Speak Out 12/29/08

Thanks for help

I WANT to thank the man who helped me out of the Cape Girardeau Wal-Mart and to my car until my daughter could arrive. While standing in line Monday, I became ill and needed help. Craig Hounihan from Jackson came to my rescue without any hesitation. Thank you for your kindness and help. Leona from Marble Hill, Mo.

Smoking and driving

IN RESPONSE to complaints about people having their cell phones on while driving: Tell me what the difference is between the cell phone being on and a cigarette in a hand of a driver? If it wasn't for my cell phone, a couple of weeks ago I wouldn't have been able to call the police when my car was hit by another vehicle. Plus I wouldn't have been able to reach family members when I needed them. Consider the fact that people who are smoking could not only cause a wreck but a fire.

American dream

PEOPLE IN this country need to face the facts and realize that whatever social status they're born into and whatever they are now is all they are going to be for the rest of they're lives. To quote George Carlin: "Because the owners of this country know the truth, it's called the American Dream, and you have to be asleep to believe it."

Heroes for children

THANK YOU for including the article about the Shop With a Hero program. I work with some of these children, and it touches my heart to see them do something like this when they normally wouldn't get much, if anything, for Christmas. These children need good role models like this, and I think the officers, firefighters and EMTs who do this should be greatly appreciated by everyone. Many children in this community go through more than you could ever imagine, and you gave them something to look forward to and be happy about. You should be proud of yourselves, and I hope all of you are blessed as well. Don't give up no matter how thankless your job may be.

Animal rights

THOUGH WE haven't been able to decipher it yet, dog barking is canine language, currently understandable only to other canines. Once the U.S. Supreme Court realizes (as has animal rights philosopher Peter Singer) that nonhuman animals should have constitutional rights equivalent to human beings, the complaints about barking dogs should taper off.

Smitten by Caroline

WHAT'S LEFT of the attack-dog right wing of the GOP is probably gnashing its teeth over the latest revelation from erstwhile conservative columnist Cal Thomas, who is smitten with aspiring senator Caroline Kennedy.

Thanks for lights

I'D LIKE to thank everyone who put up outdoor Christmas decorations this year. I know it took lots of work, sometimes in bone-chilling weather, but the results were worth it. We enjoy driving around to see all the beauty of the season. Thanks.