Speak Out A 04/04/02

Stolen bunnies

IF ONE of your kids or friends suddenly appeared with a large, brightly colored, inflatable Easter bunny, ask him where he got it. He probably stole all the bunnies from the front lawn of a house on Lexington. If they say it was just a joke and no big deal, tell them that two little girls who live in that house are heartbroken.

More die as martyrs

ANOTHER BOMBING in the Mideast. The peace process is in limbo, and the Palestinians continue to blow themselves up killing women and children and the elderly. It makes no difference to them. But what can you expect from kids who hear from their leadership and their religion to die as martyrs is so heavenly? Even some of the mothers want their sons to become martyrs. I used to have sympathy for these people, but their outrageous actions have no excuse. If decent people won't take care of these murderers, just let Israel do it. They don't want peace. They want every Israeli dead as they have vowed.

Gephardt on staff?

YOUR PAEAN to protective tariffs was the most titillating I've read in a long time. However, it seemed so alien to the Southeast Missourian party line that I wondered if the sizzling commentary could have been written by a sagacious solon and guest editor, U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt.

A heavy load

AS A veteran educator, I agree wholeheartedly with the teacher who took to task those who critized teachers for taking time off from professional meetings to shop at the mall. I always make it a point to go to the mall and other businesses. If you think you don't need a break from those mind-stretching meetings, you've got another think coming. Why, I was completely worn out after only 30 minutes of wandering the book exhibits and carrying what became a very heavy bag of freebies obtained from representatives of textbook companies.

Tops in the state

CONGRATULATIONS, Gordonville Attendance Center. The third-grade 2001 Missouri Assessment Program test results show you as one of the top 10 schools in the state for scores in language arts and science fo three consecutive years. That is phenomenal. As a parent of a former student, I want to say how proud I am of this accomplishment. You made a wonderful achievement, Gordonville, and our entire community is very proud.

Inhumane martyrdom

I CAN'T imagine teaching a young man or woman to become a martyr by blowing himself or herself up and killing innocent men, women and children for a country, cause, religion or God. The people instructing and guiding these youths and twisting their religion to fit such inhumane acts are the ungodly at its worst. And why the Moslem leadership doesn't come forth and denounce this hideous waste is another disgrace.

Not for Daschle

I'M AN American Indian from South Dakota. They don't think much of Tom Daschle up there, especially on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Indians are living from hand to mouth, and the soil won't support a garden. Daschle, to my knowledge, has never visited that place. All he's out for is what he can get out of the country, not what he can do for it.

Go ahead and tax

ONE THING Bill Clinton did not get to do was to put a one-time 15 percent tax on 401(k) plans. Guess what. Jesse Jackson wants a one-time 15 percent tax on 401(k) plans. I remember people saying they don't mind paying it. I don't mind paying it either, because I don't have a 401(k) plan, and I've got all of my money out of the stock market.

Religion before politics

CAL THOMAS instructs Christians to put their religion before politics and then proceeds to spill all kinds of ink and spend endless hours as a TV talking head putting politics before religion.

Need skate park

I AM a 50-year-old mother who skates downtown. I've seen kids skating with three patrol cars watching them. The police would do more good where people could use help. When I was young, we had Teen Town. Hiking and a skate park behind the water plant would be ideal.

Coverage is good

IAM a military retiree. Any doctor or hospital that participates in Medicare must accept CHAMPUS. Many doctors, even if they do not participate, will file the forms for you. CHAMPUS provides an excellent prescription program. Many people would love to have those benefits. Anyone covered by CHAMPUS can go to any military base and receive a free 90-day supply of medicine or participate in the mail-order program with a nominal co-payment. Anyone with questions should contact the local American Legion, VFW, Naval reserve unit or National Guard unit.