Speak Out 4/1/14

Discipline concern

Schools are trying to determine the root of discipline problems? These administrators obviously aren't asking their teachers, as we know what the roots are. One, parents not raising their children to respect others from birth and not holding their children accountable when they do wrong. Two, parents who don't back the school even when their child is caught breaking even the most common-sense rule (cheating, for example). Three, administrators who buckle down to parents instead of backing their teachers. Four, a culture that devalues educators and the educational system. When other adults don't respect us, what do you expect from the kids who look to the adults as their model. Five, too many rules and not enough consistent enforcement.

Social Security

For those under the misconception that Social Security payments are only the money you paid in: You are wrong, the average person takes out three times what they paid in. So for every person drawing Social Security, it takes three people to contribute to make the payments. That is why it is an entitlement program.

Use tax

Our city government is at it again. They want us to vote in another tax, a use tax, but they don't want to cut any other taxes that's what they do best. I believe this city needs to start living within its means. Here is a way to save some money: How about have the police officers drive their own cars to work. How many of our officers drive Cape cars to Jackson daily? That is a 20-mile round trip.

Roundabout, stoplight

People are still complaining about the roundabout on Lexington. I live on route W and use the roundabout everyday, I think it's great! And I want to thank the city and MoDOT not only for the roundabout but for the other improvements in that area such as now there are two turning lanes when turning from Lexington left onto Kingshighway. Many times I would have to sit two to three light cycles to be able to go through that intersection. Now it's only one. Roundabouts are nothing new. Other cities have used them for decades. If people use the roundabout correctly (yield before entering the roundabout) it works flawlessly!

Rent iPads?

Can SEMO alumni who were education majors also, along with the students, rent iPad Airs?