Speak Out 8/15/05

Repeal Marbury

FRANKLY, I'M sick of this "strict constructionist, original intent" argument. If David Limbaugh and others were really true to this philosophy, they'd come out in favor of a constitutional amendment repealing the decision giving the court the power of judicial review. Judicial review is the right of the court to have the final say over what the law means. This principle was not in the original Constitution but was assumed by the court in Marbury v. Madison. So, those who are always arguing that the court should be guided by originalist or strict constructionist thinking aren't being consistent unless they come out for the repeal of the Marbury case.

Consumers' blame

MAYBE ELI Fishman of Cape Shoe Co. was Don Quixote, tilting at the windmills of globalization. Maybe manufacturers who care about American workers are a dying breed. But, what does that say about us American consumers? Nothing good.

Tax follow-up

I FIND it amazing that the greatest accomplishment Cape Girardeau has made since the passing of the public safety tax is a new public works building. It has been over a year since we passed the tax, and construction on the new fire station has not begun, and I have not seen any new patrol cars on the road.

Sharing the cake

I WANT to thank the woman who was giving her daughter a birthday party at El Torero the other night. She offered my daughter a piece of cake, and we accepted. My daughter Alexandra enjoyed it a great deal. The other girl's family and friends kept my daughter occupied so that my husband and I finally enjoyed a dinner. Thank you so much for your kindness in sharing your daughter's birthday cake.

Consistent logic

YOU ARE walking down a creek when you find two rocks. One is a perfect Indian arrowhead, and the other looks a little like a cowboy boot. Which one of these is the product of random chance/natural action and which is the product of intelligent design? The arrowhead is obviously the result of intelligent design and purpose. Whether looking out into this majestic universe or peering into the fabulously intricate genetic sequence, along with the complex RNA/DNA process of protein synthesis, we would be committing an extreme logical and rational fallacy to deny the involvement of an Intelligent Designer. If an arrowhead is convincing evidence, then, let's be intellectually honest and logically consistent with our other evaluations.

Serious about energy

LENGTHEN daylight-saving time in an effort to conserve energy? If we were serious about energy conservation, we wouldn't be driving tank-sized SUVs, and we would be demanding many of our tax dollars be poured into finding alternative energy sources.

Not accidental

I AM a descendant of Adam. I don't have to do more than look out at all of creation and know it is not an accident. Others must look and see all the accidents that happened and wonder how so many accidents could have brought them around. Others evolved. I was created. I have hope. Do they?

Precious moments

FIREFIGHTERS TAKE fire trucks to lunch so they can respond to a fire without having to drive back to the station to change vehicles. That would save precious minutes. It's petty to pick on firefighters for this. They are dedicated, underpaid and always prepared to put their lives on the line to save anyone.

How many lanes?

School will be starting very soon. How many lanes are there on Caruthers Avenue in front of Central Middle School? When driving the speed limit, I have had cars pass me. I know the road is wide, but I thought that it was two lanes.

Notable theories

WHEN WILL people learn that the word "theory" does not mean "some wild idea with no merit"? Some notable ideas that are theories include atomic theory, germ theory, the theory of relativity, the theory of gravity and number theory. Theories are formed only after testing and observation -- supported by facts, not faith. That's why intelligent design barely stands as hypothesis, let alone theory.

Apt comparison

THANK YOU for printing Cal Thomas' July 22 column. Every American should read it, because Thomas has told the truth about the situation in the world today. In this country, we are so naive and idealistic and can't believe that Muslims are out to do away with western civilization and make the entire world Islamic. If you even express such an opinion, people believe you are prejudiced. They can't seem to see the prejudice and bitterness of the Islamic religion. Thomas' comparison of Americans before World War II is so accurate.

Religious science

CONGRATULATIONS TO Kansas. By preparing to legitimize intelligent design as a viable theory in public school science courses, it will become the laughingstock of educated people throughout the world. Now the state can produce generations of Americans who will remain behind the learning curve set by the rest of the world by having strong science education tainted by religion and politics.

Less compassion

I FELT sorry for handicapped people who were forced to stand in line for hours to prove their disability until this morning, when a middle-aged man in a blue SUV with a handicapped sticker hanging clearly from the vehicle's rearview mirror cut me off. I honked at him to let him know I was there and had to slam on my brakes. He rolled down his window and flipped me off. Because of this one driver, I most definitely believe you should have to prove your disability before having certain privileges.

Party actions

PORK BARREL? It is bad when Republicans act like Democrats, but it is even worse when Republicans act like Republicans.

Creating matter

INSPIRED DESIGN is supported by both logic and science: Matter can not be created nor destroyed. It can only change form. Matter cannot create itself. The universe is made of matter. Therefore, the universe was created by something or someone non-material, God.

Mixed signals

I've called about this before, and I can't believe the public works department can't find a quick solution to my concern. The traffic light at Broadway and Caruthers Avenue doesn't respond to traffic. Rather, it apparently is on a timer -- or is controlled by a faulty system that has no rhyme or reason. This is a busy thoroughfare, and having to stop almost every time you go through that intersection doesn't make sense when there are no cars waiting on the cross street. Can't this be fixed?