Speak Out 4/23/09

Something to do

SKATEBOARDING is not against the law. Trespassing is. Skateboarders have no regard for the safety of others walking in the same area. I shoot trap and skeet, and the city doesn't provide me facilities either. Kids need something to do? The new library will soon be open.

Loud motorcycles

WHY isn't the loud exhaust law enforced for motorcycles? Many motorcycles are running straight pipes. Why doesn't our local law enforcement enforce this?

Why we protest

I was at the Cape Girardeau Tea Party. I am not on Social Security and was not confused. I knew exactly what I was doing and why I was there. Those that don't understand complain and whine. We are letting our government know that we are not happy.

On the way out

SOCIAL Security has been badly abused. I know people who work and draw disability but aren't disabled. I tried to talk to the people at the Social Security office, but they don't care and won't talk to you unless you have these people's Social Security numbers. Social Security is on its way out unless the government does something.

Must reading

ANYONE who did not read Gene Scalf's "Tampering with the Constitution: Taps for democracy?" on the April 19 Opinion page needs to find a copy and read it.

Religious harm

APPARENTLY, David Limbaugh does not agree with atheist conservative Christopher Hitchens who has written in his best-selling book that religion has done far more harm than good. "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" is available in paperback.

Cautious banks

THE federal government is complaining about the banks not making loans now that they're making profits. What is the government trying to talk them into? Making the same bad loans they made before that got them into the hole and required the taxpayers to bail them out? The government should be glad the banks are being more cautious.

Broad statements

ONE of the things that surprised me about Gene Scalf's April 19 screed about the U.S. Constitution was the incalculable number of broad statements that make glittering generalities seem dull.

Religious nation

EVEN David Limbaugh's lame defense of using the adjective "Christian" to describe our nation led him to admit that to do so would give ambiguity to the phrase and might lead some to think we were claiming to be a theocracy. Another nonpersuasive claim he made was to imply that we should describe the United States as a Christian nation because Saudi Arabia might be described as a Muslim nation. What one has to do with the other, only Mr. Limbaugh knows.

Thanks for wallet

I want to thank the person who turned in my green wallet at Target.

Civil unions

I think it hurts society when gays and lesbians are allowed to marry. I like the idea of a civil union, but I think marriage is going too far. I think it's a problem that children aren't going to be able to see the difference between right and wrong.

Golf course trees

REGARDING the renovation of the Jaycee Municipal Golf Course, why was it necessary to cut down many trees? What once was a beautiful golf course looks like it's been demolished by a tornado. Who is responsible for this? What a waste.

Talking to God

I often hear public speakers end their speech with the phrase "God bless America." I'm not very good at English or theology, but it seems like "God bless America" is telling God to bless America. We all know that's not right. What we should say is "America blesses God" and then ask God to bless America. Some theologian who understands this better could tell me what would be the best way to talk to God.