SPEAK OUT

Need real people

I WANT to complain about the answering machine at the Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Fee Office. You try to call with a simple question, and you get this five-minute recording that doesn't really tell you anything you want to know. The recording gives you a telephone number to call in Jefferson City. When you call it, you get put on hold for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of long-distance holding, I decided I'd just give up and go to the license bureau in person. So I went there and stood in line for 30 minutes, and I still didn't get an answer to my question, because they didn't know. For starters, they should get rid of the answering machine and get a human being on the line instead. Then they need to get some people in there that know what they're doing.

He wasn't neutral

WAS I the only one who read Marty Mishow's column congratulating Jerry Dement for reffing the New Madrid game at state? Dement is originally from Sikeston. Was he fair and neutral officiating in this game? Or did he steal McFerren's final win? Once again, the state failed in acquiring neutral referees for a very important game.

Like a police state

ONE OF the greatest threats to individual freedom is the development of draconian environmental laws under the guise of the Clean Air Act. Do I agree with the need to preserve our natural resources and feel some action is needed? Yes. Violations of the act can result in sentences of 40 years and fines up to $25,000 per day. Criminals convicted of armed robbery or rape often serve less than five years. Citizens are allowed to own property, but the government dictates how it can be used. Informants of violations receive rewards of up to $10,000. This closely resembles the informer systems that police states use to control their citizens.

Remembering a Papa

I WOULD like to pay Speak Out tribute to recently deceased John Phillips, who was the driving force behind a quintessential hippie band, The Mamas and the Papas. Though likely considered anathema by today's so-called cultural conservatives, songs like "California Dreamin'" have withstood the test of time and will be long remembered after activist elements of today's Republican right have been duly consigned to the dustbin of history.

Deal with bullying

ON THE bullying going on in school: I'd like to comment on the person who said parents are at fault. My elementary child was taught to have a big heart. He is very caring and sweet and never complains. When I noticed his self-esteem had changed, my husband and I went to the school to see if there was a problem there. They hadn't seen anything. We sat our son down, and he said he's been chased, pushed down, jumped in front of in line. How long does my son have to deal with this? It's been two years, and nothing really has been done. When will school districts be held accountable for not dealing with this problem.

Way off base

ARE YOU kidding me? I knew the Southeast Missourian was out of touch, but not to this degree. Believe it or not, a Southeast Missourian editorial tried to convince us that the fiscal stability of our state is more important than keeping the St. Louis Cardinals in Missouri. Hah! You guys need help.

Eight long years

IN REGARD to angry calls to Speak Out: My husband and I were real angry for eight years with the Clinton administration. So live with it. You, too, may have to be angry for eight years, not just four.