Speak Out 2/7/04

Self-destructing talent

I GREW up watching and listening to the Jackson Five. Then Michael Jackson got out on his own and is doing quite well. His sister, Janet, did the same. But in their incessant, desperate bid to seek attention, their talent is forgotten. And now, sadly, we must watch them self-destruct.

What's the big deal?

I CAN'T believe everybody is making a big deal about Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. It's no worse than that stupid show about two half-naked girls on a farm. I don't see why everybody's making a big deal about this little slip-up. I think people are making it seem worse than it is.

Tobacco statistics

TOBACCO KILLS about 430,000 people each year in the United States. That's more than die from alcohol, cocaine, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire and AIDS combined, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Most smokers know that tobacco is harmful and say they want to quit smoking but can't. So please don't start, especially young people.

Animal penalties

I DON'T think anyone who abuses an animal should be jailed for years. Animals are animals, and humans are humans. Children who abuse animals should maybe get mental counseling. But these animal-rights enthusiasts drive me nuts.

Display of filth

THE SUPER Bowl halftime show was a disgrace. Not only Janet Jackson's display, but the other rappers with their vulgar singers holding their crotches. What does CBS expect from MTV? Wholesome entertainment? This broadcast shows the world the filth that has taken over America and the disregard for decent family values.

Pleasing the Republicans

YOU'RE a Democratic governor, no way you could please the people of this area here. If you cut programs because a lack of tax revenue, you're a lousy governor and anti-education. If you raise taxes to keep up education programs, then you're a tax-guzzling governor. There's no way you're going to please these Republicans, particularly in this area, whatever you do if you're a Democrat. The only thing that's going to please these Republicans is if you sign the governor's office over to Republicans and quit.

Placing responsibility

IF ANYONE'S held responsible in the Janet Jackson Super Bowl thing, then I think it should be Janet Jackson, because she knew what she was going to be doing. Her Internet site said to watch for something shocking. And MTV also should be held responsible, because it allowed this sleaze factor. MTV should know what people are going to be doing before they do an act for the Super Bowl.

Commercial criticism

I CAN understand about the turmoil over the Super Bowl halftime performance by Janet Jackson. That is a bad deal. But what about the beer commercials? Are they all OK? Explain why.

Bring back the bands

I TOTALLY agree with Mike Smythe's opinion on KFVS12 that we should bring back the marching bands for the Super Bowl halftime. Man, that would be wonderful.

Ridiculous charge

I THINK this idea that students have to pay for extracurricular activities is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Why not charge for parking, administrators and teachers?

Courage to speak

BRAVO, JOE Sullivan. I've loved your sense of humor, your writing ability and your common sense. Now, your courage to speak out against acceptance of trash in this country has renewed my faith in the media and in the community's sense of decorum. Look it up, people.

Mowing the brush

I WOULD like to respond to the "Cool mowing" comment. No one mows grass in the winter. That's the time when you mow the brush. If these tractors have cabs, you can mow in the rain. At least people are out there working instead of sitting in a shop with their feet propped up. Taxpayers are getting their dollar's worth because the work is being performed