OpinionDecember 9, 2006
Speak Out 12/9/06
Use big rocks; Shrill voices; Recipe for disaster; Poor service; True heroes; Teach the subject; No change; Parking comparison; Failing the vets; We're not wanted; Interstate cure; In the line of duty; A real human; Restroom gripe; Respect for life; Big shows in Cape; Education reality; Can't see the test
Use big rocks
WHY CAN'T the city use big rocks to keep vehicles off the grass in Capaha Park on Parkview Drive?
Shrill voices
IF THERE'S a mandate for anything in this country, it's for toning down the rhetoric and fierce partisanship to achieve consensus on pressing issues. The days of David Limbaugh, dittoheads, Hannity harangues and others are thankfully fading into the sunset. However, in a desperate attempt to preserve divisiveness and stature, their voices are becoming even more shrill.
Recipe for disaster
NO RAISES for judges who make over $100,000 until the average person makes that much? Yeah, I want my fate decided by a judge who makes what the regular Joe does. He would probably have the same education as the average person does, too. I don't want my fate decided by a person who is worrying about making ends meet or in a hurry because he has to get to a second job or pick up the kids because a spouse is stuck at work too. That sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you ask me.
Poor service
WHERE HAS customer service gone? I was treated so rudely by a salesclerk that I am still fuming. Not only did she ignore me twice and walk away, but when I purchased a bicycle, I was told by the man who got it out of the storeroom that it wasn't that heavy, just a little awkward, and I carried it to the car. I am a woman who is not a weakling, but this was ridiculous. There is no one to blame except the manager of the store.
True heroes
ONCE AGAIN the National Guard is out helping local citizens. They've assisted in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. And they've helped with floods, hurricanes, storms and winter weather here at home. Thanks for all that our National Guard soldiers do for us. They truly are heroes.
Teach the subject
THE MAP test is an example of how our students are not prepared to take a test that actually means something. We coddle these kids through school because of all of the federal and state red tape and then wonder why we are turning out functional idiots. Get rid of professional development and allow teachers to teach their subject matter. Hard work and memorization worked for me. We are confusing learning with entertainment.
No change
I LIVE in Oran and haven't noticed a difference since the police force left. I've not seen an increase in crime. Oran is no different than any other small town.
Parking comparison
I'M A student from St. Louis attending Southeast Missouri State University. I don't understand all the complaining about parking. Southeast is one of the least expensive colleges in the state, and it isn't nearly as strict on parking. My sister attends the University of Missouri and gets tickets constantly because there aren't enough spaces. I've never had that problem at Southeast.
Failing the vets
THANK YOU for the story on the woes of the veterans home. It reinforced my view that when it comes to treatment of veterans, federal officials have failed in what should be a sacred duty.
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We're not wanted
CAN ANYONE explain logically why we are still in Iraq? We went on a lie. We are not wanted. Iraq posed no threat to us. We have destroyed our financial future. You can't make a good thing out of one disaster after another. No more people need die for a stubborn few.
Interstate cure
EVERYBODY GRIPES about I-70 from St. Louis to Kansas City, but they don't want to do what they should to cure it. The cure is to build an interstate from Kansas City to the south side of Chicago. This would cut off almost 100 miles of driving and would eliminate the over load on I-70 and I-55 around St. Louis.
In the line of duty
I READ John W. Whitehead's op-ed article about police overkill. I noticed he does not mention how many police are killed every year. I think what he says about police officers is ridiculous when you think about how many of them are killed in the line of duty.
A real human
THIS IS progress? I call an 800 number and get a robot that does not understand me and transfers me with a loud screech that ruins my hearing and raises my blood pressure. Then I get a choice of four options and another transfer. Oh, to talk to a real human being.
Restroom gripe
I HAVE a complaint about business establishments that are not keeping their restrooms clean.
Respect for life
THE PEOPLE who put the 4-day-old puppies in the Dumpster have no respect for life. Animals are our precious friends who comfort us. If you can't afford pets, take them to the Humane Society where they can at least be given a chance. And to anyone who is planning to give animals as Christmas gifts: Make sure you can provide for them before you take one home or give one to someone who may not have the means of providing for them. Letting animals starve, freeze or die due to illness without medical assistance is as bad as putting a baby in the Dumpster.
Big shows in Cape
WE SAW the 2007-2008 season schedule for performing arts at Southeast Missouri State University, and we are excited about some of the theater and music shows that have been booked. We can't wait to see them. The River Campus should be a good thing for the area. It will give people another choice, and they won't have to drive to the Fox Theatre in St. Louis to see good plays and music shows.
Education reality
IF NO Child Left Behind dictates that every child will be at grade level, I can't wait to tell my pediatrician, who told me my child may never learn like other children. My child has Down syndrome. She's in third grade in Sikeston and still can't write her name or count to 10. She's going to take the MAP test this spring. It's going to be a glorious day for the Republican administration when they are able to perform miracles.
Can't see the test
I'M THE mom of children at Alma Schrader Elementary School. One of my children scored Level One on the MAP test. The teacher told me at conferences that she couldn't explain what went wrong because she isn't allowed to see the test. She doesn't know what she's supposed to teach my child based on his test scores. How can that be possible?
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