Speak Out 09/08/04

More stress to come

IN ANSWER to the Speak Out comment as to whether schools will be under the same stress to meet expectations next year: The answer is yes. The bar will be raised next year and every year after that until 2014 when, according to the No Child Left Behind law, all students are expected to be scoring at the proficient level on the MAP test. This would be like saying that by 2014 all adults are going to be proficient at playing baseball, regardless of your ability level or how much support you have or how much you practice or if you have a disability.

Ultimate loser

IN "WAR of the Roses" Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas one-up each other over their trophy house, culminating in their ultimate demise. A similar war has begun at Southeast Missouri State University as the powers that be add seats to the River Campus theater but ignore the academic side. The university will be the ultimate loser this time.

End the terrorism

THANK YOU, Jon Rust, for your insightful and on-target comments concerning the terrorist attack on innocent schoolchildren in Russia. It should be noted that many voices in the Muslim community are now calling for an end to terrorist attacks, saying they hurt Islam more than its enemies. I pray that these voices will be heard and acted upon.

Other circumstances

PERHAPS IT never occurred to the person who commented about people on fixed incomes that they were hard-working individuals who were, for one reason or another, less fortunate. I am not on a fixed income. I am a young professional with a wife and children. I plan for the future as best as I can. But Maybe Jane Doe was a housewife all of her life, and her husband was the breadwinner. Maybe she raised the children instead of working and instilled impeccable morals into them. Maybe the children went on to become college graduates. And maybe her husband planned for their retirement with what little he could. And maybe he acquired a horrible disease, essentially wiping out all of their retirement. Or maybe he ended up in a nursing home and the retirement money was wiped out that way.

New system is worse

IS ANYONE else as disgusted with the employment office's new system? Switching from Missouri Works to Great Hires was a big mistake. Great Hires is pretty much useless unless you are looking for a specific job title. If there is anyone out there who can figure out an easier way to maneuver through that idiotic Web site, please show me how. I can't imagine being able to get a job using this new Great Hires system.

Unforeseen disability

TO THE person talking about those on fixed income: Some of us have a good education and were forced on a fixed income by an unforeseen disability. We are too young to have saved much, and we still find ourselves depending on others to make ends meet. I didn't ask to become disabled. An accident at work caused this. Believe me, it's no fun having to depend on the government to pay my bills and help take care of my kids.

Super kindness

ABOUT A month ago I was broke down in my vehicle in a church parking lot in Benton, Mo. I sat there in that parking lot for approximately two and a half hours, and no one stopped. This young girl stopped and said, "Ma'am, I'm no mechanic, but I have a cell phone you can use, and I will go get you something cold to drink." It was blistering hot, and I just wanted to get home. I used her cell phone, and she got me a soda. She happened to know the pastor of the church and called him too see if it was OK to leave my vehicle there till morning. He said it was. This young girl, not knowing me at all, stopped to help and waited till my ride got there. That is 100 percent kindness. Her name was Sirena Bridwell. (I hope I spelled that right). I want to thank you so much. You deserve the Random Acts of Kindness Award.