Speak Out A 07/22/03

Use common sense

THE NEW intersection at Shawnee and East Jackson Boulevard in Jackson reminds me of an old saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." The city has spent thousands of dollars to make a left-turn lane, and people are not using it correctly. If you're turning east onto East Jackson Boulevard, use the left-turn lane if it's not full. This will help those who may want to go west on West Jackson Boulevard and help traffic clear out. I think this would also help get where they're going quicker. I think the intersection will work if people will use common sense.

Our interests first

THE BUSH administration, in order to protect the remnants of our steel industry, put a tariff on cheap steel imports. The action was immediately labeled a violation of international law. Who puts our commercial interests below others? And when did this atrocity occur?

It's a biking trail

I JUST saw the article about bicyclists on the trail near Osage Community Centre. That trail was originally built as a bicycle trail. There's nothing wrong with walkers using it too, but do walkers ever stop to think that it is easier for them to step off the pavement than have a bicycle go off the pavement and possibly have a wreck? I don't know that there's anything that can be done about this. I know walkers need to walk and bicyclists need to bicycle, but it was not intended as a walking trail.

Problem with finals

I GOT my son's grades today because he had a fine and we've been out of town. I was amazed to find out after all this talk from the principal about how important finals were and keeping the kids until the very last day that two of my son's finals didn't count. I was told some of the teachers decided not to count their finals. What is going on that we have so much wasted time and so many conflicting stories given to our kids? No wonder our kids don't think much of finals.

Shame on you

TO THE person who left the puppies on County Road 411 in Oak Ridge: May God have mercy on your soul. Shame on you.

Restaurant shoot-out

SUPPOSE YOU are sitting in a crowded restaurant when some fool walks in and starts shooting up the place. Wouldn't it be nice if there were four or five people in there with concealed weapons who could protect the innocent people in that restaurant?

Sewage at the park

THERE WAS an article about stricter regulations on septic-tank installation and the health risks involved. The presiding commissioner said, "You've heard about sewage leaking onto neighboring property." That same day, there was a Relay for Life rally at County Park North with displays and tents set up around the lake. We were set up between the Huckstep pavilion and the lake with the outdoor toilet in between us. While pitching our tent, we noticed a small crevice several feet from our tent site. But little did we know that sewage water would begin to leak out and head toward the lake. The toilet had to be roped off. I have three suggestions. The county should take care of its own septic troubles before implementing new regulations on others. The park is should be hooked up to the city's sewer system. The cost should be borne by the Conservation Department, which still collects the eighth-cent sales tax and hasn't had any major budget cuts that I am aware of.

Something for the kids

YES, JACKSON is a place of beautiful homes, schools and churches. But the city has nowhere for the kids to play. They can't ride their bikes on the parking lots, and they can't skateboard on the usual parking lots. Where do the kids play during the summer months? Where do they skateboard? Jackson needs to have a beautiful area for the kids also.

Thanks for donating

I WAS in need of three units of blood after having surgery. I want to thank those unknown and wonderful people who took time to donate. I will never know who they are, but thank you so much.