Speak Out 6/5/04

Reading is believing

TO THE person who made the comment "He's too nice" in Speak Out: Gary Rust is a nice person, but do you mean to tell me that you can read the Southeast Missourian and not know that he is a dyed-in-the-wool Republican?

Teaching modesty

TO THE person who made the "Lacking modesty" comment about a church car wash: Get real. Parents are supposed to teach children modesty.

Emphasis on success

THOSE WHO are complaining because the Southeast Missourian reported on some of the problems and failures in education and are suggesting that the paper report on some of the good things in education must never read the Southeast Missourian. There's at least one item every day that speaks to the success and achievement of education. For example, students receiving scholarships or some other honor or recognition. The problem is that those in education want only the successes reported and the problems and failures totally and completely ignored. They want recognition for the successes but do not want to be held responsible for any of the failures or problems.

Families still here

PART OF the problem with teachers is their attitude. The biggest misstatement in Speak Out is families for the most part are a thing of the past. Was this person not at a high school graduation? How many parents showed up to show support for their children? How many parents are involved in sporting for their children? Certainly families are not a thing of the past, and you can see it when you're out shopping. Apparently teachers have some chips on their shoulders they need to get off before they can effectively teach our children.

Small price to pay

ABOUT THE fire sales tax vote Tuesday: Let's weigh our options. Vote no and our homeowners insurance premiums will rise and the lives our of loved ones will be in jeopardy due to our town having faulty fire safety equipment. Vote yes and our homeowners insurance will not rise, and we will be provided with modern, updated fire safety equipment. As a resident of Cape Girardeau, I think it's a small price to pay. Just vote yes on June 8.

Real winners

MISS UNIVERSE help the needy? Maybe for one year of her life. But who are the real Miss Americas? Just like your article said, they're the women of Meals on Wheels who help the needy. These women are unselfishly giving their time. Then there are the women or men who volunteer for hospice to help cancer victims. There are so many Miss Americas. I don't believe Gloria Estefan for a minute when she says Miss Universe will help the needy. The people who are truly helping the needy are those who are out doing it weekly in our society.