Speak Out 11/11/05

Scorecard stats

THERE HAS been a lot of feigned bellyaching, even giddiness, from the Left regarding the 2000 milestone of American losses in Iraq. I will suggest to this jubilant political crowd that your magic number is also a two-thirds milestone of the Americans murdered on 9-11, and in only a matter of minutes. So put that on your scorecard.

Pollution control

CARUTHERSVILLE has a no burn ordinance. Cape Girardeau and Jackson are behind the times on air pollution control.

What's the rule?

I WAS extremely tall at the age of 10 and was told I was too old to trick-or-treat. If there is a rule about what age you should quit trick-or-treating, I would love to know what it is, because our two children are also tall for their age, and I don't want them to have to be turned away at a door.

Bingo competition

I WOULD like to see a casino in Cape Girardeau, but I feel the reason there never will be one is because of the bingo people who don't want the competition. I would rather take my chances on winning a jackpot on a slot machine than bingo. Maybe if churches and other organizations got a cut of the casino profits, we would get one.

School of hard knocks

COLLEGE GRADUATES can get experience by continuing their education at the school of hard knocks and will therefore be prepared to do just about anything the job market has to offer. You'll get all the experience you need at the school of hard knocks. The only challenge you will face will be survival.

Comparing education

IN RESPONSE to "Great education": For a Southeast Missouri State University graduate to say he is more educated than a University of Missouri graduate is a little bold. I am a graduate of Mizzou, and I have had great success. So have all of my friends who went there also. I do not think SEMO is producing more successful graduates than Mizzou. Before choosing a major, you should do some research to see what the job market is for that major. The University of Missouri is able to provide many more programs than SEMO. A lot of people are only able to take a few prerequisites at SEMO and then must transfer to a larger university. I agree that work ethic cannot be learned in the classroom.

Freedom issues

THE CITY need not be concerned only with the banning of leaf burning. While they are at it, members of the investigative task force should consider outlawing barbecue grilling, fireworks, cigarette smoking, cigar smoking and even mowing grass. All these contribute to breathing issues. Let's do away with all the freedoms of property ownership to satisfy a few.

Nature's way

WHAT IS so offensive about leaves? They look beautiful. They are fun to walk through. They are 100 percent biodegradable. By the time your grass is ready to grow again in the spring, nature will have already cleared them out for you.

Casino fight

If you're going to fight over casinos, why not slots at motels?