Speak Out 2/18/11

Welfare problem

A recent article in the paper demonstrated the exact reason we have such a deficit in this country. We have welfare recipients who get money for food stamps, baby formula, day care and doctor bills, plus a check every month to pay for other things -- all while they're having illegitimate children and not working. That's the reason the country is in the situation it's in. I say if the government wants these people to have drug tests in order to get all this money, that's the least they could do.

A majority vote

WHEN are some individuals going to understand that the majority of people did vote for President Obama? Maybe not right here in Southeast Missouri, which could use a little broadening, but the nation as a whole did.

Capaha ideas

I don't really know what a splash pad is, but it sounds fun. I would like to see something that adults as well as children could use. Also, some cities have nice fountains that can also serve as a splash pool. That would be fun during the hot summers. If neither of these ideas are going to happen, I would like to see an ice-skating rink.

Reagan's policies

AFTER Reagan's tax cuts, the rich actually paid more taxes proportionately than they had before the cuts were implemented. A staggering 86 percent of people in the lower 1/5th of income earners moved into higher income groups in the Reagan decade. During this period, the U.S. experienced unprecedented peacetime economic growth with some 20 million new jobs, negligible inflation and reduced census rates. Real after-tax income per person rose by 15.5 percent and the real median income of families before taxes went up 12.5 percent.

True sportsmanship

I was very happy to see the Packers win the Super Bowl, but on the other hand, I really want to commend the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He showed what true sportsmanship should be. When his team lost the game, he didn't put the blame on anyone. He was very gracious and he was a true sportsman.

Entitlement problem

WHAT I'm confused about is the younger generation that thinks they're entitled to have everything given to them. The elderly have worked their whole life and contributed into this system, and they're the ones who are getting shafted these days.

Child safety

RECENTLY during inclement weather, the Jackson School District did not release the students early due to road conditions. Once I got out, I realized how bad the roads were. I went to the school and signed my children out. Many parents did the same. I think education is very important, but at what risk?