Speak out 8/15

Too hot for school

IT'S REALLY a crime those kids have to go to school so early. It's hot. The day after Labor Day is soon enough. I think September's hot enough.

The essence of teaching

CALLIE CLARK has effectively captured the essence of Jason Bandermann's first day of school. As a longtime teacher, I identified with his challenges. The hoarseness he experienced will leave, but the struggle to deal with his students' needs and the unprecedented accountability will continue. One of the primary reasons for new-teacher burnout is that teachers statewide have too many students and too little preparation time. Due to recent budget cuts, class size in the district has reached unprecedented levels. Some secondary teachers have as many as 170 to 180 students a day. Will Bandermann's enthusiasm for teaching still be there by the end of his first year?

A fine teacher

I JUST wanted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying the articles about Jason Bandermann, the first-year teacher. Being a teacher myself, it's fun to see and read about the daily activities of a young teacher and how much it's changed and the attitudes of the students. I think he will be a fine teacher. He just needs to hang in there.

Take down the signs

I HAVE an idea for raising revenue for this city. Fine the people who do not take down their garage-sale signs on the day that their sale ends. If they have enough energy to have a garage sale, they should have enough energy to take down their signs as soon as their sale ends.

Be a good neighbor

IN REGARD to "Not a happy camper" who has lived here 20 years and wouldn't give a plug nickel for most of his neighbors: I've lived in five different neighborhoods in my lifetime. I have had wonderful neighbors everywhere I've gone. To have good neighbors, you must first be one yourself.

Filth is everywhere

Our nation leads the world in filth? That's a broad statement to make. I was recently in Wales. It seemed that pornography was a problem there too. So I would dare say that the exploitation of women is going on in many parts of the world and that our nation is not exactly a leader in it.

Power of the future

THE POWER outage in the eastern area of the United States and a large area of Canada shows us it is definitely time for a change. A few months ago, there were several demonstration projects that were based on methanol-powered fuel cells that would supply heat and electricity. They wouldn't require any connection to the electric grid. If we would launch a Manhattan-style development project instead of horsing around, in a few years we could take a large percentage of the load off the power grid and could launch projects to make methanol from garbage, waste wood, straw and many other readily available and low-cost materials, including chicken manure. We could say goodbye to OPEC petroleum, and you could get rid of the gas and electric lines coming to your house. All you would need is a small plastic pipe for your energy service. This power could also be used for cars and trucks.

More diverse festival

THE PROBLEM with the City of Roses Music Festival is there's no diversity. It's like you're afraid to have something that would appeal to the black citizens of Cape Girardeau and also draw the white citizenry. On one night, there could be Christopher Cross. But why not on the next night Kool and the Gang or some black group? I don't know what's wrong with the people who are planning this or why there is only one culture. I think Cape needs more diversity.

Back to Friday

I WAS so happy to see Joe Sullivan return to the Friday column. I love it. Thanks a lot.