Speak Out

Socialism for the rich

THE MOVEMENT of federal tax subsidies from poor to rich areas is not a victory for conservatism. Republican Dick Armey's snide comment, "To the victor belongs the spoils," is simply a statement celebrating the triumph of socialism for the rich. Even the Southeast Missourian, once a principled organ of conservatism, has succumbed to the temptation of seeking taxpayer support for projects beneficial to barons, dukes and plutocratic princes.

Be glad you can walk

I AM so sick and tired of hearing SEMO students whine and complain about parking -- or lack of it -- at the college. I wonder how many of them wouldn't think twice of walking to The Landing in St. Louis on a Saturday night, or walking to a frat house to go to a party, or jogging five miles for exercise. Get a grip. If there isn't anything physically wrong with you, rejoice in the fact that you are able to walk.

Return the power

I'M WILD about Richard Wild's contention that Congress should subvert the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution. The Founding Fathers did not intend for the Supreme Court to have the final say on the meaning of the Constitution. The court more or less took that power in the case of Marbury vs. Madison in 1803. It's time to take it back and return it to the people's branch.

Lottery for roads

I'M COMMENTING on "Missouri needs new roads built." When we first voted on the lottery, the state said it would use the revenue for schools. That money began going to something else. Is there any way we can use some of the lottery money to build toll roads?

Rec center track

BEFORE CALLING Speak Out, I checked with the staff at the rec center on campus. The indoor track will not be closing.

Problem in parks

I'D LIKE to know when the county is going to do something about our County Park -- north and south. It's becoming ridiculous. I used to go out there a couple of years ago by myself, and I would have no problems at all. Now I can't even take my grandchildren out there, because I fear for their safety and mine. There's a lot of cruising going on out there, even during the morning hours. It's always a male alone, driving around and around until they can hook up with someone and go into the restrooms. I'm tired of it. We don't pay taxes to be driven from our own parks because of this activity. I want to know why the police don't patrol more in the county park to shut down this activity.

Another proposal

JUST HOW hard is it to solve the parking crisis at Southeast? Having just graduated and never ever receiving a preferred parking pass, I know just how unfair it is. It's unfair because you have to have your tuition paid in full to be considered. What if you're a student who has to work through school and don't have enough money to pay your tuition yet? You'll definitely never get a preferred parking pass. It's also unfair that freshmen and sophomores get preferred parking over seniors. The new lottery allows this to happen. What if you're not a lucky person? You're just out every year. The easiest and fairest way to solve this problem is to give the seniors priority. All Southeast would have to do is have seniors sign up by a deadline and pay their parking fees before summer break. If there are more seniors than passes, then do the lottery. After the seniors, go down through the juniors, sophomores and freshmen. In this system, every student would get a preferred pass at least once while in college.

Employer protection

I'VE BEEN on workers' comp since November, fighting with the insurance company. I've learned a lot about Missouri's laws. There are no laws to protect the employee. The laws all protect the employer. We all ought to try to change these laws.

Swimming compliments

COMPLIMENTS AND congratulations to the Kiwanis Learn-to-Swim staff for a great summer this year. Thank you.