Speak Out 1/16/07

Use paper and pencils

SOMEONE HAS a good idea: teach children at home by virtual school. Then the parents would see exactly what it takes to get kids to pay attention, apply themselves and achieve. Hold parents accountable for their children's education. Parents might learn something. If kids stay in school, I advise schools to teach the old-fashioned way with paper, pencils and books. Take away calculators and computers, Not only can't the kids do math, parents can't either unless you're in the age group that didn't have technology in school.

Mailbox access

IT IS understandable that it would be more efficient and cost-effective for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver to curbside mailboxes rather than on-house boxes. In this age of growing identity theft, though, curbside mail is more readily accessible to thieves, so residents might consider locking boxes. The postal service, in instituting this new curbside requirement, should require carriers to get out of their vehicles to deliver mail to boxes which are blocked by parked cars.

Fighting wars

HERE WE go again. Does anyone notice the similarity between the Iraq War and the Vietnam War? It's the same story all over again. We did not win the Vietnam War because we fought a limited war and did not use all our resources. The reason we did not use our resources was because of all the bleeding hearts in the United States who was afraid we would kill civilian. Now we are doing it all over again in Iraq. Our enemies do not care how many civilians they kill. Until we become willing to fight our enemies with the same fervor as they use to attack us, we will continue to lose wars. I am proud of how our soldiers fought in World War II and the fact that they won that war. Look at the number of civilians killed in that war. We are giving our country away just so a few bleeding hearts can feel good about themselves. I can assure you that when the enemies of the United States come here to make war, they will not care how many civilians they kill. I hope the people that do not support full out war wake up before it is too late.

East Cape concerns

I AM a resident of East Cape Girardeau, Ill. Something needs to change in our town. There are street signs down, street lights out and mailboxes down. Come on, people. Go to the meetings on the first Tuesday of the month and complain, I will be. There are some houses getting bought and fixed up. Thank you to whoever is doing that. We need rules enforced, and things need to get done. If whoever is on the board and the mayor can't get it done, then new people need to be elected.

Postal costs

IN RESPONSE to the story "Post office wants boxes at curbside": This issue irks me. Why should postal patrons have to foot the bill for a new mailbox? The U.S. Postal Service is saving money. The postal patrons are spending money so the post office can save it. I agree that roadside boxes are targets for identity theft and damage. Boxes attached to homes are much safer. Next it will be "Come to the post office and pick up your mail because we can't afford to deliver it."

Garbage cans

THIS COMMENT is for the sanitation workers in Cape Girardeau. You have a dirty job to preform, and I realize that. I thank you for doing such a nasty task. Please also realize that I pay to have my garbage removed each week. I have paid $50 per garbage can, and I'm tired of seeing how the sanitation workers toss them after they have emptied them. This causes damage. Please be more considerate of my garbage cans.

New faces filing

I AM pleased to see some new faces filing for Jackson Board of Aldermen. Board members get the same benefits as city employees, which gives them pretty good benefits for a few hours' work. They also attend conventions and out-of-town meetings at city expense. If residents of Jackson are not willing to give a few hours a week for the city, please do not complain when things don't go your way.

Government in charge

THE MINIMUM wage debate goes on, despite what government is forcing on businesses. How much more government do we need in our lives? I'm waiting for legislation that dictates where I live, how I live and what kind of house I am allowed, since I am single and no longer have dependents. Perhaps the government will even limit my working hours so that my income. Then there would be the legislation on what grocery stores can sell to keep me healthy. Before long we'll even have a limit on what automobiles can be sold so that no one drives a better vehicle then their neighbor. Congratulations, you are getting what you wanted when you voted, but is it really what you wanted?

Inspiring movie

I WANT to say what a great movie "Pursuit of Happyness" is. I have almost stopped going to movies because of the constant "America is bad" theme in todays Hollywood movies. With a black hero struggling to succeed, this movie could have attacked whites as racists. Or since it occurs early in the Reagan years his problems could have been the result of rich businessmen keeping him down. It did neither. How refreshing that it didn't pander to the reverse racism and class envy that is so often glorified in the media. The hero succeeds because he will not give in and will not give up. It was one of the most inspiring movies I've ever seen.