Speak out 3/30/09

Running lights

I sure hope that all the new stoplights going up around Cape Girardeau will be paid for by the tickets of those who will illegally run through them.

Drug education

I wanted to share an e-mail that is so true: Someone asked me, "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?" I replied, "I had a drug problem when I was young. I was drug to church on Sunday morning, I was drug to weddings and funerals, I was drug to family reunions and community socials. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in Mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of Dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline or chop some firewood. And if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins, and they affect everything I do, say or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin. If today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

Drugs and benefits

I strongly support state Sen. Jason Crowell's proposed bill that would require drug testing for people receiving welfare benefits. Eight other states have similar laws. I hope Missouri enacts this piece of legislation.

Rides for drinkers

I'VE noticed that during the hours when the bars downtown let out the transit authority vehicles haven't been driving around. I think the biggest taxi service should be there when the taverns let out. It would save lives and cut down on drunken driving. The drivers are friendly, and the vans are always clean.

Defending optimism

OPTIMISTS do not live in a fantasyland. They are able to look beyond the reality of the negative. We live in a country with so many freedoms, yet we have teenagers who are killing themselves because all they see is reality and no hope. Pessimists should encourage our children to take hope and make a better world. If you only see what is, you'll never conquer the what ifs.

Audit fat cats

NO wonder the fat cats are worried. No one likes the IRS. Still, it warms my heart that the IRS has finally pledged to start checking out the heretofore minuscule number of millionaires audited by the IRS.

Government regulation

A Southeast Missourian editorial recently posed the question: "Where were the congressional watchdogs?" This is illustrative of the short memories of the Southeast Missourian editorial board who waxed enthusiastic about Reagan's "Government is part of the problem and not part of the solution" and strongly supported stripping the government of its regulatory authority, thus leading to the mess President Obama is working to clean up. Restoring appropriate government regulation of the financial community's activities is but one part of the president's program, but a very key part.

Bring the children

I cannot believe someone complained about babies crying in church. That person should thank God those young people are attending church and bringing their child to God's house.

Digging a hole

YOU have been drinking the Kool-Aid if you believe President Obama's tax increases are only going to affect 5 percent of the population. He's spent so much money that everybody's going to be affected whether it's through increased taxes or a poor economy. He's already spent too much money and dug us into a deeper hole.

Ready to drop out

MY child is an A-honor roll student. On a daily basis at school he hears racist remarks, cussing, students bragging about cutting themselves and watching them do snuff, smoke cigarettes in the parking lot and chew tobacco. Some teachers tell students they will never use what they are being taught. No wonder my child is a nervous wreck and wants to drop out and take the GED test.

Jackson schools

REGARDING the recent article about the Jackson School Board candidates: School officials have been talking about a new elementary school for years. District enrollment does not reflect that a new elementary school is warranted. Enrollment has stabilized. Ten or 15 years ago the school board bought land in the Bent Creek area. The board wanted to build an elementary school at that time, but voters turned that down. Why wasn't that land used for a new high school instead of being landlocked where it is now?

Rationalizing the cough

ONE thing about motorcycle riders: At least they get it over quick if they're killed without their helmet. I have been subjected to smoker's cough for the last 10 years. I realize what smoker's cough is. It's amazing how people will lie to themselves by saying it's some other affliction. We give up cigarettes in a last-ditch effort to save our lives when it can be too late once you develop that cough. There's nothing sadder than being in the hospital and hearing a person with a cough and realizing they haven't been diagnosed yet but you know what the diagnosis is: lung cancer. I've experienced all of this. If you're coughing, quit lying to yourself.

Lower taxes

I just read the article saying property tax assessments are probably going to stay the same. When prices go up, taxes go up. But when the prices of homes go down, taxes stay the same. What's wrong with this picture? Taxes should be going down.