Speak Out 12/13/03

Not under God

THINGS ARE going downhill for America. We have so much filth on TV that those who have values have to monitor it for their children. Many others couldn't care less. The most popular music is filthy rap. And all this plus pornography is protected by free speech. I don't think our Founding Fathers had this in mind for one nation under God.

Extended construction

WHEN THEY started building that Diversion Channel bridge on I-55, they mentioned something about it going to be a 100-year bridge. I didn't know that what they meant is it's going to take that long to build it.

Pride for officers

I THINK the wages our policemen receive are a disgrace for what they do. They have families and expenses too. You couldn't pay me enough to put up with the drunks, dope, peace disturbances, thieves and emergencies. I tip my hat to those who have the pride and the courage and civic duty and character to serve our community as law enforcement officers.

Fantastic choice

I READ that the United We Read program has selected "Tuesdays With Morrie" as the next selection. You've made an absolutely fantastic choice. It is really a great book.

Thanks for leaf pickup

OUR CITY leaf collection crew did a good job on Riverside Drive. Thanks.

Other performers

I THINK it's great that matchbox twenty will play a smaller place like the Show Me Center. Now that they have done that, I wonder if singer Jewel would come and play here.

It's not demeaning

AS WE hear so often, two wrongs do not make a right. Almost 20 years ago, Southeast Missouri State University regents decided to drop using the Indian and Otahkian names when referring to sports and other things at the university. That was wrong. That was not something they should have done. Instead of compounding the error, what we need to do is go back to using them. Use the Indian and the Otahkian in our advertising and promoting. I'm of Indian heritage. I'm about half Indian, and I'm proud of the fact that SEMO used the Indian for its teams, because it brings recognition to an important part of our heritage. I don't find it demeaning,

Lights for Illmo

I WISH Scott City could put some Christmas lights in the old, historic Illmo section of town. It would be pretty as you come over the overpass to see some Christmas lights in that part of town.

Safety for youngsters

I REALLY wish the police would pay even more attention to parents who drive with their children. I see kids standing in the front seat or not buckled up. People think it's OK when they're going a couple of blocks. Why take chances on our children? It only takes one time and they could be gone forever.

Stealing from yard

IF YOU happen to see a 12-inch teal-colored gazing globe where it hasn't appeared before or you receive it as a gift, it was stolen from our front yard. Ashland Hills residents, keep one eye open when you sleep at night and listen for cars that stop by your house late in the night, especially Fridays and Saturdays.

YMCA is overdue

THIS IS for the teacher who believes the YMCA has nothing to do with education. As a Southeast Missouri State University alumnus and current YMCA employee, I can tell you that recreational activities keep students out of drugs and alcohol. The YMCA gives back to the communities it serves. The mission statement of the YMCA is, "To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all." A YMCA in Southeast Missouri is long overdue.