Speak Out 10/13/15

Graham's hypocrisy

Sen. Lindsey Graham wants federal aid for South Carolina floods -- but doesn't remember voting against Sandy relief for New Jersey. Yes, when it comes to helping people, a Republican always says "no." But when it comes to helping them, they always want more. If they give to South Carolina, he thinks it will put a feather in his hat.

Gloom and doom

Mike Jensen continues to indirectly promote the illusion that the ordinary state of affairs in our nation is one of national unity. Other than the 19th century so-called Era of Good Feelings, national unity has never been the case, except, perhaps, during some necessary wars. I do agree with Mr. Jensen that the current vision of America offered by the two major political parties will never be reconciled, at least in the near future, and polarization will remain the order of the day as long as Democrats continue to offer an optimistic, hopeful view of the future while the Republicans continue to wallow in gloom and doom, hopeless, almost apocalyptic pessimism.

Unemployment

Here's a stunner. U.S. unemployment claims are at their lowest level since 1973.

HC on SNL

Congratulations to our next president, Hillary Clinton. You sealed the deal with you hilarious appearance on SNL.

Nonscientific

To the writer of "Carson on science" in the Oct. 6 newspaper who claims that Dr. Carson hates science. Considering Dr. Carson is a world-renowned neurosurgeon, I'm confident that he does not hate science! In fact, to become one of the best in the world, he probably aced many science courses!

Pull up a chair

I want to thank the nice employees at Ace Hardware in Cape Girardeau. I was there recently buying some things when I realized I left my keys in my car. I went back in the store, called AAA. They told me it would be an hour, so an employee got me a lawn chair so I could sit down while waiting. Since I am a senior citizen, that was a very wonderful and caring thing for them to do. There are still great people in our country.

TIF disadvantages

Removing the property from a proposed TIF District is a good first step. However, the well-documented disadvantages of a TIF District far outweigh the hoped-for benefits to the point that the public school system and other taxing entities left holding the bag must continue to crusade against the entire subsidy. The average middle-class taxpayer has awakened to this form of welfare and wants an end to it!

Special interests

With so many special interest groups opposed to the Trans-Pacific trade agreement, it can only mean one thing. It's good for the ordinary consumer.

Atheist safety

I would like to address my support for the Secular Student Association at Southeast Missouri State University. It is good to see the atheist community having a place to meet, without fear of facing bigotry from religious extremists.