Speak Out 10/28/01

No more acceptable

WHY DO these callers think that something that was trash in the 1950s isn't today because it is 2001? If the passage of years makes things acceptable, then all the child molesters from the 1950s need to be made saints.

Poor notification

I JUST found out there was a boil-water order for Scott City. Do you know how I found out? By reading a complaint in Speak Out. So I called City Hall. The lady who answered the phone said the city notified the radio station and put it on the marquee. I guess it's my fault I don't go out of my way every day on the way home to look at the marquee.

Capitalistic option

A SMARMY side of capitalism is rearing its ugly head at a most inopportune time. American-based businesses, large and small, are sadly trying to psych the American consumer into thinking that a good -- if not the best -- way to battle international terrorism is to buy their product.

Teaching teachers

I WOULD like to offer Speak Out praise to syndicated columnist Walter Williams for calling for the abolition of college and university schools of education. I was fortunate enough to have my attendance at education courses waived when I was seeking my teaching degree. As a result, I think I have been a more effective educator. In general, the ivory-towered pseudo-intellectuals who populate most schools of education impart information that is actually counterproductive to preparing teachers for the types of classrooms in which they have never taught.

For nation building

DAVID LIMBAUGH wrote a column supporting President Bush's policy of combating terrorism. On the surface, that seems to be no big deal. But it is very important if Limbaugh and other heavy-hitting conservatives have converted to Bush's apparent newfound cause of nation building. After defeating terrorists and the governments harboring them, we must follow up by installing pro-western, even pro-democratic governments. I'm ecstatic, because I think Bush is on board for this. That Limbaugh and other conservatives have evidently evolved in their view and now see the necessity of nation building is proof positive that conservatism is not always a staid political philosophy and is capable of adapting to changing circumstances in a sensible way, if only on rare occasions.

Love one another

TO THE person who resents the gay and lesbian student organization at SEMO and thinks drag shows are disgusting: I think hate is disgusting -- much more so than men in dresses. That someone could make such a hateful comment at such a dark time in our nation's history makes me feel physically ill. We're all "us," and there is no "them." It's time to start loving one another.

Try some honesty

WE SHOULDN'T feel sorry for the "Will work for food" people. It shouldn't be hard to figure out their scheme when they are standing less then 200 feet from a fast-food restaurant billboard that reads "Now hiring all shifts." We know they can read and write because they made their signs. I can't think of any reason they couldn't work at a fast-food restaurant other than being lazy. These people are just preying on our good nature and should be put to work. If more people would call their bluff instead of giving them money, it might be a good start. Their signs should more accurately read "Too lazy to work, want handouts." I'd give them a buck just for being honest.

Burning smells

THIS HAS got to be the stinkiest town on the map. We moved from a big city thinking a town this size would have cleaner air. Wrong. With all the trash, leaves and garbage burning, there is never any fresh air. It smells much worse here than any big city. Cities have air-pollution laws. What is really bad is the burning on windy days. Don't these people know that they could set their whole neighborhood on fire?