Speak Out 7/25/05

Federal ID

MISSOURI IS talking about issuing an identification number to any student who goes to public schools in this state. Officials say it is to keep track of testing results. Students already have an ID number. It is called a Social Security number. This is the start of the federal ID system the government wants to force on people. If we don't stand up to this, it is going to get worse. This is not necessary, and it is a waste of our tax dollars.

Theocracy ahead?

ROB DILLON mentioned Ben Franklin, a confirmed non-Christian, in his recent column. But Thomas Paine, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison -- atheists (having no particular belief in any deity), deists (professing belief only in the powers of the observable natural universe) and free thinkers all -- must also be "picketing in their graves," to quote Robin Morgan, whenever President Bush or his supporters evoke the "Christian founders of our country." Bush, after all believes his presidency was mandated by God, while the Founding Fathers wanted to keep God out of government as completely as possible. The entire Constitution never once mentions any deity or supernatural powers and only contains the word "religious" in a proscription against any religious test as a condition of public office or citizenship. James Madison, the father of the Constitution, denounced even having chaplains in Congress or the armed forces. At least one Founding Mother, Abigail Adams, warned her husband John against leaving females powerless except for revolution. With the Bush agenda moving firmly against women's reproductive rights, no doubt Mrs. Adams is picketing in her grave too. Progressive people of faith need to speak up against what could easily devolve into an America based not in the 19th-century Enlightenment as articulated by our Founders, but in 17th-century European theocracy.

Upset in Jackson

I AM frustrated by the way things work in Jackson. Consider the West Jackson Boulevard expansion. It took months of complaints and pleas from property owners to have a center turn lane considered. I know that was partly on the shoulders of the Missouri Department of Transportation, but there must be some kind of planning or coordination that exists between city and state departments. I am sure when all is completed, things will be royally messed up with all the dead-end streets and limited access. I cannot see how this is an improvement for the community, other than it helps those folks from Millersville a way to get into town faster. The expansion has ruined what was once a pretty part of town.

Hopeless statement

HOW CAN anyone say, "Not just Islam, but religious fundamentalism itself is killing us"? You'll have to forgive this myth-believing individual who believes in God and his son Jesus and the Bible. I have hope for my future. That statement sounds hopeless.

Sidewalks are great

I DON'T understand why so many people are angry about the sidewalks on the west side of town. I suppose many of us, if we do not personally benefit from a project or expense, feel it is unnecessary. As a resident of a neighborhood off Lexington Avenue, I am grateful for the sidewalks. For the first time, I can walk my toddler to a nearby park in her stroller, something I would never have dared to do had we had to walk in the heavy and fast-moving traffic on Lexington. I see many families walking with strollers and little ones on bikes who, like me, probably would not have been able to do this a few months ago. Like the Cape LaCroix Trail, the sidewalks give individuals and families the opportunity for recreation as well as much-needed exercise. Anyone who considers Lexington "semi-rural" must not be aware of the many neighborhoods directly accessible from this major thoroughfare. As for Cape Girardeau having "nothing to do," perhaps families should try taking a walk together.