Speak Out 11/22/05

We need moderates

THERE'S NO question that the extreme radicals of the Islamic faith are a danger to the entire world. But America has two other dangers within it's own boundaries: extremists of the conservative Republican element and extremists of the ultra-liberal Democrats. America faces three dangers. This country needs people who are moderates and will apply some common sense instead of seeking the extreme goals of either party.

Polls weren't skewed

A LITTLE research of my own poll numbers showed that The Wall Street Journal has President Bush at a 34 percent approval rating and Fox News has him with 36 percent. I guess the vast liberal media conspiracy has finally infiltrated these bastions of conservatism. Or maybe the simplest answer is the right one: The poll numbers were never skewed to begin with.

Good concert, bad seats

THANKS TO the Southeast Missourian and KFVS12 for sponsoring the return of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to the Show-Me Center for a second year. For a first-time attendee it was a wonderful experience. However, the Show-Me Center management should be ashamed. I and others were sold tickets for seats that did not exist due to the extensive sound system for the concert, We were offered tickets on the floor, but the view wouldn't compare to the seats we purchased. The other option was to get a refund without seeing the show. The answer for most of us who refused these inferior options was to sit in chairs put in the walkway behind the last row of seats. As a result, we missed 10 minutes of the show.

Protect our homeland

AMERICA WASN'T all that interested in stopping Hitler's extermination of the Jews. In fact, we pretty much refused the Jews refuge early on, accepting about 1,000 later and then treating them quite badly. America might be better served if we utilized our financial and military resources to stay home, rid ourselves of our own radicals and protect our homeland rather than trying to abolish terrorists all around the world -- an endless task at best.

Criticizing the war

PRESIDENT BUSH recently said he supports Vice President Cheney's view that criticism of the Iraq War is irresponsible. A Republican congressman said such criticism gives aid and comfort to the enemy, implying anti-war critics are traitors. Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel says criticism of government is a constitutional right and is patriotic. Bush says he agrees with Cheney. Strange days indeed.

Terrorist beasts

WHEN DEALING with terrorists who behead their prisoners of war, the world's freedom-loving countries had better unite to eliminate these terrorist beasts, or who will be the next beheaded victims and countries?

Bus transportation

I HAVE been blessed. I had two cars and don't need bus transportation. However, I just might. I'm 70 years old. I'm not able to drive anymore. I'd appreciate bus transportation. I am willing to pay more taxes to get a bus service like in Carbondale, Ill. Senior citizens would like a little independence to shop and go places. Think of somebody besides yourself if you're young and have a bunch of cars. Put yourself in their shoes.

Watch out for scam

SCAM ARTISTS are at it again. We received a call informing us that we'd been awarded a $500 grant. We said, "Fine, send us a check." He replied, "For security reasons, they cannot do that." They insisted a direct deposit by bank wire and also needed the bank routing number and our account number. So we just said "Goodbye" and hung up. I feel this should be noted by people who might be gullible and fall for it. It's a scam