Speak Out 3/8/06

Curbing abortions

ABORTION IS used as after-the-fact birth control. If abortions were more difficult to obtain, perhaps many women would consider using birth control and there would be no need for back-alley abortions.

It's all about money

HERE IS the reason scientists and universities can't wait to start embryonic stem-cell research: money. As soon as it is legalized, the gold rush will be on. Embryos and their DNA will be patented. Then it will be manipulated and crossbred with animal and plant DNA. This is already being done. Human brain cells have been transplanted in mice. Pigs have been bred to glow in the dark after mixing their DNA with that of jellyfish. Human DNA has been mixed with plant life and other animals. The next step will be the creation of clones or maybe even sub-human beings. Sound like a horror story? Wake up. I don't want my tax dollars to fund this research. No diseases or injuries have been successfully treated using embryonic stem cells.

Not time to wait

STATE SEN. Jason Crowell introduces a measure to make abortions illegal in Missouri, and the Roman Catholic church says it is too soon to do so because the court is not yet packed with conservative justices. Come on, Missouri Catholic bishops. How about encouraging our lawmakers to ban abortions instead of hoping President Bush will be able to appoint more pro-life justices to the Supreme Court?

More work to do

KEEP UP the good work, state Sen. Jason Crowell. I think what you're doing is tremendous. If we can rid Missouri of abortions, maybe we can also get rid the state of all the lazy bums living on the government assistance generation after generation. The Bible says a man who doesn't work shouldn't eat.

Extreme views

THERE IS a way for fans of abortion to get it legalized: Go through the established process of adding an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This way you will have the consent of the people and won't have to rely on liberal judges to do your bidding. This would also be an answer for the anti-gun crowd. The problem is you would never be successful, because the country doesn't support your extreme views.

Take some action

IF SOMEONE is unhappy with an issue, why write Speak Out instead of, in this particular case, state Sen. Jason Crowell? His Web site is just as easy to find as the Southeast Missourian's. People whine but do very little to change things. How about registering to vote? How about not seeing yourself as a victim? How about working?

Legislative lunacy

SHOULD MISSOURI taxpayers subsidize those who purchase "Made in Missouri" vehicles? Adam Smith would say no. The Missouri House apparently says yes with one dissenting vote. At times the General Assembly seems to have lost its collective mind.

School behavior

MY DAUGHTER is a student at Central Middle School. She has a wonderful set of teachers. However, the things she tells me about how other students act is appalling. I am tired of hearing how other students are rude to teachers and disruptive to the educational process. My child wants to learn. Those who don't want to follow the rules need to be kicked out until their parents can make them behave. It is not fair to the teachers, but it's especially unfair to the well-behaved students.

We get it, Senator

I WAS horrified to hear about state Sen. Jason Crowell's proposal to ban abortions in Missouri. The idea that this bill is even being considered is such a regression of our intelligence as Americans. And the fact that there are no exceptions for rape or incest is the most insensitive and disturbing part of all. This is an obvious ploy by Crowell to draw out single-issue voters and advance his placement in Missouri government. We see through you, senator, and we won't backpedal women's rights 30 years in an effort to further your career.

Fishing wins

IN A recent article I learned that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will not conduct a controlled spring flood as planned because of a lack of water in northern reservoirs for fishing and recreation. Such a flood could cause a loss of income for farmers and the barge industry here. What our Missouri governor and legislators couldn't stop, fishing and recreation did.

Quick solution

IF MEN had to give birth, there would be an abortion clinic on every street corner. I say let the women vote on it.

Stop blaming parents

I HAVE to disagree with the comment that at-risk kids don't have parents who promote school. Maybe if teachers paid more attention we wouldn't have all the problems in school. Teachers turn a blind eye to the real problems in class. I promote school and good grades, but my son still comes home with problems from bullies Stop blaming parents for everything when it isn't always their fault.

Customers come first

IT IS amazing to me how customer service has vanished in the last few years. I am only 25, but I am seeing personal service disappear and greed multiply. I recently worked where the management wanted you to place your emphasis on money so much that supervisors would write you up if you did not sell enough. I believe the customer comes first over money. I guess in the end I will be broke, but at least I have my compassion intact.