Speak Out 8/5/08

Checks and balances

I DON'T care how much the presidential candidates promise to make us vote for either one of them. They can't do a thing without the consent of the Congress. That's why we have three checks and balances in our government: the executive, legislative and judicial branches. No one system can control our government without the approval of the others. That's what makes our Constitution and government so great. Vote for the people who can work together to get something done.

Borrowing from China

I KNEW some years ago a Missouri highway commissioner who told me the federal government was withholding millions of dollars from the state -- and, I'm sure, other states, too -- for the highway departments. The federal government spent that money somewhere else. Federal officials weren't saving it in a savings account for the states. We also know they don't have it because they're borrowing money from China. I think that is ridiculous. I'm against borrowing money from China, I don't care what.

Gas thievery

I'D LIKE to address the issue of prepaying at gas stations. I am a cashier and work at a convenience store, and I have been getting yelled at because of the prepay requirement. Do people not realize that due to all the gas thefts, that's the only way the gas stations can protect themselves? It's not the fault of the people inside the store. Don't blame them. Blame the thieves.

Costly boost

ACCORDING TO the latest government economic report, our economy grew 1.9 percent after the rebate checks were issued. I wonder how much interest we will pay China for borrowing the money.

More bicycles

IN RESPONSE to all the hoopla about bicycles sharing the road with the cars, this is 2008 and gas is almost $4 a gallon. The bicycles are here to stay. I don't ride one, but there's going to be more and more of them. We should address the issue now, because they're not going away. Neither are scooters or motorcycles. Cars are on their way out.

Throwing dirt

THESE POLITICAL candidates throwing dirt at their opposition are losing ground for themselves and my vote.

Repair the tracks

WHEN MY dad moved here in 1991, he got hooked up with the train in Jackson. He enjoyed it so much. He enjoyed the rides to Delta. The passengers enjoyed going to Woodards in Delta to eat. The Allenville picnic enjoyed the train stopping. The passengers enjoyed going to the picnic. Don't sell the tracks. Let's fix the tracks so the train can run again. Please.