Speak Out 12/3/05

Important issue

THE MISSOURI secretary of state has said signatures may be obtained to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot for voters to approve or reject. It would allow for embryonic stem-cell research, in an effort to cure disease, in particular a procedure known as somatic cell nuclear transfer. This ballot initiative is opposed by the Missouri Right to Life. The issues are complex. This would be one of the most far-reaching ballot initiatives ever to come before the Missouri voters.

America's needs

IF WE are such a strong nation, how come we have homeless people? How come we let our people starve and let our children die without health care? This nation doesn't take care of its own people. This country can borrow money for the war on terror, but we can't take care of our people. I haven't heard the president say anything on how he is going to make sure every American receives health care, has a roof over his head or goes to bed with a full stomach. How can we push democracy off on another country when we haven't perfected it for ourselves? Let's not forget what this country did to the Indians who were here before the settlers. This strong country terrorized Indians and African-Americans. It stole their land and their lives.

Stiffer penalties

CHILD MOLESTERS should get stiffer penalties. We have prosecutors making deals with criminals that get them time in jail that does not fit the crime. If a person commits a crime against a child, he needs to spend 25 years to life in jail. To give them less will mean they are back on the streets too soon and will destroy more children's lives.

Let's do both

IN MANY ways I agree with the comment about focusing on children who are more advanced than others to keep them interested in school. I dropped out early to get my GED so I could go directly to college. Yet, as a mother of two children on both sides of the fence, I am thankful for the special programs for those who can't keep up. Why can't our schools find a way to do both? We all know we give enough money throughout the year to pay for it.

What country?

SOMEONE RECENTLY sounded off to the effect that we could go to "their country," apparently meaning the terrorists' country. What country?

Card will save money

WHY ARE some pharmacists opposed to the county prescription card when it is something they agreed to when they wanted to do business with Caremark? It sounds like the card will save money for people who need it the most, which is our uninsured, and also save money for those of us who have prescription-drug needs that our insurance may not cover. The county should be commended, not criticized, and the pharmacists should suck it up and do what they agreed to do when they started doing business with Caremark.

Postage bargain

SENDING A letter across the country in a couple of days for 39 cents is a bargain.