Speak Out 12/31/03

Goose and gander

DAVID LIMBAUGH is always fussing about the Bush bashers. What about Limbaugh's Clinton bashing? What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

Stories of triumph

I THOROUGHLY enjoy the personal touch of the articles in the Southeast Missourian. My favorites are written by high school students and also those about local people who are now contributing and have contributed so much to our community and area. The articles are interesting, educational and uplifting and give us hope. They depict the hard times our ancestors had, yet today we have a better world because of their contributions, whether great or small. People today, especially those in public service, are making a difference in other's lives, although it may not be recognized for years to come. Thank you for a great newspaper.

Fighting terrorism

IT SEEMS obvious that the Dean section of the Democratic Party does not understand what the war on terrorism means. This is the great fight of our generation just as World War II was a fight against fascism. We need to maintain our current leadership against terrorism and support Israel as it defends itself against terrorism from the Palestinians.

Too many holidays

I WOULD like to thank my employer for giving me Christmas Day off. It is the only holiday I get each year, and I was very grateful for the opportunity to sleep in late. For you state employees who got two extra days off with pay this year, this taxpayer doesn't appreciate working six days a week to pay your salary while you sit on your butt. You get way too many holidays off as it is. What do you need another one for?

A diverse place

JUST BECAUSE you are a Christian doesn't mean everyone else is or should be. There are people in Cape Girardeau who think they have the right to dictate everyone's behavior, including sexual behavior. They're the same ones who are always talking about freedom. Stop trying to enforce your view of morality on other people. Not everybody subscribes to your Biblical view of things. Cape is a diverse place.

Not all sinners

I BEG to differ with the person who said we are all sinners. If this is true, then Christ died in vain. We are not all sinners. Jesus' blood washed away the sins of those that accepted him as Savior and Lord. They are no longer sinners as long as they live a Christian life. Those who continue to practice the sinful nature are sinners but have hope in Jesus Christ. Nowhere in the Bible does it give us permission to sin. We can live a sinless life. Read John 14:12.

Enough discrimination

GAY PEOPLE have suffered enough discrimination and hate. I applaud the people who are speaking out on the issue. More power to them.

Faith in prison

I WAS pleased to read that Florida has dedicated its first faith-based prison. While many people believe prisons are only for the purpose of punishing criminals and not rehabilitation, we must remember most inmates are not incarcerated forever. We cannot ignore their spiritual needs and expect them to return to society with a changed heart and mind. The high rate of repeat offenders proves this.