to aid. Sometimes in the failure of the home, churches can save the family.

Deep sorrow

I CAN'T help it, but my heart hurts because I learned that Ronald Reagan, my very favorite person whom I have never met, passed away. My heart hurts for somebody I didn't even know.