Speak Out A 09/05/03

Understanding the tests

REGARDING THE MAP tests: I am a Jackson High School student. I was appalled to read someone in our community believes our students are dumb. This person is saying if we don't pass a test, we should not pass our grade. Go to a high school. Look around. We get up at 6 a.m. to carry a 25-pound backpack for seven hours and sit at home doing homework an average of two hours a day only to be called dumb. I believe I speak for everyone when I say we study for that test every year. That test is not to show if we need to fail our grade but to tell students, parents and teachers what students are understanding and not comprehending.

Boondoggle in the park

SPEAKING OF boondoggles: Take a look at the $7 million project of the Missouri Department of Conservation at Cape County Park North. Consider one aspect: Each rainfall necessitates the reworking of the soil. How much longer with the platform for the flagpole remain in place? Fearfully, one has to wonder what the cost overruns will be on this job. Ah, bring on more money from the taxpayers. Also, opening the main entrance to traffic would at least alleviate driving through mud to reach the park.

It's not too late

I COMPLETELY agree with the caller concerning bridal etiquette who said it is not too late for the June brides to send thank-you notes. I would add that it also is not too late for the brides and grooms who were married last November to send thank-you notes. If one goes to the trouble and expense to purchase a very nice gift, wrap it and deliver it, the newly married couple should express appreciation. It's not too late.

Define the word

I THINK everything is relative, so I think it is subject to debate whether or not low statewide averages on the MAP exam should have led to the conclusion drawn by the Southeast Missourian that in general Missouri students did poorly. It all depends on what you mean by the word "poorly."

They're smart too

ON THE issue of the MAP scores: I thought the comment about children on free or reduced lunches not meeting the standards was an awful thing to say. How dare you separate children into categories like that. Just because the parents may not be able to afford to pay full price for lunches does not mean the children aren't as smart as the ones who can afford to pay. Poor kids are just as smart as the rich ones.

There are no links

ANYONE WHO really looks at the news -- all of the news -- knows that there are no links between al-Qaida and Saddam Hussein. It's really amazing that this is still believed by anybody.

Disgraceful show

AS ONE who was acquainted with the MASH units in Korea, I am disgusted with the TV version of those skilled, compassionate heroes. I know it's a comedy show, but how degrading. Cross-dressing, adulterers -- the MASH TV show is a disgrace to many of us who served there and were treated there.

Confusing ordinance

I AM confused about the city ordinance regarding parking in your yard. After driving around the city, I see cars parked in yards. My spouse received a ticket for pulling his truck onto the lawn to get his lawnmower out of the garage. I need someone to clear this up for me.

More important issue

THINK Cape Girardeau should quit worrying about pit bulls and start worrying about people using their cell phones while driving. There's nothing on that phone call that's so important that you have to risk the life of yourself or others on the road.

Rains beat the fair

I WAS wondering, are the rains a week early, or is the SEMO District Fair a week late this year?