SPEAK OUT

Dull reassessment

THANK YOU for doing your civic duty and writing an editorial about property reassessment. Now can we get back to something more sensational and more interesting?

Walk the walk

AS A Christian who had many ancestors driven from their homes by other Christians, I am a firm believer in the separation of church and state. We must have freedom of religion and freedom from religion. John Ashcroft doesn't seem to understand that there are many people in this country who are not Christian as well as many Christian groups that do not agree with his brand of Christianity. His prayer group seems to be breaking the law and to be a form of coercion, as many people who want to advance in their jobs would be afraid Ashcroft would not advance them if they refused to be a part of his style of Christianity. When he was running against Mel Carnahan, Ashcroft often seemed very disingenuous, not the moral paragon of virtue that he tried to call himself. Ashcroft has to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

Blame Gray Davis

TO THE liberal who said Pete Wilson was in office until 1999, he was not. He left office in 1996. Gray Davis took over. Beyond that, for the last eight years the Democrats have controlled the legislature out there in California. It was Davis who brought in generators at the Democratic National Convention last year. They knew this power shortage was already coming. It's Davis and the Democrats who are responsible for this.

Flip-flop situation

IT'S KIND of amazing that the Republicans say that the Bushes' problems should be a private matter. I tend to agree a little bit. Of course, I know Bill Clinton's problem didn't remain a private matter between himself and his wife, but that's not the issue as far as I'm concerned. I'm amazed that it's hush-hush and made light of because they're just kids. All you wonderful supporters of Rush Limbaugh didn't yell foul or say leave Chelsea Clinton alone. Chelsea didn't do a single thing wrong, but Limbaugh viciously attacked her just because of her parents' problems, which had nothing to do with her. But Bush's girls could do something about their drinking problem. It's incredible how you guys flip-flop. When it's your side, it's OK. When it's the other guy's side, it's open season. If you folks love Rush Limbaugh, why didn't you tell him it was wrong to verbally attack a 16-year-old girl a few years ago?

Things you can do

IN RESPONSE to the letter from Kathy Parsons concerning her problem with her neighbors: Try what our neighborhood did. Send a letter to the landlord signed by all the neighbors surrounding them, stating how unhappy you are with these renters and what the problems are. You and your neighbors can also call the police every time the dogs start barking and annoy you. If the landlord doesn't respond to the letter, call him or write him every day.

Get rid of mailboxes

I WISH the four-way stop had been in place on Mount Auburn Road when my nephews had to cross that road for the elementary school. Now let's pull up those mailboxes and make it a door-to-door mail route like in other parts of town.

Look in the mirror

FOR THOSE who like to criticize President Bush's daughters, you should take a look at the way you raised your own children. I rest my case.

It's for me and mine

TO THE caller who said the Republicans have double standards: Of course they don't. Do you not know that if it's for your and yours, it's welfare either because of stupidity or laziness. If, however, it's for me and mine, it's entitlement. By the same token, when you and yours go astray, it's a sin of the worst possible sort. If, however, it's me and mine that have gone astray, it's someone else's fault. Just what part of this do you not understand?

Defining compassion

A SPEAK Out comment stated that compassion for others is not a significant factor in motivating people to run for political office. I would agree with that description of political animals with the lone exception of those officeholders who are known as compassionate conservatives. By definition, they are caring souls.