Speak Out 6/4/08

Military issues

TIMES ARE tough. I agree with President Bush about no military pay increase. I know my spouse hasn't received a raise this year. Times are tough, and he's producing the same amount of work and quality of work he's always done. Regarding scholarships for college for military personnel, there are no free rides. It should be for two terms to show a commitment for the military. One term does not make a commitment to one's country. It would be nice if we all had scholarships for college, but two terms in the military seems fair to me.

Guzzling gas

WE JUST returned from a Memorial Day trip. We spent many hours on the road, and I read in Speak Out about all the people complaining about gasoline prices. You sure wouldn't know it if you're on the highway. Everybody's zipping along about 80 to 85 mph just like they always have. We drove past two wrecks. Everybody's whining that gas prices should be low. I am against this. Supply and demand should be the rule, as in so many other things in the economy, which has been good for America. Gas in foreign countries is much higher than it is here because it truly reflects supply and demand. At some point Americans are going to have to face reality. Now is better than later, especially when you have global warming. Get some kind of mass transit in this country that works instead of being so incredibly selfish and wanting our gas-guzzling ways to continue.

Honor for Shank

I'M CALLING about to the armory name being changed in Jackson. It should be named for Jeremy Shank, who lived in Jackson. He served his country. He was only 18 years old and died for our country. Please consider it.

Awards ceremony

AS A parent of a Central Junior High School student who excels academically, I was disappointed in how the administration handled the presentation of awards. There was much made about the participants in the musical (which was excellent) and the outgoing cheerleaders and the new ones coming in. The academic achievers are the ones who keep our schools working and passing the grade. Let's give them more credit for their accomplishments.

Better for society

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 0.1 and 1 percent of Missouri children are legally allowed to opt out of childhood vaccinations because of their parents' religious or philosophical objections. This is unacceptable. It endangers all children. The governor and legislature must address this situation and close this life-threatening loophole. This is one instance where there is no argument that the rights of society must trump the rights of individuals.