Speak Out 7/19/07

Losing freedoms

I TRULY believe Americans take freedom for granted. We have forgotten the courage and sacrifice of past generations. We don't have the stomach protect ourselves from those who would destroy us. A well-known historian once said, "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it." If we don't wake up and focus on the things that matter, we will lose our freedoms and not even know it.

Women candidates

I FULLY support a woman candidate for president as long as she has the experience and ability to lead the country. Hillary Clinton is not that person. Her speeches show she is committed only to whatever is popular. She has no original ideas, and her plan for dealing with future tensions with Iran is to chat. Condoleezza Rice would be a much better candidate.

Staying the course

DAVID LIMBAUGH'S ridiculing reference to Republican senators Richard Lugar and John Warner as "tired elephants" because they are calling for a new strategy in Iraq stretches credibility beyond all boundaries of reason. The way things are going, I think the day may soon come when the only one remaining for Limbaugh to try to convince to stay the course will be himself.

Poor choice of words

I AM shocked by the article in which Mark Bliss uses the derogatory term "lag" about children who are developmentally delayed. My students did not "lag" by any means. They moved slowly but steadily along and progressed with pride. Having a ratio of more typical children made for greater success for the special-needs child.

Correct decision

ABOUT CHURCH of the Heartland's desire for a day care: Rezoning is the issue, not the day care. If the church property were rezoned and the church dissolved, another type of commercial enterprise could come into the neighborhood. This would disrupt the current single-family zoning. This would change the entire neighborhood forever. The planning and zoning commission was correct in its decision.

Ironic switch

THE INTERNMENT of Japanese-Americans who were removed from their homes and placed in detention centers by the U.S. government during World War II should be considered one of the major historical embarrassments in our history. It is amazing how many Americans do not know about this, or did not know about it for decades. Here we are now, discussing what amounts to amnesty for millions of illegal aliens in our country. It's rather ironic.

Broadway talent

EVERYONE WHO did not attend last Wednesday's concert in Capaha Park missed a great performance by the band and especially special guest singer Jayne Erwin. She captivated the audience with her voice. She should be on Broadway in New York, not Broadway in Cape. Weren't we lucky?

Speeding in the park

I WAS out at Capaha Park this weekend watching some great baseball, and I noticed that people were driving the wrong way in front of Capaha Field and were driving way above the speed limit. There are lots of people crossing that street, and I would hate for someone from another team to get hit by a careless driver. There are children at these games, and I'm sure no one wants them hurt.

Longer periods

I'VE HEARD over and over from teachers at open houses and parent-teacher conferences that the 45-minute class periods are a problem. Instead of adding another period, add 45 more minutes to the schedule and have 50-minute class periods. Research shows that 50 minutes is the best amount of time and seven subjects is about all that can optimally be covered.