Speak Out A 08/17/03

Better than Speak Out?

I THINK all Southeast Missourian columnists are super and supersede the much ballyhooed, cussed and discussed Speak Out forum.

Worth every penny

THEY SAY it is going to cost more to rebuild Iraq than to destroy it. But if it works, I think it is worth every penny of our tax dollars.

Do what's best

I SURE hope Jackson can continue to cooperate with the Immaculate Conception School rebuilding plans. What is very puzzling is that Alderwoman Val Tuschhoff still has concerns about closing Madison Street just to the south of the grade-school campus. If you look up the hill to the west, the part of Madison that ran through the Jackson High School campus was closed without complaint when the science building was added. Besides, for years it's been nearly impossible to make a turn from Madison onto South Hope Street. I just hope everyone keeps thinking practically and will wish the best for the rebuilding effort at this critical time. Monday's article painstakingly pointed out which aldermen are members of the Catholic parish. Jackson is on the rise as a progressive small town. Let's hope the success achieved as a community is shared by all, no matter where you attend church or school.

Parental control

INSTEAD OF listening to the media's attempt to demonize the video game industry, parents should do the unthinkable: take an active role in their children's entertainment choices. The video-game industry has given parents a means by which to determine if a game is appropriate for their child. I imagine any parent would go to great lengths to make sure his 7-year-old is not watching porn or drinking gin. Yet the same dedication to parenting is surprisingly absent when it comes time to purchase a video game.

Who would guess?

YOU DESERVE an award of some sort if you can say with a straight face that, before President Bush was elected, his position on foreign policy would have led you to believe he would intervene militarily in places like Liberia.

No more trips

FIELD TRIPS for students are an invaluable learning experience, at least in the traditional sense. Unfortunately, field trips are of no value in preparing students for answers on state-mandated MAP exams. Teachers must spend full time preparing students for these tests. Sadly, therefore, field trips for public school students should be completely abolished.

Try to understand

ONE PERSON or one small group can only speak for themselves, not an entire race. For many years people did not understand why there was a push by some American Indians to stop the use of the word "squaw." Its translation is the female sexual organs. How many people knew when the Lone Ranger said "Let's ride, Tonto" he was saying "Let's ride, stupid"? There are many things out there that are offensive. It is best to understand why. You do not honor someone when you don't take the time to understand him.

All the dictators

I USED to think there might be some justification for the war against Iraq. But the evidence against President Bush and his administration is mounting. Maybe the protesters were right all along. Sure, Saddam Hussein was an evil dictator, but we helped install him. And we supported him. Are we now going to turn against all the dictators around the world that we used to help maintain power?

Lack of decency

I WOULD like to understand why the person whose car hit my cat on Keeley Street in Scott City did not have the decency to stop and let me know of his fate. I think it is pretty bad. I miss my cat very much and hope this person can live with it.