Speak Out A 11/30/02

Defending alcohol

I'M TIRED of hearing about how people want to tax alcohol. I drink a glass of wine every couple of days and have the occasional drink at a restaurant, but I never get falling-down drunk. Drinking these moderate amounts of alcohol has lowered my cholesterol over a six-month period, and I have not changed any other habits. I must conclude, just like other research institutions, that a little alcohol is good for you. However, I fail to see how one cigarette can be good for you.

Not a federal issue

I CANNOT believe the mentality of politicians and handout recipients for wanting the federal government to do everything, which means taxing the people. For example, the size of classes in public schools isn't a job for the federal government. I don't know where people get such silly ideas.

Put teeth in fines

I THINK our city managers should start acting like men instead of little kindergartners and also the contractors they do business with. To impose fines for not completing on time and then forgiving the fine is totally ridiculous. The fine doesn't have any teeth if it's known that you're not going to make them pay. Either make them pay or don't impose the fine.

Unhappy seniors

A SPEAK Out caller remarks how he can't get by on a 1.4 percent increase in Social Security. How many seniors would trade places with you? Some of our citizens are spoiled rotten. I'm old enough to remember the Depression. How my grandparents would have been grateful for such a benefit. Some never get enough or aren't thankful for anything. I'm grateful and proud to live in America with only a 1.4 percent increase. These whiners and moaners wouldn't be happy if all the seniors would receive a new Ford with their check. They would be griping for a Cadillac.

Not much change

THE 1.4 percent increase for Social Security recipients plus a $4.70 increase in the Medicare deduction is good for Medicare. But Social Security recipients won't see much difference in their checks. A recipient currently receiving $299 or less will get a smaller check. Those receiving $300 through $371 will continue to receive the same amount. Those receiving $372 or more can expect to see $1 or more in their check.

Wishing the best

I PRAY God's richest blessings on these two brave young girls, Sonya and Tonya Sinn. I pray that wherever they go in life that God keeps his hand on them. I want to tell them how brave they are.

Economic contract

IF A Democrat becomes our next president and the economy immediately turns great, you know and I know the Republicans will say it's because of what Bush did and it was bound to have happened anyway. Would the Republicans be willing, right now, to sign a contract turning over to me the family farm if by chance Bush follows himself back into office and it remains as bad as now? His return is possible. Look what happened the first time.

Difficult call

I CALLED Central High School due to a communication we got and needed to discuss it with someone, but there was no name as who to call on this. So I called and got their answering machine that gives you all this "If you need to speak to so-and-so, push this number." I didn't know who I needed to speak to. Nowhere on this answering system does it say if you're calling about grades, call this person, or if you're calling about attendance, call this person. It's just names, not categories. So I finally chose one and. The woman who answered told me she was a secretary. I explained why I was calling. She said in a sarcastic tone, "Well, ma'am, it's obvious you should have called so-and-so instead." I shouldn't have to beg to find out who I want to talk to.

Words not working

I WOULD like to make a comment about these anti-war protesters who were out over the weekend. Over in Russia we have over 700 people who were hostages. Where were you people? You didn't come in to help those people. It if takes non-violence, where were you? Unless you have an answer, I can think of no other way. If there's no answer other than violence and words don't work, then your word isn't working.