Speak Out 11/23/10

Funeral honor

MY wife recently passed away. As the funeral procession approached Delta on our way to the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo., three men were standing, with one holding an American flag on a staff. As we approached, they came to attention and the two non-flag bearers presented arms and saluted as we passed by. My sons and I will never forget this, and we thank the three men for their gracious and respectful actions.

Absurd packaging

I think if you buy something, you deserve to have a pretty package. Remember when Salem cigarettes were in a green package and women smoked Virginia Slims that were packaged in the nice white boxes? It's absurd the government is going to put pictures of skulls on cigarette packages.

Smoking restaurants

TO restaurant owners who want to keep their restaurant a smoking facility: I suffered from secondhand smoke and have never smoked in my life. These restaurants could be killing people with the smoking.

Pet park

I recently took a walk on the Osage-Shawnee Walking Trail. One can sometimes spend more time dodging pet droppings than enjoying the trail. Is the city planning on building a pet park? This could be a fenced area with a water supply and waste disposal. The pets could play in this area, and those who prefer walking the trail could do so without dodging the mess.

Great show

IT is amazing that Mike Dumey can get 200 boys and girls to sing at once and then sit down quietly. Good show, Mike Dumey. "Stars on the Rise" was also excellent.

Debt commission

I support the bipartisan debt commission's recommendations on how to get the debt under control, with the exception of their emphasis on cutting back military spending, entitlements, earmarks and farm subsides.

Deficit hawks?

NOW the tea party-backed members of Congress will have an opportunity to prove their debt and deficit hawk credentials by supporting the bipartisan tax commission's recommendations. A bold prediction: They won't.

Tax poetry

THE tax commission screamed,

"It's a must!"

Now the report

Will gather dust.

Watch the children

TO the parents in the Singing Hills/Tanglewood area: Please keep an eye on your children. There are several children who show no respect for the property of others. They litter, trespass, tear up landscaping and terrorize animals. When we ask them to stop, they talk back.

Animal rescue

GOD bless the man who stopped to rescue a cat that was hit by a car on North Kingshighway. I arrived at the intersection as he was carrying the cat across the median back to his vehicle. In a world where most people would have driven on, he risked walking across lanes of traffic to help the animal. Thank you. Your good deed did not go unnoticed.

Less government

AFTER an election where the voters said they want less government, some still think we need government to limit what business owners can do with their business. As a nonsmoker, I have a choice of going to smoking or nonsmoking establishments.

Retirement age

THERE has been talk about raising the retirement age since individuals are living longer and should be able to work longer. For some jobs that might work, but not for the majority of jobs.