Speak Out 12/24/07

Gift from Santa

DEAR SANTA My husband lost a great job several months ago. He is working, but the income is just not there. With three children, it has been very hard at times. But I thank God daily we have our health and a great family. Opening Christmas cards I found one from Marble Hill. We do not know anyone there. It is a card from Santa with a piece of paper inside. I opened the paper. It was a money order signed "Santa from the North Pole" This had to be a joke, so I went to the bank to see who sent this to me. Through huge tears I ask the teller who could have done this? She could not help me because money orders cannot be traced to a person. As I pulled away, my son said, "Mom, Santa knows we needed help. Remember, he knows everything," What an incredible gesture. To the person or persons who sent the money order, my family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you and yours this holiday season.

Act of kindness

AT THE place where my husband works a woman was scheduled to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We felt sorry for her, because she is a grandma. How sad to miss Christmas with your new grandbaby. So my husband volunteered to work her Christmas shift so she could have the time off with her family. He doesn't get holiday pay. It was truly a selfless act. The woman was in tears when she was told that she could have that night off. I have never been so proud of my husband for doing the right thing, and I thank God for his kindness. Please share an Act of Kindness you have done or have witnessed.

Beautiful sight

DAVID LIMBAUGH and the Republican establishment has patronized Southern Christian evangelicals for decades. Now, there is a distinct possibility that one of them, Mike Huckabee, might be nominated. So what happens? Limbaugh and virtually the entire GOP establishment has turned on Huckabee with a ferocity almost unseen in the annals of intraparty squabbling. To behold it is a beautiful sight.

Cell-phone danger

YOUR ARTICLE on accidents mentioned cell phones, but not enough attention was given to the use of cell phones. I'm a motorcycle rider and have to watch the motorist and not just the car to see what the driver's intentions are. it scares me to death to see the weavers and unattentive drivers giving all their attention to their cell-phone conversation. It has been proven that talking on a phone is more impairing than a 0.08 blood alcohol content. that means more than half the people out there are driving as if they were drunk, When will cell phones be outlawed in cars?

Caring for veterans

MY DAD was diagnosed with prostate cancer by the VA Hospital in Poplar Bluff some months ago. After a series of tests and a whole lot of red tape, they told him months later that his prostate is completely taken over by cancer, and the cancer has spread into his lymph nodes. Doctors told him there is nothing else they can do for him. They sent him to St. Louis' John Cochran VA Hospital. He arrived for his appointment only to wait for three hours to see the doctor. He was unable to sit during the wait due to the overwhelming amount of veterans waiting and the limited seating. Veterans were sitting on the floor. Finally, the doctor told him, "We can't help you. Come back if the pain worsens and we'll talk about chemo." What does he mean "starts to get worse"? If it gets any worse, my dad will be dead. I believe our government should step up and take care of our veterans, old and young.

Vote for impact

CAPE GIRARDEAU School Board hopefuls are starting to gear up for election. Let's make sure that our new elected board members have common sense, people skills, ability to manage and knowledge of the problems plighting public education in today's world. We have voted in the past based on who the people are. This time, let's vote for the person who can make a positive impact. Minority representation is needed on the board and in our schools.

Running red lights

ABOUT THE traffic hot spots: I drive through these areas daily, Yes, cell-phone use while driving is a problem. A bigger problem is people making left turns on a red light. On Kingshighway you can count on at least three running a red light. But how many receive tickets?

Cutting corners

COULD PEOPLE please be more careful when turning left onto a street? Cutting the corner is dangerous. I can't safely pull all the way up to a stop sign without risking having my driver's side fender being hit. Stay on your side of the road.

Good schools

KUDOS, CAPE Girardeau schools. I just picked up the latest Newcomers Guide, and there was a spreadsheet comparing local schools in Missouri. For such a diverse group of students, Cape's graduation rate and post-secondary education rate is among the best in Southeast Missouri. Sure, there are problems that are always spotlighted, but the schools are serving our kids well. Thank you, Cape Girardeau School District.