Speak Out 3/2/07

School choice

All this controversy concerning Bell City, Scott County Central and Naylor would not exist had we implemented interdistrict public-school choice, as many school experts have suggested. Those who wanted academic success would opt for Leopold, and those who aspired for athletic success would choose Scott County Central or Bell City.

Unequal treatment

If I had a warrant out for my arrest, I would not know about it until the police showed up to arrest me. How come Bill Ferrell was allowed to turn himself in? He should have been treated like anyone else and placed in handcuffs and hauled off to jail in a patrol car.

Duck, duck, goose

I figured out how the Missouri State High School Activities Association decides who is guilty: the old kids' game duck-duck-goose. They get letters from parents and reports from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Bell City. Duck. Newspapers report kids out of district at Vashon every year for the last 10 years. Duck. Some girl at Naylor lives out of district. Goose.

Immigrant consent

This nation was founded on the principle of governance by consent, not coercion. To secure these rights governments are instituted by and derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. When did you consent to have millions of illegal immigrants be given benefits not available to citizens?

Widespread gambling

I read an interesting article that said two Jackson teachers recently resigned their positions amid speculation that they may have been involved in online gambling. As a recent Jackson School District retiree, I know how hypocritical the district has become in the last eight years. But if these teachers were forced to resign due to online gambling, then several administrators must resign as well, or the district is guilty of discrimination. Every year for the Super Bowl, the Final Four and numerous other such events gambling pools were held in our building and in others as well. Administrators participated. I've seen this myself. Various teachers, usually coaches and other male teachers, participated in online pools. While I can't attest to the fact that administrators participated in those, I do know they were aware of them and heard them asking who had won or which team a person had picked. One of these days, Jackson is going to pick on the wrong person who is going to fight back, and I hope it happens soon. That may be the only way the school board will wake up and see what's going on.

Skills testing

I DON'T understand why everybody gets so worked up about standardized tests. If we want Missouri youngsters to have a chance in the real world, they need to have a certain set of skills. Why shouldn't the state be allowed to define that set and ensure that it is being taught?

Time to help

MANY ARE complaining about the quality of leadership in Delta. How about stepping into the arena and offering your time and energy in public service? Instead of pointing out how bad things are, why not step up and help?

Accepting donations

A COMMENT complained about having to carry all those coins with the faces of the former presidents in their pockets. If anyone doesn't want their coins, I will gladly take them.

Waiting for a deal

I AM going to buy some commercial property and let it decay in hopes the city will work out a deal with someone who will buy it. Cape Girardeau, what a great place to live.