Speak Out

Time for compromise

ANGELA ZIMMER'S letter concerning prescription-drug benefits for seniors was not outrageous, as a Speak Out caller claimed. It merely endorsed the Republican plan for seniors while the caller's response was an endorsement of the Democratic proposal for a senior citizen prescription-drug benefit. The outrage is the inability of both parties to come to a compromise on this most crucial issue.

Not ready to fight

THE DEBATE over invading Iraq is largely within the Republican Party and pits unilateralists against mulitlateralists. Among other things, there is intense discussion over how such an invasion might affect the war on terrorism and support from our allies. I am a unilateralist. However, I am not champing at the bit to charge into battle.

Social Security works

HOW DARE anyone say that if people would have invested their money instead of paying Social Security taxes, they would be better off. If it weren't for FDR, we would have been in worse shape than we were after the Depression. Back then, people did not have any money to invest in stocks and bonds. Look at what's going on now with investments. A bunch of crooks at the top of some of these companies are robbing their employees pension funds blind. People in the past didn't trust investing, and people now really should not trust investments. The Social Security system seems to be the only thing that has not been depleted. Having a program that will help the elderly get their prescriptions filled at a discount rate is not only moral, but it is financially the right thing to do.

More rides needed

IT IS time again for Jackson Homecomers. The streets will be filled once again with people who live there and ones who use to live there and just visitors. I believe it is time for the chamber of commerce to select a better and bigger amusement ride company. This one does not have very much to offer little kids or even bigger kids. Older kids want some rides with more excitement and plenty of them. What ever happen to a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, the scrambler, the octopus, even a small roller coaster? I can remember when we had rides down High Street all the way past the old library. Remember that?

End this debate

I CANNOT believe the pronunciation of Missouri is up for debate again. Why is this simple word continually a hot topic for deliberation? It is unfortunate we live in such a great state, but why can't we put this debate to rest once and for all?

Values and greed

PEOPLE DO turn to liberal values during times of trouble. Liberal values are synonymous with spiritual values. Conservatism is synonymous with worldly greed.

Slow learners

THE HISTORY of terrorism serves no purpose. The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.

Wrong message

REGARDING TV'S glorification of Elvis: What message are we sending to our children when we worship a drug addict who died 25 years ago of an overdose?

Wrong kind of logic

IN HIS letter to the editor, Robert Lucas reasons that, since one of the terrorists was in the United States on a student visa, all students in the United States on student visas are potential terrorists. With that logic, since Timothy McVeigh was an American citizen, all American citizens are potential terrorists. He implies that no international students should be allowed in the United States. What is he implying about American citizens? I sincerely hope his letter was a joke.

Evil and cowardly

I FIND it ironic that Osama bin Laden would send his fellow men to their deaths in airplanes while that evil, cowardly man still runs for his life. Why doesn't he come out in full view and fight like a man?