Speak Out 1/26/11

Costly investigation

There are more than 400 police and FBI agents working on the case of the Arizona shooter, Jared Loughner. There is no question he was the shooter. Why are they spending so much money to do all the investigation, most of which is wasted time? It would be interesting to know how much they are spending. I would hate to even guess.

Uniforms good idea

The parents who are against school uniforms really need to take a look at how much uniforms will improve learning and socialization. Uniforms take the distraction of the low cut shirts and sagging pants out of the equation. They would also take away the separation of upper-, middle- and low-economic-class students. This would be a big improvement for the school district, considering the way the students dress now.

Health insurance cost

ALMOST half of my wife's pay goes to pay for health insurance for herself and my daughter. The deductible has to be so high that it doesn't even cover the test she has had. The cost of health insurance has increased for the past 10 years or more. And some do not want any changes in our health care?

'Mock repeal'

THE U.S. House debated for a short symbolic length of time a "mock repeal" of the Affordable Care Act. The economy is still tanked thanks to the now-majority. They want to take back legislation that is just beginning to help Americans who are otherwise underinsured due to no fault of their own. Pulling out that rug will make the economic crisis worse with health care inflation.

Trash pickup

IN the 1970s Jackson citizens were asked to approve a one cent sales tax for needed city improvements. Citizens were told if they would approve the one-cent sales tax, they would receive free trash pickup weekly. The tax passed overwhelmingly and Jackson has had a very neat and clean city since. When I received my recent utility bill, a notice was enclosed that there would now be a charge for trash collection. Was there a vote to cancel the one-cent sales tax?

Palin's message

THOSE on the left do not like Sarah Palin's message and I agree with them. And I'm a conservative. I'm on the right, and I don't like Sarah Palin's message.

Drug testing

DRUG testing will benefit all involved. It will shine a light on the children who are supposed to be benefiting from food stamps. If the parent is on drugs, you can be sure it's money they want, not food. Someone needs

to speak up for these children.

Thank you

I want to thank a very special paper carrier named Jeremy for putting my paper in front of my door. It really means a lot to me.

Pay it forward

Thank you to the couple at the Chinese restaurant in Jackson for paying for the meals of a family of six. That was very thoughtful. We will definitely pay it forward.