Speak Out 11/04/01

Tax-cut priorities

AS A rule of thumb, the Southeast Missourian is generally a strong advocate of states' rights but enthusiastically defers to a federal ruling if it results in tax savings.

Consuming faith

I CANNOT believe the Southeast Missourian would challenge the laissez-faire, caveat-emptor brand of capitalism long advocated on the editorial page by warning readers of alleged risks in purchasing Cipro and other pharmaceuticals via the Internet. When did you guys lose your abiding faith in the wisdom of the American consumer?

God doesn't hate

PLEASE, ALL you Bible thumpers out there praying for me because I support gay rights: Save it for someone who really needs it. The Bible says a lot of things are wrong, some things which don't make sense in today's society, such as interracial relationships or women working for a living. There are even some rules in the Old Testament about men not cutting their hair or shaving. We don't all go around with full-length beards, do we? Stop hating in the name of God. That too is a sin. Let others live their lives, be it a choice they made or were born with. Research is showing more and more each day that homosexuality is no more a choice than our gender. God will decide who the truly evil people in the world are.

Back stabbers

I HAD an opportunity to hear David Limbaugh's challenge on KZIM to the liberal Speak Out callers who keep criticizing him in the newspaper. He challenged them to call the station and tell him what they were saying about him to his face. Not one of these callers had the guts to call in and take his challenge. This proves my point that liberal Democrats will talk about conservatives behind our backs, but when it comes to telling us in person, they won't do it. This is yet another reason why I am no longer a Democrat. The majority of them seem to be back-stabbing cowards.

Scripture is guide

IT IS amazing that while so many Speak Out comments include references to the Bible, the majority of these submissions wrest Scripture in order to support preconceived notions and personal agendas. These displays of spiritual ignorance are appalling. The words of the prophet Hosea still apply today: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." People, we need to go the Word of God for our opinions, not with our opinions. Accept what it says as truth, and live accordingly. What does the Psalmist say? "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous ordinances is everlasting." Psalm 119:160.

U.N. was in charge

WE APPARENTLY have an uninformed Speak Out caller. The Gulf War was sanctioned by the United Nations, which is the reason we didn't go in and get Saddam. George Bush wanted to, but the United Nations was against it. Therefore we couldn't use any U.N. forces in that attempt. The United States was not the only force over there, although we were the largest. I agree that the United States should have eliminated Saddam, but I hardly think that would have made any difference with the events of Sept. 11.

Funny Republicans

IF I were a Republican, I do not think I would cast stones at anyone. Do all Republicans suffer from memory loss? How very convenient. I had to laugh when Democrats were accused of being non-thinkers. Maybe I have missed something here, but somehow I don't consider Republicans to be thinkers or of the genius class. I know, however, that Republicans like to think of themselves as being in the upper class. I find that humorous too.

Inconsiderate burning

WE NEED a burning law in Cape Girardeau. I have a neighbor who burns his trash every day. You can't open your doors on a nice fall day because of the smoke. And you don't have to burn your leaves, people. We have a leaf-collection program in the city. Have some consideration for your neighbors.

Answering prayers

I TAKE great offense to the Speak Out comment that God does not answer the prayers of gay and lesbian people. I am a very prominent Cape Girar-deau citizen, I have a very deep faith in Jesus Christ and have been blessed richly in my life. I feel God working in my life every day, and I have had most of my prayers answered by God because I pray from the heart and give my troubles to God. And you know what? I am gay.

Avoid a sinful life

IN THE beginning God gave man a choice on how to live his life. You can live his way or apart from him. That's what makes this a great country to live in. This is in regard to all of the gay-lesbian comments. If someone chooses this lifestyle, it's his freedom to do so. God will judge, not you or I. These people have never judged me on the sins I have committed. Calling Speak Out and degrading this lifestyle will do no good. Living a godly, sin-free life may. Life is about making choices. Do mankind a favor and live a sin-free life the rest of your days.

Geography-deficient

JON RUST is giving it his best shot by writing a world-class piece about Belarus and telling us how important it is for us to increase our awareness of the rest of the world. However, I think he has a very long row to hoe. If given a detailed world map, readers in these here parts would have trouble locating Bell City, Benton or Brosley, much less Belarus.

Good-hearted farmers

I ENJOYED reading about the neighbors who helped harvest the crops of the sick farmer. Good deeds like that are important in today's world.