OpinionJanuary 16, 2005
Speak Out 1/16/05
Accepting God's Word; Try being nice; Saving lives at home; It will backfire; Playing the wolf; Plan for Lexington; Modern times; Clean up property; Traffic ideas; Powerful tool; Wipers and headlights; Abundance of data; Not in the street; No need for change
Accepting God's Word
THE ARGUMENT between Democrats and Republicans about who is more moral comes down to a persons basic interpretation of the Bible. For instance, a fundamental Christian who believes that the Bible is the word of God will believe that life is created at the moment of conception. A person who believes this would never agree to abortion, because it is the equivalent of murder. That person would vote against any party that is pro-abortion. The same view will be held about gay rights. The Bible is strictly against homosexual relationships, no matter how a person wants to twist its meaning to suit his own desires. A person's party affiliation and basic belief system starts with acknowledging the Bible as God's inspired Word without error.
Try being nice
I HAVE found that a waiter or waitress will respond to you the way you interact with them. If you are a jerk, don't expect them to respond nicely. My wife is an employee at a major department store and has worked in retail at several other department stores. She has to be nice even to those people who treat her like dirt. Everyone who comes in feels like they have a right to monopolize her time even if others are waiting. Try being nice yourself for a change and see what a difference it makes.
Saving lives at home
I'M SO sick of reading and hearing about "the mess in Iraq" and how "all of our boys are being senselessly killed." The FBI reports that in 2003 there were 1,381,258 violent crimes committed in the United States. And 16,503 of those violent crimes were murders. Compare that with just over 1,200 of my brave and courageous fellow service members whom I've served with in Iraq who have died in nearly two years of war. Tell me where the mess is and where are boys and girls are senselessly being killed? All loss of human life is tragic, but we volunteered to wear the uniform. We all understand the inherent risks. If you're going to champion the cause of saving human lives, start at home with our civilized society.
It will backfire
MAY I be blunt about Gov. Matt Blunt? His decision to rescind collective-bargaining rights for thousands of state employees is disgraceful and will backfire on him politically. Collective bargaining saved this country from turning to more radical political and economic systems.
Playing the wolf
THERE IS an old saying, "Don't make your move too soon," that should apply now to the moves to reform Social Security. Studies have determined that Social Security is solvent at least till 2037. This gives us time to come up with an acceptable working plan for reform. What amazes me is that when Democrat FDR proposed Social Security, the Republicans fought against it tooth and nail. Now they are playing the part of the wolf who wants to protect the chicken coop.
Plan for Lexington
MAYOR JAY Knudtson is correct when he says the debacle on Lexington Avenue needs to be addressed. The problem is that the bridge over Cape La Croix Creek needs to have six lanes. Because of increasing traffic and the Route W-Kingsway intersection, both directions of Lexington over the bridge need a left-turn lane and two traveling lanes. North of Kingsway, Lexington should remain four lanes so a merge can be accomplished.
Modern times
THE PERSON who made the comment about students not learning from computerized lessons must be an "old school" teacher. This technology is not only imperative for are students, it is keeping up with the times. Just think of the technology that the students will be using when they are adults running this world. We must take positive steps forward, not build one-room schoolhouses and give each student a slate and piece of chalk. This is 2005.
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Clean up property
I FOUND it rather amusing that John Voss was complaining about the proposed apartments and the condition of the property. He should set a good example by painting his house, moving the old junker truck from his driveway and getting rid of the construction materials he has piled around his yard.
Traffic ideas
I'M NO traffic expert, but any permanent solution to the Lexington Avenue-Route W intersection would have to include either a four-way light or eliminating the crossing of Lexington from either direction. Making Kingsway dead end at the Lacroix Trail might solve part of the problem.
Powerful tool
IF YOUR kids aren't using PowerPoint, they are behind in technology. PowerPoint presentations are much more than overhead projectors. They can be animated and are used on a computer so research and data can be transferred and exchanged to the presentation and to other computers. It is an engaging way to present information, charts and goals.
Wipers and headlights
I JUST came home from Cape Girardeau in the rain. It is amazing to see everyone driving with their windshield wipers on but not their headlights. I also have seen police vehicles with their wipers on but no lights. There is a state law that requires headlights to be on when wipers are being used.
Abundance of data
A SMART Board allows an instructor to access electronic media on disc as well as make an Internet connection -- where an abundance of teaching materials can be found -- and display the information on a screen. Being able to switch from Internet to disc drive without shutting down either medium saves time, giving more time for instruction.
Not in the street
TO THE person who was complaining about his dog being run over in the street: Dogs shouldn't be allowed to run in the street.
No need for change
WHAT DOES being Republican or Democrat have to do with who works in the license bureaus? Why do they have to change when a new governor is elected? Why aren't these state jobs like other states? Why does the governor get to use these offices to reward people for political favors? Our state supposedly has a budget problem. Why would state money be used to change something that doesn't need changing? If I ran my business this way, I'd be broke too.
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