Speak Out 06/16/04

Pragmatic Reagan

DAVID LIMBAUGH was at least half right. Aside from campaigning in an unconservative, optimistic and cheerful style, Ronald Reagan espoused the conservative mantra of less government. However, he governed as a consummate pragmatist. For example, the size of the federal government grew exponentially. The conservative and liberal consensus as to the wisdom of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) was abandoned as Reagan pursued a radical change in policy toward the Soviet Union. Taxes were cut in old-fashioned Keynesian liberal style. Worries about the deficit were abandoned. And so forth. The wisdom of preaching conservatism while practicing pragmatism is one reason Reagan deserves such high marks.

Some suggestions

THE AMERICAN Cancer Relay for Life was a great success, but a few things need to be changed. Next year, I think the event needs to be advertised more to let people know what it is all about. Also, I think more lights need to be added by the restrooms. It takes a lot of hard work to coordinate an event like this, but it needs to be done to fight cancer.

School problems

GOOD FOR you, Callie Clark. As an educator who has roots in inner-city schools and now teaches in a local district, I know that what Jason Bandermann faced is reality. Cape Girardeau needs to wake up and smell the coffee. With economic and industrial growth comes an increase in population, which brings with it the good and the bad. Cape is not facing reality. The police and fire department and schools see the reality of growth and what it brings. Cape is not a quiet little country town anymore. These problems are coming, whether they want them or not.

No scientific journal

IS THE Missourian trying to pretend to be a scientific journal? What's with this focus on mercury and autism on the front page? If I want medical opinion, I consult with my child's pediatrician and base my decision on that, not on medical news from who knows where. Studies are notorious for slanting the results to suit the conductor's personal bias.