Speak Out 6/5/08

Government help

ALTHOUGH I voted for him twice and in ways consider him among our greatest presidents, I think one of the most damaging generalizations ever uttered by an aspiring chief executive was Ronald Reagan's line that "government is part of the problem and not part of the solution." Government can be of great assistance beyond just helping make the rich richer.

No name calling

NATIONAL REVIEW'S Jonah Goldberg recently opined that Michelle Obama should not be exempt from criticism. I agree wholeheartedly. The only thing I think should be out of bounds when criticizing Michelle Obama and all other public figures (including Goldberg) is the nasty propaganda technique known as name calling.

Brilliant thinker

SAM BLACKWELL showed his rigid thinking when he scorned Rush Limbaugh for, as Sam put it, "making points by insulting the intelligence of anyone who thinks otherwise." Rush doesn't make such judgments. He doesn't need to. He lets people dig their own holes with their own statements and actions, verified by their own quotes, recordings and speeches which clearly show their fallacious and hypocritical thinking and deeds. This is the intellectual way to combat illogical thought, which deserves our applause. Rush Limbaugh is one of the most brilliant people you will ever hear speak. Listen to him with an open mind, and you will become deeply impressed with his analytical abilities. I have always figured most people who criticize him seldom, if ever, listen to him, but just parrot what they have heard some other people say, people who are so set in their thinking that they refuse to listen to reason or to anyone who has different idea. Rush Limbaugh is a brilliant thinker who reflects our good Midwestern values. I am proud to be from the same town and to have known his wonderful family.

Dedicated teacher

I WANT to thank Janienne Moore for her work and dedication to Jackson Junior High School kids. Her work with students to create a beautiful mural in the library was outstanding. Way to go, Mrs. Moore and Jackson Junior High.

Shortsighted move

MOHELA RATES on student loans are going up less than a year after Gov. Matt Blunt, state Sen. Jason Crowell and others raided the surplus to pay for things like the River Campus. The shortsightedness of the MOHELA sale should now be clear to all. I sure hope that all those students who will pay an additional 3 percentage points in interest appreciate all that Republicans running this state have done for them.