Speak Out 10/08/03

THE DOUBLE standard at SEMO reeks to high heaven. A well-known businessman can smoke a cigar in the stands at the football game, and a SEMO board member can also puff away. But when a SEMO coed lights up, security guards immediately douse the offender.

Naked attraction

THERE IS no right and wrong way to clothe Don Louis Lorimier for depiction on the mural as long as he is attired in a manner that is politically correct. Of course, because there may never be a consensus, this might require that he be portrayed without clothing. Come to think of it, a naked Lorimier might be a good tourist attraction.

Newspaper in school

AS A teacher, I can now claim without reservation that the most successful teaching tool for use in the classroom is a room set of the Southeast Missourian.

Speak the language

ENGLISH AS a second language? You have to be kidding me. Nothing shows how our country is dwindling more than hearing about people who are U.S. citizens and can't speak our language. I am so sick of standing in the checkout lines and hearing a bunch of jibberish. The way things are going, there will be nothing American about America.

Serious moniker

SINCE THE Washington Redskins have been allowed to keep their moniker, is there hope for the SEMO Indians? I hope so. "Indians" is much more serious and respectful than "Redskins."

Tightwad needs help

ALL I can say to the person who wants the recipient of child support to be taxed is this: No wonder your spouse left you. You're a tightwad who needs to undergo serious compassion training.

Short memories

SINCE WHEN did it become un-American to criticize a sitting president? What short memories you Republicans have.

Commentator critic

FOR YEARS, conservative commentators were virtually excluded from the media. Today, many of them are getting a well-deserved chance, particularly on radio and select cable channels. I think it has to do with the fact that many in the media and general public want them to succeed. However, objectively speaking, they are vastly overrated.

No-call is wrong

I THINK the national Do Not Call list is unconstitutional. It is in violation of our rights as Americans. It is a proven fact that millions of dollars were generated last year by telemarketers. Also, many telemarketers might lose their jobs. Government officials should not be exempt from the list for campaign uses.

Tongue in cheek?

ONE CAN only wonder if Missouri Chamber of Commerce president Daniel Mehan wrote with a straight face that he hated for the chamber to seem adversarial in its relationship with Gov. Bob Holden.

Costly restriction

THE ATTEMPT of the federal court to block the Do Not Call list is admirable. It illustrates the court's correct view that businesses should not be excessively restricted. Targeting the telemarketing business with the no-call list will cost them billions.

Dumbing down on MAP

AS CALLIE Clark's excellent story seemed to indicate, educators favor dumbing down rather than eliminating the MAP tests.