Speak Out 12/10/05

Number ID

REGARDING THE request for Social Security numbers for checks: Please note that you can be asked for your driver's license number but cannot be asked for your Social Security number. Tell that to the cashier and see what happens. I do all the time and have no trouble with my check being accepted. If your driver's license number is your Social Security number, you can have the license number changed.

Surveillance safety

A VIDEO surveillance system for part of Cape Girardeau is a super idea. It would dramatically improve security, and quality of life for all residents would be much safer because of less crime.

Gigantic step

THAT A democracy does not guarantee a health system is true, as a Speak Out comment said. A democracy is a political, not an economic, system. An economic system in America that provides for and guarantees universal health care would be a gigantic step forward.

Grading parents

I AGREE that parents should give teachers and schools a report card. I think most teachers would have no problem with that. Let's take it another step and let teachers and principals give parents a report card. They would be graded on involvement, support, effort and attendance. Just attending parties wouldn't count. I bet the grades parents get would correlate closely with the grades the students are earning. Parents, look at your student's report card and ask yourself if those are the kind of grades you are earning as a parent. To be successful, kids need support at home too. Look at Leopold or most parochial schools and you will see that their success starts with involved parents.

Christmas thanks

THE CHRISTMAS season is upon us, and it's perfect time to remember what we're all thankful for. I'm thankful for family, friends and freedom. I'm thankful for my job, my home and each breath I take. I'm thankful to and grateful for those men and women who suit up every day in the uniform of this nation I love so much and put their lives on the line for my freedom. I am thankful for those beneath the hallowed grounds of Arlington who have given their all. I am thankful for President George W. Bush and his strong, unwavering leadership in the face of shrill partisanship, hatemongering and all-out lies by the loyal opposition. Most of all, I am thankful for that one birth that changed the world, the birth of Jesus Christ, which is the whole reason for the season. I am thankful for those who are not afraid to greet their neighbor with a hearty "Merry Christmas!" without fear of the ACLU or bogus lawsuits. Merry Christmas, everyone, and may the blessings of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, be upon each of you who read this.

Shortchanged charities

IT HAS been estimated we will spend an average of $400 each this Christmas shopping season -- on nonessentials, for the most part. Then we give the Salvation Army or some other charity a dollar. Read Matthew 25:35-45.

Care and compassion

THIS IS in regard to the fire in Chaffee Tuesday morning. The young woman who lived there had three small children and worked at Columbia Construction. Everything was lost while they were in school and at work. The owner and her boss personally brought her down and were with her all morning. They have helped her tremendously. I want people to know how caring and compassionate the people at Columbia Construction have been. I wish them a blessed and merry Christmas.

Bright lights

I want to applaud whoever is responsible for getting the new lights at Center Junction. They are great. They light up the whole intersection at night.

More, not less

THIS IS regarding the county's discount card for prescriptions. My pharmacy charged me $7 more.