SPEAKOUT

Can't pay for everything

THE ITALIANS seem to feel justified in demanding money for the awful gondola accident, but to blame Captain Ashby and his crew for that would be like blaming modern-day Italians for their country's atrocious acts in World War II. Tragedy happens, and knowing that 20 innocent people were killed is punishment for the crew. The United States just cannot pay for all the trouble in the world. We just can't.

Oran winner is inspiration

THE ORAN teen-ager who wrote the essay "Service to America" and finished second in the national Voice of Democracy essay competition is an inspiration to all of us. He proves that the power of the human spirit will overcome any obstacle. And the catalyst to push it on is just such young men as he has demonstrated. He makes us proud to call ourselves Americans. And thank you, Southeast Missourian, for putting this special news on the front page where it belongs.

No trust in trust fund

THE SOCIAL Security battle between Democrats and Republicans is just like the tobacco windfall. They don't know how to split up the loot. They've already pirated the Social Security trust fund, which is a misnomer, because there is no trust left that Social Security funds will actually stay in the Social Security fund. The government's piracy of the fund has put it in jeopardy for future generations, just like Russia's oligarchy plundered that country and brought Russia to economic ruin.

Thanks to honest person

I LOST my wristwatch while shopping at Wal-Mart. I reported it lost, and someone had already turned it in at the service desk. I'd like to thank the good and honest person who returned it and let him or her know they are on my prayer list.

Can't solve her own problem

HILLARY'S SUPPORT as an enabler to Clinton's sexual addiction proves that this is a business-arrangement marriage. Don't rock the boat. Just sail along together for political advantage. They pretend to be problem solvers when they can't even solve their own. How can Hillary handle New York's problems as a wannabe senator when she can't handle her own problem, Bill Clinton.

Committee had faulty information

I JUST hope that all those families and all those kids that will be affected by this redistricting committee will have a chance to read the Southeast Missourian so they can read the statement of the committee chairman saying the numbers they have been using were completely inaccurate. They had bad information, but they have made decisions affecting hundreds and hundreds of kids and families and affecting the value of the homes in the districts.

Thanks for fine essay

GOD BLESS Daniel Dirnberger for his essay on citizenship in America. I'm so happy for him and all of us who profess to be Americans.

Bus station in Jackson

THIS IS in reference to the Speak Out item, "It's just a wooden crate." It's obvious that the caller who says there is no actual bus station in Jackson doesn't know what he's talking about, because the bus station is located at 117 W. Main in Jackson.

Obey legitimate authority

I WOULD like to clarify a point about a Catholic or any other church interfering with capital punishment. It is the law that certain crimes are punished by death. If the person is found guilty, he already knows that death is a penalty before he even commits the crime. He is without excuse. He had the option of not committing the crime and, therefore, not suffering the punishment. Paul wrote this to the believers who lived in Rome under Roman rule, which was not exactly the best place to be. From his letter to the Romans, Chapter 13, he says "everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authorities is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves, for rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and he will commend you. For he is God's servant, do you good. But if you do wrong, then be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath, to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. At least the churches could preach the gospel or good news that believing on the Lord Jesus will be their salvation. That is a free gift.