Speak Out 12/7/05

Individual initiative

I'M TIRED of misinformed people making comments about the need for America to take care of our own before helping anyone else. A democracy does not guarantee free health care, three square meals a day, a job or a roof over their head. A democracy is a form of government which encourages individual rights and individual initiative. We live in a democracy, not in a socialist country.

The real meaning

I THOUGHT Mark Bliss' article on the pretentious uproar regarding "holiday trees" revealed many things. First, it reveals how conservative Christians are too good at majoring in the minors. Does it matter what we call this tree? Second, this tree has very little to do with the true meaning of Christmas, God's incarnation. Why do we have this tree anyway? Third, the tree is a humanly devised, culturally promoted symbol totally unrelated and fully inconsistent with the Bible. It's something we made up. Why all this uproar about a tree? Have we asked God his feelings on how we have infected the celebration of his son's birthday with a tree? How ironic that the silliness of this debate is juxtaposed on the front page of the newspaper next to the horrific death of a child due to neglect and endangerment. Christians have got to get their priorities better aligned with God's values. Let's call these trees what they really are: future landscaping mulch courtesy of the City of Roses, then let's work on the real meaning of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us.

This too will pass

GARY RUST keeps calling for action instead of mere words. I am surprised by this. Rust is a self-described conservative. Conservatism is in large part characterized by inaction. Rust quoted Stephen Mansfield to the effect that "Things do not get better by being left alone." True conservatives would argue that they often do and put a lot of stock in the wisdom of the dictums that time heals all and this too will pass.

Phenomenal job

I AM not an expert in the field of performing arts. However, I have more than a casual knowledge of many facets of the field, including the theater. I recently attended a play at Notre Dame Regional High school. Frankly, I was skeptical as to the ability of teenage students to successfully pull of a play as multilayered and complex as "Blithe Spirit." Boy, was I wrong. The students, directorial staff and others involved did a phenomenal job. I agree with a caller who commented that there are some plays that may be beyond the level of competence and sophistication characterizing high school students in general. However, Notre Dame is a glowing exception, and those participants in the play deserve nothing but the highest praise.

Not my number

IN THE past month I have stopped writing checks at stores because they want your Social Security number on the check in order for it to go through. I had my Social Security number taken off my checks long ago for safety reasons. People need to look at how many hands that check goes through from the time you have paid for something and how many people see your Social Security number.

Liberty tree

WHY SHOULD we, as free Americans, be told what to call anything we own? If we want to call our tree a Christmas tree, it is our option. I believe our country is trying to take everything related to Christ away from us, and we will have to pay for that. We will no longer be free.

Remember when?

I AM amazed at the history of wrongs brought up to make Christianity seem bizarre and out of date. Yes, people do have strange beliefs, and some are unwilling to change in the face of truth. But please remember that society also follows bizarre teachings such as babies feel no pain until they reach a certain age, which has been proved by science to be false. Christians aren't going to disappear just because some people mock them.

New beginnings

IN RESPONSE to the comment about illegal immigration: The concept of America is a dynamic one. It's highly stereotypical to label all immigrants, legal or illegal, as criminal, disease-ridden, second-class humans. While it is true that we need a more effective immigration policy and that America can't be home to everyone in the world, it is still a place of new beginnings for many people. The fact that the largest immigrant populations are Spanish speaking does not make America worse off.

Christmas is the reason

THE REV. Scott Moon is exactly right: Businesses that refuse to use the word "Christmas" are simply trying to obtain or retain that small percentage of potential customers who have a problem with it. What they did not consider is that many of us who are offended by removing "Christmas" will not shop with them, and if the minority have such a problem with the idea of Christmas, surely they aren't purchasing Christmas trees or gifts anyway. Since Christmas is the reason for this holiday, this is all really quite stupid on the part of the offended and the businesses alike.

Education spending

SOMEONE IN the political world finally figured out what many of us have realized for decades: Americans spend more on education (per student) than any other developed country. But America is way down the list in educational results. Good thinking, Texas.

There goes my raise

TO MAIL one letter for 39 cents is a bargain. But the company I work for mails out 400 to 600 statements and invoices each month plus all the other mail they must send, and the postage increase is not a bargain. It will come out of the raise I should get in January.

Parking-lot mania

IT'S THAT time of year again. Some motorists almost run you over to get that parking spot a few steps closer. Remember, as you are racing to get those Christmas presents, that Jesus is watching your behavior.

Propaganda on hold

I CALLED the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center and was put on hold. While waiting I was forced to listen to the right-wing propagandist Rush Limbaugh. I also learned that if you call at other times you are forced to listen to Sean Hannity and other right-wing commentators. They should not be allowed to promote the views of these people by an institution that is funded by the taxpayers of this county. I don't want my tax money used to promote any political opinions. Please stop this.