Speak Out 1/17/06

High turnover

AT THE end of one year, the turnover rate for teachers is worse than for any other profession. This means that teachers quickly figure out that they can take their college degree and make more money elsewhere with fewer hassles.

Childish issue

CONCERNING THE issue in Jackson about the student wearing the kilt, I thought the principal was within his rights by not allowing the student to attend a dance. I think it was childish on the student's part to press the issue.

Eagles hand out gifts

I PASSED by the Eagles in Marble Hill, Mo., and saw they had a Santa Claus and were handing out toys to needy children. That's a good organization. I have to applaud them for reaching out and helping needy kids like they did.

Cutting and adding

REGARDING GOV. Matt Blunt's proposed budget: Anybody can add revenue by cutting spending on the elderly, the disabled and the handicapped. Before we pat Blunt on the back for getting us more money for education, let's remember all the people he took the money from and cut their benefits. Who's he fooling? He's robbing somebody and paying somebody else.

No movie glamor

I PREDICT "Killshot" will be a killer movie, winning rave reviews from the critics. Unfortunately, Cape Girardeau will come across as a corrupt, countrified community with a degenerate culture that is beyond comparison.

David versus Goliaths

ONE COLUMN by Gene Lyons decimates dunderheads like Walter Williams, Michelle Malkin and Cal Thomas and the rest of the drivel dished up by Republican operatives posing as passionate conservative columnists.

Classic piece

PATRICK McMenamin's piece exposing the pitiful posturing by politician Nathan Cooper is an all time classic piece to be published in the Southeast Missourian.

Clean highway

I TRAVELED I-55 yesterday and didn't notice a single piece of trash. Good job, Southeast Missouri.

Small-town character

Jackson needs to take a close look at zoning. More and more multi-family rental housing is right next to single-family homes, and businesses are invading residential areas. The quiet little neighborhoods are being replaced by areas that are a mixed bag with more traffic, more noise and big, glaring lights. The zoning decisions being made are ruining the character of this small town.

Oran's police

I'VE LIVED in or around Oran all my life. Not once have I felt threatened by the street crime and violence that supposedly goes on here. I'd bet there are just as many drunk drivers, potheads and rapists in Oran here now as there was when Howard Stevens was chief. I have not seen any spectacular police work being performed. Oran doesn't need a police force like we have now. I sure hope for the sake of someone getting hurt over this that the mayor and council will open their eyes.