Speak out 9/24

No more games

THE CAPE Girardeau school board never ceases to amaze me. We appointed a new superintendent without even opening it up for applications to see what was out there. Nothing against Mr. Bowles, but I believe the door should have been opened to see what else was out there. Then the board could pick from the best of the candidates, not just promote from within. Dr. Steska did a fine job, but there are many, many problems. School board, wake up. We're tired of your silly games.

Take away danger

I FEEL Americans will support Mr. Bush as long as he attacks Afghanistan, and it would take as long as it takes us to win this war if we were to start fighting there. But I don't think Americans want our forces going all over the world fighting terrorists. We only want the clear and present danger taken out. Perhaps this would stop anyone from ever messing with us again.

Do better

WE GOT these high-powered toys, fancy cars, big trucks. But we can't afford a flagpole. We hang this tattered, faded-out old flag from our antenna and we think we are The Man. Come on, guys, we surely can do better.

Favored nation

THE INDIVIDUAL who believes the American flag is only a symbol of materialism and that God doesn't favor nations evidently does not know much about their country or the Bible. Old Glory stands for everything that our founding fathers, patriots throughout time and our fighting men have fought and died for: God and country, liberty and justice. God loves all persons the same. However, if you're a Christian, as I am, you know that the only people who will be saved are those who believe in and follow his son, Jesus Christ. God has favored nations since the beginning, and used them for his own purposes.

Media propaganda

I'M ALMOST 72 years old. I remember World War II very well. I also remember the propaganda, which is what I'm seeing right now on CNN. I can't believe we're being propagandized by the media again!

Come to Jackson

IF THE Speak Out caller who wondered about the absence of flags in Cape Girardeau would like to see flags, he needs to come to Jackson. All along East Jackson Boulevard, most businesses are flying flags here in Jackson.

Wake-up call

AMERICA, WE just received a wake-up call from our lord and savior Jesus Christ: the tragic events that happened last Tuesday. We need to win lost souls to Christ and return to Christ's will for our country. We need prayer back in our schools.

God not deaf

IF PEOPLE think that your prayers can't penetrate into the school if said outside of the school, then there's something wrong with their belief. I believe prayers outside the school are as powerful as prayers inside the school. God is not deaf.

Keep noses out

I THINK that St. Louis and Kansas City should keep their darned noses out of our business, what happens here with the River Campus. It's our money, not theirs.

Confused party

WILL THE day ever come when Libertarians realize they are confusing lovable lady liberty with the allure of lascivious libertinism?

Liberty vs. security

WHAT WE don't need at this time are abstract libertarian tracts from Mary Nall complaining about a possible infringement of civil liberties. It now seems crystal clear that an excess of liberty (i.e., irresponsible actions by the press in reporting leaked security information, etc.) has compromised our nation's security. A balance of freedom and security needs to be restored, with emphasis on security and not, as the ideological Nall nags, freedom.

Different theory

THE SPEAK Out column "fair Increases" in Wednesday's issue dealing with the recent price gouging by the local gas station operators stated: "If the economics of this is too advanced for some of you, I'm sorry." Well, the way you put it was certainly a different economic theory but not necessarily an advanced one. In the "old days," the operator waited until the new inventory of gas was delivered before they raised their prices. They did not raise them based on wild speculation. And, yes, the price remained at that level until the inventory was used up, another load delivered, and prices adjusted accordingly. What happened in Cape last week was neither new or old economics but simply greed at work. When the citizens complained and the attorney general threatened to prosecute price gougers, local gas prices suddenly declined. Isn't it funny that prices have remained relatively stable since?

Thanks for magnets

I would like to thank Magna-Tel and the Red Cross in Cape Girardeau for making the magnetic flags available to the public at a nominal cost. This is one sure way to show our support on our vehicles without damaging them or obstructing the view from your car or someone else's auto. I purchased several to send to friends out-of-state. Again, thank you for this invaluable service.