Speak Out A 09/11/03

I REMEMBER when Bill Clinton was making the first President Bush sweat. The big argument of the day was if we let a Democrat in the White House, we will have big government and big spending. That's all you heard from the likes of Rush Limbaugh and all of the other right-wing commentators. Now they're singing a different song, because we have a Republican President who has brought us a new era of big government, deficit spending, war and international discord and pushed the majority of the tax burden to the middle class. Thanks for your conservatism.

No assistance

I RECENTLY went to take someone who needed help getting an apartment to East Missouri Action Agency. We were there Friday before the holiday and were told to come back Tuesday and that they could help. Both of us had to work that day. By the time that we got off at 3 p.m., all the funds were gone, they said. I guess all the people who don't work or were off that day can sit there and wait for their name to be called, but those who have jobs and have to wait till after they put in a days work are left out. The assistance in this area is poorly managed. The Clean Slate Program that the EMAA had was a joke as well.

Sounds screwy

THE RECENT article on MAP scores does not paint a true picture. Jackson is not in compliance only because two areas of the disaggragate data failed to reach "proficient" levels on the test. That population base could be as few as 30 students. Where is the sense in that? Equally, students with diagnosed learning disabilities in core subject areas are expected to test proficient. To quote Elmer Fudd, "There's something scwewy going on awound heah."

Parking tickets

THIS IS in response to the person who's spouse got a ticket for parking in their yard. I have lived here 17 years and have never heard of such a city ordinance. I too would like someone to explain it. My husband and I own our home plus the property it sits on. We pay taxes for that property and feel if we want to park our vehicles in our yard we can, because it's ours. Explain to me how someone can get a ticket for parking in their yard. Every day I see so many people on cell phones talking while driving. Sounds to me like the wrong people are getting tickets.

Fewer guns, fewer crimes

I SEE that Missouri politicians continue to tell the lie that liberalizing handgun laws will make the crime rate go down. Scientific studies have demonstrated, time and time again, that these laws actually cause crimes of gun violence to go up. Some politicians don't want to admit the simple truth that fewer guns means fewer crimes. It doesn't fit with their political theology. But we don't have to follow their ignorance. Tell them: Support low crime rates in Missouri. Support conservative and restrictive gun laws.

Fair tickets too high

I JUST wanted to let the SEMO District Fair board know that I am very frustrated. I went to the demolition derby Monday night to watch my husband. I took my 3-year old son. I was shocked when I got to the ticket window and they made me pay full price ($9) for my son to get into the derby. That is just crazy. I had always thought the fair was just a money-hungry event, not a family fair. This has made my thought clear. I do not have to pay for my son to get into a Cardinal's game. I hope the fair board reconsiders ticket prices for next year.

Uncivilized trash

DRIVING DOWN Broadway after the fair parade, I could not believe all the trash left behind by spectators. Isn't the world bad enough without people leaving their trash on one of our main avenues? Let's be a little civilized, shall we?