Speak Out 4/24/06

A great job

I WOULD like to say what a great job superintendent Tom Allen has done at the Delta School District. He is going to be missed greatly here at Delta after his retirement.

Higher standard

AS A non-driving lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau, I appreciate the need for transportation services. I can't tell you how nice it has been since Designated Driver begin operating. As someone who rides with them two or three times a week, it is great to call and have a driver at my house in 20 minutes. I have seldom waited any longer. And the rates for round trips are less then one way with Kelly Transportation. People should know there are other options to Kelly Transportation. I appreciate the years I did business with Kelly, but Designated Driver is what this town needs. The vans are nice and clean, and drivers are courteous and prompt. This town should appreciate that we are growing and should welcome this new business. I have nothing but good experiences and can go where I need to go and return home all before Kelly arrives. Thank you, Designated Driver, for setting a standard in transportation option and providing quick, efficient services seven days a week that don't keep you waiting for a cab.

Important issues

PRESIDENT BUSH tried to give our ports to the Arabs? I believe it was a company from Britain that sold out to an Arab company, and the ports weren't being given to them as Britain didn't own them. For Iraq to become another Vietnam, we need more Hanoi Jane's to evoke rioting in the streets or peace protesters yelling "Free love, not war." And if gasoline reaches $3 a gallon, I guess you can walk if you don't want to pay it.

Religion in the paper

WHEN THERE is a religious holiday, why can't the paper print something about it without such a scathing retort as the recent Speak Out comment? If I were to take this attitude, I would do away with Halloween, Kwanzaa and Islamic and Jewish holidays. I don't agree with them or celebrate them. This country has lost its tolerance, especially when it comes to Christianity. This country began as a place to practice religion without fear. All are allowed to practice either their own faith or no faith. When there is something in the paper that is contrary to your views, turn the page.

All-purpose puppies

THE HUMANE Society has all kinds of puppies, and it surely has whatever kind you want: Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, independent, nonpartisan and nonpolitical. These puppies promise not to raise your taxes, cut your programs or solicit campaign contributions. There's one there to fit your lifestyle.

Cleanup ditty

Add a tune to this and sing along:

Eyesores in Chaffee -- they just won't go away.

Eyesores in Chaffee -- they are here to stay.

The neighbors are getting madder

About the eyesore matters.

Eye sores in Chaffee -- let's clean up in May.

Unfair attacks

TO THE caller who asked if anybody remembered the attacks on President Clinton: I remember them, and I supported President Bush in 1992. I thought those attacks on President Clinton were terrible. However, they were not dangerous like the attacks on President Bush. Those unfair attacks on President Clinton -- and I agree many of them were unfair -- did not encourage enemies to kill our soldiers.

Looking is best part

I'M AGAINST providing maps to assist in finding yard sales. The most enjoyable part is driving around to find them.

Democrat patriots

THE MAJORITY of Democrats are rational patriots who pray for the safety and success of our service members despite what you hear from those loud voices on the far left and far right. The fact that we don't always agree with the methods of our president doesn't mean we don't wish for the safety for our troops.

Three compliments

I HAVE three comments. First, I want to commend the wonderful job Chris Pagano does in the "Our showcase home" column in the Real Estate section. Everything she writes is sheer poetry. Second, I want to commend Callie Clark Miller and Bob Miller on their column. They are an absolute delight to read every Sunday. Their antics kindle fond memories of the "I Love Lucy" show. It just can't get any better than this. Third, I want to commend the Southeast Missourian for allowing these wonderful people to work for you.

Policing the world

I AM a little concerned with the idea of taking military action against Iran. It seems to me that our country is trying to police the world. Who are we to say something is wrong? Why do we have to take all the actions? Over the last couple of years we have threatened many countries with force if they did not follow our rules. That almost sounds how Russia used to handle things, and look where it ended up. I think we should focus more attention on our own problems and let the rest of the world take a turn at ruling it.

Report from the front

THIS IS in reply to the person who claims the soldiers who say good things are happening in the war on terror are nowhere near the action and don't know what they're talking about. My cousin is an Army Ranger. He has seen action in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan. Liberals wouldn't like what he has to say about them and the disgraceful national media. He speaks at length of the good things going on in Iraq that are never reported and the genuine affection and appreciation the Iraqi people have for our armed forces and what they are doing.

Unsafe TV sets

FALLING TELEVISION sets are a real danger for small children. The heaviest part of the set is the glass, which is located at the front, making it unbalanced and prone to falling forward. A 4-year-old child in England was killed last month when a set that had sat on a dresser for two years toppled onto her head after she bumped up against the dresser. In my own home a television fell on my daughter, luckily with only minor injuries. I have since made sure it is secured and untippable.

Testing teachers

MY SON'S teacher is the only teacher at his school who deserves recognition for the effort she makes for her students. The others, including the principal, need a reality check. There are several teachers who are having affairs with other teachers. I don't want my children being taught by those particular teachers. The principal hires substitutes who are not qualified to teach. One substitute couldn't spell "Wednesday." I am not a college graduate, and there are still things that I learn or relearn every day. I still think that a substitute should be able to spell simple words. I think the school my children attend should have yearly testing of current and new teachers. Newcomers, including substitutes, should not be hired if they don't pass this test or if they cannot spell simple words that my daughter learned to spell in second grade. To all teachers who go far beyond the classroom for their students: Thank you for the excellent job you do.

More than pranks

WHEN IS Southeast Missouri State University going to learn? There has been a steady increase in fraternity troubles this year. It seems to be the same frats every time. Why won't SEMO take action against these frats and show that this isn't what Greek life is about?