Speak Out A 02/06/02

Pinpointing problems

I AM writing in reference to the front-page article concerning the Praxis II exam for teachers. I think the issue was presented a bit one-sided. I am currently in my first half of student teaching. I took the Praxis II and passed. I do not feel the state is asking too much of teachers to show they have the knowledge and skills in their chosen area. As teachers, we should not be afraid to be challenged on what we know. If we find ourselves in an academically deficient school and are required to take the Praxis II, we should be willing to do so in order to zero in on the source of the problem. If we pass the test, then officials could look elsewhere for the reason for the problems and help improve our schools. I agree with Gov. Bob Holden. This maybe the way to improve our children's education.

High court decides

AS MUCH as it must disturb David Limbaugh, the U.S. Constitution means what the U.S. Supreme Court says it means, not what Limbaugh thinks the justices should say what it means.

Safety on campus

TRAFFIC ON Normal in front of Academic Hall on the Southeast Missouri State University campus should be policed better for the safety of pedestrians who cross this busy street. I have seen students get tapped by motorists who are speeding and not paying attention. Speed limits need to be enforced. Signs need to be set up as a reminder to motorists to slow down and let people cross safely. Also, a crosswalk with a flashing yellow light needs to be installed between Lot 52 and the new lot where the tennis courts were on Henderson. It takes 5 minutes some mornings to cross the street because of all the speed demons who are running late for school and work.

Bad location

THIS IS in regard to the caller that thinks the River Campus is a good idea "because many people do not want to see that Old St. Vincent's Seminary building destroyed." I do not recall one person who is against the proposed River Campus who wants to destroy the place. Yes, it is historic and has a commanding view of the river, but it is not the best place for a new performing arts building which would be far off campus.

Accusations only

RUSH LIMBAUGH waxed eloquently on why Enron was Bill Clinton's fault. My response is two words: Special prosecutor. Bring him or her on and give that person full subpoena powers and the right to investigate anyone and everyone involved in this debacle wherever it may lead. However, this will never happen. Rush, his minions and the politicians he represents aren't interested in the truth, only in accusations.

Elect police chiefs

I read in the paper not long ago that a small town in Southeast Missouri elected its chief of police. Why do the cities of Jackson and Cape not hold an election to elect their chief of police? If the chief of police is elected, he only has a short term to prove himself worthy to hold that office. I think all the chiefs of police need to be elected. That way the chief of police would run his or her department according to how the community wanted the departments to be run.

Work to get jobs

I AM a very good Republican, but I didn't like it when U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson came to town a week or two ago and performed several jobs. Why doesn't she go back to Washington and get jobs for Missouri workers instead of encouraging foreign competition? People here in this country are willing to work, but everything's been shipped out of the country.

Photo suggestion

I THINK someone from the Southeast Missourian should take a picture of the American flag flying on top of a huge crane that is working at the Diversion Channel. It is so inspiring and uplifting every time I see it, which is about twice a day. I think this would make a beautiful picture for the front page.

Speak to the manager

IF YOU have a complaint in a restaurant or any other business, ask for the manager. You need to let the owner or manager hear any of your complaints or they're not going to know what's wrong to help change it. Most businesses know that they have to have customer service to keep you coming back. But they can't do anything to change anything wrong if you don't tell them.

Only for the needy

CONCERNING THE article about senior drug benefits: I'm in favor of helping the truly needy, but if you have money stashed away in banks, you should not expect taxpayers to pay for your medicines.

Big tax burden

I WORKED all my life to buy a modest home so when I got older I would have a comfortable place to live. But the way taxes are going up on modest home, I am now in fear of losing my home. These school boards are going to have to come up with some other way to collect taxes for the schools. I'm not against schools, but don't take money from the senior citizens who are trying to live on a fixed income and stay in their homes. And I'd like to say something about this state senator who came up with this deal to defer property taxes and to be paid when you die. If he cannot come up with any other way to help the senior citizens, then I don't think we need him in Jefferson City. He needs to go to work in the factory, if there's any left in this country.

No limitations

THANK YOU for your editorial on the limits on rape charges. Rape disables women for many years. They do lose their dignity, and they don't feel safe for many, many years. I support your editorial calling for no statute of limitations on rape in Missouri.