Speak Out A 10/08/02

Junior high is slighted

I WOULD like to say how much I appreciated and appreciate the efforts of the Central Middle School's new librarian. She's doing a great job fixing up the library for kids that's very different. She also put together a spectacular fun program for all the families. My family and I had a great time. I want to commend her and say how happy I am she is working in our district now. I was shocked when I went into her beautiful library and discovered that she has a computer lab that is still not hooked up. She's been functioning on one checkout computer system for 600 kids at her school. I'd also like to know why she's never been given any chairs for her computers. I thought our district was into technology. Somehow the Central Middle School library has been slighted.

For sale: University

WHEN SEMO University started, it was just a small regional college. It has grown to the point where it is just too big for the state to handle. The only way for the university to keep growing and to stay strong is for the state to step down and sell it to a large corporation. That would not only be a good thing for the state and the university, but also for the region and the city as well. With a large corporation in town, it would bring much-needed jobs and opportunities into this area. Any way you look at it, we all win. We should all do our part and write to the governor and push for this.

Cape needs a casino

WE WERE talking about the gambling boat that Cape Girardeau did not want. Well, they sure missed out. We go to Metropolis and Caruthers-ville. You'd be surprised at all the people from Cape who are at those casinos. I think Cape had better wake up.

Creepy letter

ROBERT CRON has reminded us that smokers benefit society because they get sick and die before they can drain Social Security benefits and so on. He also complained about "health nuts" who linger in nursing homes, apparently meaning that because these folks took better care of themselves they undeservedly burden taxpayers. Cron's letter was the creepiest I've ever read in the Southeast Missourian.

Parental control

I HAD a disturbing conversation with my 16-year-old son. While at a friend's house, he was offered alcohol by his friend's parents. Thank God my son declined. He told me that many of his friends' parents allow them to drink at home because they say they're going to be drinking anyway, so they may as well do it at home where it's safe. What do those parents think gives them the right to give alcohol to my child without my consent? They're committing a crime. Do they understand there are many adolescents who have a low self-esteem or family problems that they may not know about, and by offering alcohol to them they might be starting these youngsters off on a very dangerous way to escape the problems that could last a lifetime or end their lives prematurely? We ask our children to think of all the consequences of their actions before they make decisions. Shouldn't parents take our own advice? Do not give alcohol to my child. I consider it to be a crime that I won't hesitate to have punished. I hope other parents feel the same way.