Speak Out 9/23/11

Respectful team

WHEN we buried a family member on the Friday before Labor Day, as the hearse passed the practice field at Central Junior High School where the football team was practicing, when the team spotted the hearse they all took their helmets off and most of them knelt as a sign of respect for our loved one. I think it's a good comment on our young people and the coaches as well for being good mentors that they would allow these players to do such a thing. I think it reflects greatly on the school, the coaches, the students and gives us hope for the future with these kind of young people.

Dollar strength

I hear Republicans complaining a lot these days about a weak U.S. dollar and assigning the blame to President Obama. Indeed, the dollar is weaker than it was 10 years ago when compared with most major currencies. However, it's currently at levels similar to or higher than the final couple years of President Bush's time in office. Additionally, anyone who complains about American jobs going overseas should support an even weaker dollar, as it would make off-shoring less lucrative.

Winds of change

BOB Turner's election to Anthony Weiner's former house seat in New York is the clearest repudiation yet of President Obama's failed policies. It has been 70 years since a Republican was elected in this district, and Republicans are outnumbered 3-to-1. It is obvious that clear-thinking, concerned Democrats are fed up with the misguided arrogance that rules the White House today. Change is in the air, and with it, hope.

Limbaugh column

I appreciate it when columnist David Limbaugh writes that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme in the first sentence of his column. That is so patently absurd it saves me the time of having to peruse any of his additional propaganda.

Common sense

I hope the Jackson Indians don't do what Southeast Missouri State University did and change their mascot. Southeast may be the center of higher learning, but the big shots at the university definitely don't have common sense. I hope the Jackson School Board shows more common sense.

Mascot name

I'M responding to the person who wrote in Speak Out saying that as a Native American, it was an honor to have a school mascot named after the Indians. Maybe he was referring to the Southeast Missouri State University Indians. I too am of Native American heritage, and it dismayed me when they changed the name to the Redhawks.

Hospital control

TALKING in Sunday's paper about hospitals and acquiring these outside facilities, it seems to me that the main reason they're doing this is so they can control and raise prices more. This way they have no competition, they're in charge. If you don't think so, look at a place where you have gone for medical care before and after they've taken over. See how much your bill has increased, and you'll see that I'm right.

Feline leukemia

I just lost my third cat to feline leukemia. I only have eight cats now and they all have leukemia. They are living to die. Please have your kittens tested for feline leukemia. This is very important.

Churchill statement

WINSTON Churchill said, "I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." Hey, Claire and Barack, this old truth is still true.