Speak Out 12/30/06

Not getting help

DO YOU think it is right for the government to let a family starve and barely get by? Yes, there are people who cheat the system and should be caught. But why does it have to take over a year for someone who has lost body parts in the military? Do you think I am trying to cheat the government? My family and I are the ones getting cheated. I gave all I had to protect this country. I see no one helping me or my family. I don't live off welfare. I sell my belongings to feed my family. Why should I even have to be in this situation?

Clinton's Democrats

TO THE Democrat who stated that it was a Republican House and Senate that passed NAFTA: The Democrats had control of the Senate during the Clinton years. The Republicans took over the House in the latter part of his presidency. Bill Clinton signed that law, helping send countless jobs to Mexico.

Off to war

IT HAS always been my belief as a Democrat, then as a Republican and now as a disgusted-with-both-parties-middle-of-the-roader, that every politician, from the president on down, who is in favor of sending our troops to war should themselves have to don a uniform and be sent (with no favoritism involved as to where or when) to war. Guess what would happen then.

Thanks for basket

I WOULD like to thank the Scott City Fire Department for the donation of the Christmas basket. God bless you all and everyone who helped.

Military pride

WE SHOULD be proud that our young people are joining the Marine Corps as well as other branches of the military. It is no accident that our forces have the most intelligent and motivated people working hard and doing great service for our nation.

Not a slaughter

EXACTLY HOW is the Iraq war a "slaughter?" We have lost 2,978 of our military personnel in a war that has been going on for over three years. Another war that was three years long was the Korean War. We lost around 54,000 troops in that war. The Iraq war is by no means a slaughter. Until the death toll of our brave military people outweighs the terrorists' death toll, I would not call it a slaughter.

Support for Marines

"SEMPER FI" to all The Few ... The Proud ... Marines out there. If only we had more for our country. May those they fight for and die for always remember them in their hearts.

Retirement wishes

SOUTHEAST Missourian, you did an outstanding job on the recent interview with Cape Girardeau County Clerk Rodney Miller. The story was well-written. Mr. Miller has been a loyal and dedicated servant to the people of Cape Girardeau County and will be missed by all. Congratulations, Mr. Miller, on your retirement, and good luck in your future endeavors.

Enough taxes

THE PERSON who doesn't think Missouri taxes its citizens enough cited poor roads and law enforcement as reasons. Missouri roads are fine with me. As for law enforcement, everywhere you turn there are police handing out speeding tickets, and there seems to be no end to the folks wanting more laws to stop one thing or another.

Our justice system

IN RESPONSE to the story "Flatulence allegedly sparks jail fight": I think prisoners have it too easy. Taxpayers deserve more from our justice system. This governor needs to start working for us, as his oath of office so clearly mandates, or we should replace him with someone who will.

Lowering the flag

I AM appalled at the Jackson School District's failure to lower the U.S. flag to half-staff for our 38th president. Christmas break is no excuse. Each day district employees have been there. The flag should be lowered on the day of the president's death or the next day if he dies at night. Keep it at half-staff for 30 days. It is not every day we have a president die. How many children saw the flag still flying high and asked how come?

Balanced discipline

SPANKING IS a form of love and discipline. It can be done in an unloving way, but that does not make spanking bad. It makes the one doing it wrong. Children who are spanked and who are praised for good behavior turn out fine. It's balance that counts.

Guilty of lying

TO THE person who claimed that "a liar is a devil": I find it hard to believe you have never lied. Does that make you a devil too? Lying is wrong, but we are all guilty.