Speak Out 12/31/05

Save the history

MY DAD'S picture is in the old courthouse in Thebes, Ill., and has been for years. His name is James Underwood. My daughter was able to see inside the courthouse, thanks to a woman who let my family in. My daughter was thrilled to see inside. I played in there as a child. One time my sister locked me in the old jail cell, and it took a while to get me out due to all the rust on the hinges of the cell door. My family and I still go to the old courthouse to relive our childhood memories. To preserve the courthouse and all the artifacts would be an awesome thing for the government to take part in. The history of the building itself is worth the effort.

Mall etiquette

TO THE fast-walking seniors at the mall: The mall is not meant as a place to walk. If others get in your way while you are walking in the mall, it is not right to push them out of your way. These people are using the mall for what it is intended: shopping. Next time you encounter these shoppers, smile and say "Excuse me."

Intersection lighting

SINCE BLOOMFIELD Road is going to be closed for three months and motorists will be taking alternate routes like County Roads 205 and 206 and Highway 77, there are some public-safety issues that urgently need to be addressed. The intersection of County Road 205-Highway 77 has long been known for accidents. Since that is going to be an alternate route for thousands of vehicles, it is time for a stoplight at that intersection, just as one was put in at Dutchtown during flooding a few years ago. The intersection is dark and dangerous enough with regular traffic. I don't know which department is responsible for looking into this, but I hope someone looks into this. It is a major intersection.

Christmas services

I AM so thankful for my pastor, Gerald Penn of the First Assembly of God church in Charleston, Mo., who stood firm and had services on Christmas Day. Some churches were closed, fearing that not many people would attend services because they wanted to be with their families. Guess what. Our attendance was great, and there were several people who came that day who do not normally attend regular services. What an opportunity the Lord gave us that day to preach the Gospel to those who need it. We had a wonderful time of worship. Our pastor preached a great message, and we ended with a beautiful communion service. Great job, Pastor Penn.

Alcoholic minors

I DON'T know why Scott City police chief Don Cobb was so surprised to see how many places sell alcohol to minors. Scott City has had a problem with alcoholic minors for the three years I've lived here. They party, the cops get called and nothing usually gets done about it.

Scientific reasoning

THERE HAS been a lot of debate recently concerning whether intelligent design should be taught in our children's classroom. As a science teacher and Christian, I have often debated this question with myself as well. I have done a lot of research on the topic and have found that ID has some good scientific arguments, but is also filled with many weak arguments that rely on circular logic that should not be allowed to be taught at the same level as scientific reasoning. If schools offered a philosophy of science curriculum, that would be where ID could be discussed. Science does not seek to disprove God. It asks questions of the natural world and looks for logical, observable proof. It was not that long ago that the church thought the Earth was the center of the universe.

More spending

SO MUCH for fiscal conservatism. The Bush administration has exceeded the Clinton administration in spending by one-third.