OpinionSeptember 25, 2009
Speak Out 9/25/09
Utility help; Gas math; Need sidewalks; Too early; Inappropriate book; Disaster concern
Utility help
REGARDING the utility assistance program where AmerenUE is giving money back to the community to help people who are struggling with their utility bills. After checking it out at the East Missouri Action Agency, I found out that the only way that you get any assistance from AmerenUE is if your utilities have already been cut off. What kind of help is that?
Gas math
GARY Rust needs to check his math before he publishes more anonymous Internet comments. We don't burn crude oil. We burn gasoline that averages $2.60 a gallon. Saving 224 million gallons of gas at that price is $582 million saved per year. If gas goes back to the price of July 2008, then the savings is over $900 million a year. That means Cash for Clunkers pays for itself in three to five years and continues to save money for years. Please consider the estimated 42,000 taxpaying jobs saved and the 500 million pounds of carbon dioxide not polluting the air each year.
Need sidewalks
RESIDENTIAL areas need sidewalks. I would welcome them in the Green Acres/Rivercrest neighborhood. How nice it would be to enjoy a walk without competing with cars and trucks.
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Too early
I'M appalled that someone is getting a ticket for putting his trash on the curb more than 12 hours before collection.
Inappropriate book
I recently read a book that my 15-year-old daughter brought home from Jackson High School. It was from a list of recommended books supplied by her teacher. The book, "Jesus Land" by Julia Scheeres, recalls the life of a young girl sexually abused by her older adopted brother and the difficulties growing up in her dysfunctional family. It's an insightful and ofttimes heartbreaking memoir of her dealings with abuse, racism and Christianity. Although the book is highly touted by critics, it is not an appropriate read for teenage children. It is full of sexually explicit descriptions. When I inquired, the book was immediately taken off the shelf and a special committee was put together to review the book. The book is back on the shelf. I have no idea what this committee was thinking. I urge all parents to inquire about this book and let the school know your disapproval.
Disaster concern
I'M a bit concerned about Gov. Jay Nixon signing off on a faith-based community disaster program. Isn't that what President Bush tried in New Orleans?
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