Speak Out A 06/25/03

School problems

FOR THOSE who can access it, I recommend the June 23 New York Times article about the effect of the federal "No Child Left Behind" law on rural education. While this law may not affect Cape Girardeau directly, the article points out the many problems that can arise when local control of a school system is taken away and laws are imposed by those who know nothing of the local environment, economy and culture.

Lower-cost electricity

CAPE GIRARDEAU needs to consider moving forward and create its own power system like Jackson. Even when Jackson raises its electric rates, residents there are still paying less than we are through AmerenUE. I've considered moving to Jackson just for the lower utility costs and in general lower cost of living. If things continue like this, I'll have to say Cape Girardeau is just overrated.

It's just starting

I CAN'T keep up with your editorial evolution of opinion, yet it's not changing fast enough. In essence, you have told us that the Iraqi War was over. Now you are telling us that it's not over. The real truth is that it has barely begun.

Listen to the silence

DAVID LIMBAUGH was justifiably outraged at the politicizing of the Justice Department during the Clinton years. However, his silence concerning the politicization of the Defense Department and EPA under President Bush is deafening.

Pond problems

TO WHOEVER is in charge of cleaning the Capaha Park pond: It is an absolute eyesore from up close. The smell is even worse. I used to love walking my daughter around there. Now it just disgusts me. To whoever is throwing the bread bag in the water after feeding the ducks: You are doing more harm than good.

Misleading headline

GOV. BOB Holden is trying to save public education, not destroy it. Thus, if they award one, your recent "Governor vetoes education again" headline deserves a Pulitzer Prize for misleading the public and crass partisanship.

Republican plot

IT IS becoming very clear what Republicans at the federal and state levels are trying to do. By cutting taxes federally and refusing to raise them in the state, the Republicans plan to starve government of money so it cannot perform legitimate functions. Their goal is to eliminate critical social, environmental and health programs on the basis of lack of funds and confine government to the role of funneling money from the working people of the nation into the pockets of corporations and the wealthy. It's time to put a stop to this strategy. You might get a couple of dollars back in your taxes, but you'll soon have undrinkable water and unbreathable air. No amount of money will help you then.

Different opinion

HILLARY CLINTON'S temper, ambition and treatment of others seem to be so well-known by one Speak Out caller that I feel confident he and Hillary are on a first-name basis. Doubtless, they have been friends for many, many years. It is interesting, however, that the voters of New York have a different opinion of Hillary.

Teacher-salary math

TO THE person who says teachers in Jackson are being paid too much: On what standard are you basing your observation? If you divide the numbers correctly, the amount the teachers are being paid, on the average, is a little over $46,000. These are 15 people who have gone to college for a minimum of four years and graduated with a teaching degree. They are not janitors who are being paid to clean up your children's messes. They are the people who are teaching your children so you children can go to college and make $46,000 a year.