Speak Out 12/14/05

Distorted policy

SENATE PRESIDENT Pro Tem Michael Gibbons doesn't seem to understand the criticism of the new underage drinking laws. The punishment simply doesn't fit the crime. It doesn't make sense to suspend a youngster's driver's license when his crime wasn't related to driving. Destructive special-interest groups like MADD are radically distorting public policy in our state.

Signals are needed

WHY IS the stoplight at Sprigg Street and Normal Avenue left on flashing even after the snow and ice are gone from the road? This is sloppy practice by the street department, as those lights were placed there for safety. With Christmas rush, students hurrying to finals, students moving out of dorms for holidays and upcoming graduation, this is certainly not a time for these lights to be nonfunctional. You spent taxpayer money putting the lights in. Now make sure they are operating properly.

Public discipline

I'M GLAD to see businesses asking parents to keep a restraint on their children. I was in a bookstore where a woman was too busy talking to her friend to realize her kid was being a brat. She should have either gone outside to talk to her friend or put a leash on her kid. Irresponsible parents are what give us irresponsible children which grow up to be irresponsible adults. So come on, parents. Exercise a little discipline on your children.

Extreme tactics

THE CHRISTMAS tree is not the only thing that has been Christianized. The winter solstice (Dec. 22) and spring equinox (March 20) were pagan celebrations long before Christianity was created. The church could not destroy these celebrations, so it Christianized them. Interesting how the extreme religious right still uses the same tactics today: rewriting history to support its causes.

Foreign service

WHEN WE are told the economy has produced 4.5 million new jobs, where is the news that 3 million jobs have been outsourced? Have you called for any technical assistance lately? You need to be able to speak a foreign language.

Not enough room

THE IDEA of having restaurants with kid and no-kid areas like smoking would not work any better than the nonsmoking areas do. You can still smell the smoke, and you will still hear the kids screaming. We wait long enough to be seated waiting for nonsmoking, let alone a kid-free area. Most places don't have enough room to do all that.

Thanks for the help

I SURE would like to thank whoever was so kind to clean my driveway at the corner of Kingsway Drive and Kurre Lane. I do appreciate it so much.

Wedding music

I JUST read the article about the proposal at the basketball game. Wouldn't "During the Halftime Show She Said Yes" make a wonderful country song? I'd like to hear Alan Jackson do that. Congratulations to the young couple.