SPEAKOUT

Whole world is in jeopardy

CLINTON'S SPEECH to the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention was complete hypocrisy. You can drive a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink. That bull about integrating all of the Balkans and other peoples into one happy group is so much hogwash and politically driven rhetoric. Those people have their own beliefs, and Clinton can't force his on them, nor should he. The United States is not a dictatorship. Democracy means freedom of belief, not forced mandates on peoples. His global ambitions are communistic. Democracy was not based on global confiscation. This swindler, Clinton, is a confidence man who has taken dishonest advantage of the trust placed in him and has put the whole world in jeopardy and danger.

Motorist intentionally killed dog

THIS IS to the person who went out of his way on the road to hit and kill my dog. I don't know exactly who you are, but I hope you feel like a very big man now.

Discipline is the key

YOUR COLUMNIST Walter Williams must be one of the smartest columnists you have. He can think through a problem and come up with the simple solution that makes sense. In a recent column he says that young boys are born barbarians. And the most humane thing you can do for them when they get in trouble is give them a whipping. It makes sense. Then they learn not to get into trouble, and they don't get into trouble as adults. They don't shoot up schools. What we need to do is let our children know is that they have to follow discipline, and when they don't, give them a whipping.

Where's coverage about Gingrich?

I'M JUST wondering why there hasn't been a big news blitz on the Newt Gingrich sexual misconduct. If it would have been a Democrat, you all would have had it on the front page and the rest of the paper filled with the news.

No more editorials on tax scheme

I SURRENDER. Though I am strongly opposed to the Republican tax scheme, I will get on board for it if you guys promise not to exceed your current total of 250,000 editorials endorsing it.

SEMO ALLIANCE for Disability Independence is having a disability talent and resource fair Oct. 16 at the Osage Center. The time will be from 8:30 to 4 p.m. We are calling upon area artists and craftsmen who also happen to be disabled to come and set up tables and show their abilities. They will also be able to sell their artwork and crafts, and in this way participate in the setup and possibly make a little money, and network with other talented individuals who are also selling their crafts. For more information, please call Marie, Monday through Friday at SADIE. The number is 651-6464.

Looking for something good to watch

GEE, I wish they'd come up with something real good this fall. I miss "Medicine Woman" so much, and also "Promised Land." If they take off "Touched by an Angel," we just won't have anything. Please, ask them if they can't give us some of the good old stuff that has a body to the story, something interesting as well as informative.

Earthquake meeting in McClure

THE EARTHQUAKE preparedness meeting in McClure, Ill., was very educational and important to each of us. Thanks to Harold and Susan Mills of the Red Cross for their presentation. Thanks should also be given to Myrtle Barrett and Leon Gibbar for their concern in having this meeting which could affect everyone. Their community spirit should be applauded.

Owners of barking dogs have no respect

I WANT to say something about barking dogs. The people who have dogs don't understand and have no respect for other people, or they would keep their dogs quiet. I have panic attacks. It makes it worse to hear the dogs barking all the time.

Options for mail in Kelso

IN REGARD to the complaint about the Kelso Post Office and the $14 dollar box rent. If the person lives so many feet from the post office, he can get a box free. If not, the Scott City rural route will deliver mail to the driveway.

Parents should support each other

I SUPPORT Walter Williams' idea completely. We must start training our children from the crib, and parents should help each other in this. They should not leave it for mother. She's too tender-hearted. The father needs to step in. And sometimes only a glance is all that's needed. Let's support our teachers and support our children. They need our help. They need our input. They need us to be with them.

Men and boys: The cost of their toys

I'VE BEEN reading with interest the comments about the Jackson railway system. It was my understanding that years ago a group of friends formed the company. They were interested in making it a collectible thing for their own diversion and pleasure. I'm surprised that now it is going to revert to not-for-profit status. Is there anything to the statement that the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys?

Patrol car runs red light

ON AUG. 17 I witnessed a red highway patrol car run a red light turning left from Mount Auburn to Kingshighway. I was going straight, and I watched him go past and saw no red lights coming from his car. My 5-year-old son witnessed this with me. What a great role model we have in our police.

Police, firefighters entitled to unions

I NOTICED the police officer's association is afraid to use the word union. I think the police officers throughout Missouri are entitled to belong to a union. The fireman are entitled to belong to a union. Any city employee who does not hold a supervisory position has a right to job protection. It should be unconstitutional for the police officers or firemen not to belong. They should file to the Missouri Supreme Court. They're entitled to union representation. They risk their lives on the job.