Speak Out 8/16/09

State regulation

OUR government may believe in abortion, but it is still up to state governments to approve and legalize abortion.

Thanks for billfold

TO the person that found the red billfold in the shopping cart at Walgreens and turned it in: Thank you. God will bless you.

Corporate decisions

ON health-care reform: It's irresponsible for people to rally against decision-making by "government bureaucrats" without acknowledging the current reality: decision-making by corporate bureaucrats. Ask some physicians how often they argue with private insurance companies over care they deem necessary only to be told the patient doesn't qualify, often due to a technicality. If we left all decisions about public health and safety up to corporate bureaucrats, we'd still have asbestos in our walls.

Fighting back

I am stunned by the complaints from the left about conservatives voicing their opinions on this power grab called health care. Since when is it wrong to object to losing our freedom? Or fight back when some power-hungry bureaucrat wants to interfere in every part of our lives? Real Americans don't sit by quietly and take it on the chin. We're here. We're real. And you better get used to it.

Class sizes

I am upset with the Jackson School District for allowing first-grade class sizes at South Elementary School to reach 28 students. Last year, the kindergarten class sizes were at 25-plus, so administrators knew class sizes would be high this year. Instead of adding another first-grade teacher, the district added more preschool classes. I'm all for educating young ones, but we need to look out for the best interests of school-age children in classrooms that are too crowded.

Billed in error

MY mother recently passed away. Since her death I have been receiving medical bills from various health-care providers. I questioned the legitimacy of some of these bills and contacted the providers. Upon investigation, they determined that these bills were sent "in error." Through conversation with friends and neighbors, I have learned that this occurs with surprising frequency. Do not assume that you owe a bill just because it comes from a health-care facility or pharmacy. If there is any doubt in your mind, contact the sender. It will take a few minutes of your time, but it may save you some money.

Handling the crowd

KUDOS to U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill and the way she handled the hooting and hollering at the Hillsboro, Mo., health-care town hall meeting. She did an awesome job under the most arduous of circumstances.

Sick world

I have just seen on the news that the Scottish government is releasing one of the Lockerbie terrorists responsible for almost 300 deaths on humanitarian reasons because he has terminal prostate problems. I have a good friend dying of the same thing. My friend was awarded two bronze stars and a purple heart for his service in Vietnam. You don't see his story on TV. That's why the American people are so angry right now. We live in a sick world when you give evil a break but let rest just linger away.

Opposite opinions

RELIGIOUS tolerance is about respect for others' opinions. I respect your opinion that the Bible is the word of God. Do you respect my opinion that it is superstitious nonsense?

Coaching with class

SOME people should not coach youth sports. If you cannot instruct your players without losing your temper, you need to leave the coaching to someone with more class. You only foster dislike of sports among your players.

Fair opinion

CIVIL discourse is public debate regarding an issue of civic importance. It is not a place for slow-witted hooligans to blindly attack what they don't understand. I'll listen to any opinion and give it fair consideration, but how it is presented will go a long way toward validating it as anything other than nonsense.