Speak Out 8/3/09

Paying for insurance

SOMEONE said we need to get rid of Medicare and Medicaid. Seniors right now are paying almost $100 a month for Medicare. What do members of Congress pay? Nothing. Maybe we ought to get rid of their insurance and make them buy insurance also. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

Personal issue

COULD the Southeast Missourian explain why in the world that Jay Purcell's tax issue was on the front page? I realize that Purcell has raised many issues in the county commission, but this is no reason to take this step. This is a business issue, and you are making it a personal issue. Purcell is paying the ultimate price by paying the interest accrued. I would think that the county would enjoy that extra money.

Stamp machines

THERE are places where stamps are available during the evening, but wouldn't you think the post office would be one of them, considering the post office's main job is processing mail? A post office should be a place you would be available get a stamp at any time, especially with a stamp machine. I think it's a bad decision not to have stamp machines for post office customers.

Bad lesson

I'M calling about the vandalism to the softball field. This was a fundraiser for the Orange Crush girls ages 10 to 12. These girls have worked hard. To have this happen was extremely disappointing. As parents and grandparents, you teach sportsmanship. I don't know what this shows to our youths. Whoever did this, shame on you.

Good system

WE have a good medical system and the prices for doctor appointments in Cape Girardeau are reasonable. If the government gets control of our health-care system, it might be cheap, but we'll stand in line to get treatment. Canadians come to the United States for treatment because the health care there is lacking in quality.

Natural wealth

THE United States is a wealthy country. We have goods to enjoy, machines to do our work, machines to heal us when we are ill. Our wealth is great, but look at the environment. Do you understand how much wealth we have in our natural resources? Some things glitter and shine, but nature gives to us our greatest wealth. Let's don't squander it.

Smoking rights

I'VE been reading the comments about smoking and health. When I get off work, I want to go outside and enjoy a cigarette because I earned it. I did a job. I paid for the pack of cigarettes. This is America. I should be able to smoke my cigarette wherever I want to. I understand having a section for smoking, but in some states you can't smoke in a bar because people are irritated. When you go for a beer, you want to smoke a cigarette. This is ridiculous.

Our choice

WHAT'S going on in Washington? I'll tell you. We voted to have the Democrats in charge. Republicans need to learn a lesson, but I don't think they're getting it yet. That's why the Democrats are in control.

Religious freedom

I would like to remind all those who say the United States is a Christian nation: Freedom of religion is also freedom from religion. Those who are not of the Christian faith don't appreciate having Christianity forced upon us.

Horrific act

AS I read with great disgust the article about the mentally ill woman in Texas who mutilated her new baby, I thought about the similarity between her act and the horrific act of abortion. Procedures for late-term abortions are done in a like manner, but there's one big difference. This woman is mentally ill. The doctors who perform abortions are educated men and women who have taken an oath to save lives. When it comes time to face God, I would much rather be the mentally ill woman than the doctor.

Trashy street

I live on East Main Street in Jackson. On my way to and from the post office I saw an ungodly amount of trash that wasn't there the day before. The trash truck wasn't too far ahead of me. There was all kinds of different things that people wouldn't throw out the windows of their cars. I think the city ought to crack down on trash trucks.