Speak Out 10/12/02

Keep some distance

I CRINGE every time a reporter or anyone else refers to Saddam Hussein as simply "Saddam." I have always reserved first names for family and friends, people I know and like. It seems that anyone would want to keep some distance from this character. I don't get it.

Clear choice

THIS IS to the parents who think teachers are unfair for scheduling tests after a football game. Their children do have a choice. Either they can handle the work or don't participate in the extracurricular activity. That's why it's called an extracurricular activity. Do you plan on asking your child's college professor or employer to please not schedule the test or meeting the day after my child has a night out? Get real.

Rude awakening

THIS IS In response to the nice student from Notre Dame who didn't like going to multi-high school events and finding out that she is ridiculed by other high schools. Well, this is something you need to learn. You're in a very special high school, a religious high school where people are nice to each other and talk nicely to each other as they walk down the hallways. When you go to other high schools, to normal high schools, it is very normal for students to ridicule each other, to bully each other and to make fun of each other. That's just what normal high schools do and when you're around them, they will see that and they will ridicule you. But if you can stay in your own good high school, then you'll be in a religious institution where people are nice to each other.

Killing squirrels

I WAS thinking with the meat prices as high as they are, why couldn't we get rid of some of these squirrels in the area and put a little more meat on the table. By the way they do make wonderful deep-fried meat and also good squirrels and dumplings.

Double standard

MOST OF the big liberal Democrats such as Barbra Streisand, the big movie star crowd, the women's libs, the war protesters, cry about the children who will be killed in a war with Iraq. It's the same ones who show such compassion for children although they are fighting for the right to abort children. They're all pro-choice. Not a care that a child is killed in its mother's womb, sometimes piece by piece and discarded. To say it's all right for a child to be killed in the womb but not in a war is ludicrous. Both are as hideous and as tragic as the other.

Chimps or chumps

ON OCT. 1, the paper published an article entitled "Feds funding home for retired research chimps." Congress passed legislation last year that dedicates $30 million for ongoing care of chimpanzees. A new facility is being built to house 300 chimps. The total project cost is $14 million. What a pork barrel project this is. The American taxpayer is being taken as chimps or, should we say, chumps.

Use sidewalks

HIP, HIP hooray for the Cape Girardeau Police Department. It's about time they charge someone with walking in the street when there is a sidewalk available. And I hope to see more charges. Maybe these people will get the message and start using the sidewalks.

You can help

I WOULD like to mention that, if you know someone who is ill, elderly or disabled, there are ways that you could help out. For instance, if they have children, take those kids to a movie or to the park or to your home for a few hours. Probably one member of the household works and would appreciate homemade rolls, a casserole or pie, or some chicken or some barbecued ribs for supper. Help these people with their lawn and other activities around the home. Call them, send a card, visit or take that person for a drive. Make a Difference Day is coming up Oct. 26. This would be a good project for anybody for that day or any other day. These needs go on around the clock, around the calendar, day in and day out. Some of these people really need help.

Thanks for article

DEVELOPMENT IS proceeding at a pace that would have fuel cells large enough to power a car by 2010. According to the Southeast Missourian article, the development of the fuel cell is being slowed by low-cost imported petroleum. This would indicate that the Kinder Morgan power plant could be outdated within the next few years, long before it's paid for. On top of all this, Kinder Morgan stock has lost 36.3 percent of its value in the first nine months of this year, so it is a lot less secure than we thought, and we would be a lot safer putting our money into methanol and fuel cell development.

Leave right now

THIS IS to the woman with two sons who stated if we went to war with Iraq and the draft was implemented, she would take her family and move to Canada. I also have a son, but I have only one. He graduated from Central last year and was accepted to Southeast Missouri State University. He chose to go ahead and enlist in the Air Force instead of going into the ROTC program. He chose security police as his father did years ago. He is anxious to get through boot camp and the tech schools so that he can be available when needed. His father and I couldn't be more proud of him. Am I scared for him? Of course I am. Your sons are no more important than mine, but mine is willing to die for you and yours. I have a suggestion: Don't wait -- go ahead and move to Canada. America won't be losing anything by your leaving.