SPEAKOUT

What's the next mistake?

AT THE level the United States' intelligence is operating this war, the next mistake may be a nuclear foul up. The spin doctors are alibiing like crazy, but the more they spin, the more stupid they sound. The embassy bombing was probably a covert action meant to relay a message to China to keep hands off of the Yugoslavian war. We know Clinton is a devious liar.

University dignitaries should stay local

I WONDER if it's occurred to the university that they may house and feed their overnight "dignitaries" at local restaurants and motels. After all, they go back to these people who support the university through the taxes. As far as needing a new presidential home, let Dr. Nitschke stay where the rest of them did. I'm sure that's as nice as anywhere he's ever lived, and a better home than most of the citizens of Cape Girardeau live in.

How can we choose?

IN REFERENCE to the woman who was wondering about the mother's right to live. I remember in 1964 I was nine years ago, and we got word that my dad was killed in a car accident, but we didn't know if he was dead or not. So I remember crying to God to take me instead of him. Now, I've never been a parent, but wouldn't a parent rather die to let his kid live? I think it was Kahlil Gibran who said life comes through us, but not from us. If that's true, and we belong to God, then God made us portals for life. How can we choose who lives and who dies?

Taxpayers' children should reap benefits

IF THE Southeast Missouri University can snare so many millions in state and federal grants that the taxpayers are providing, then how about the university sponsoring college educations for these taxpayers' children? That would be a far better investment for the future, in the children. They are more important than more and more buildings, and fancy housing and higher incomes for the university administrators. The taxpayers' children should reap some educational benefits.

Donnie and Marie are sellouts

LEST ANYONE who watches the Donnie and Marie show becomes confused, I'm a Mormon, and Mormons don't support less than modest attire. I think Donnie and Marie are complete sellouts, appearing with showgirls. This is completely out of church standards. And I heard Donnie Osmond say to Pamela Anderson Lee, "Oh you look fabulous," knowing full well that type of revealing quote would not be considered correct or moral in our church. I want to know that what people are watching are stars who really don't represent the Mormon church at all. I guess Donnie and Marie have their own standards. She does appear to dress pretty decently, but I also I think it's what kind of people you have around you. That's why I've drawn the conclusion that they're sellouts.

University needs to go back to roots

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI State University is no longer in touch with its roots. Southeast needs to once again focus on being a regional university which provides quality higher education for citizens within its service area at a reasonable cost. Our region does not need a grandiose clone of an Ivy League university. Southeast does not exist to fulfill the personal ambitions of a pack of empire builders. I am not anti-higher education. I am a graduate of Southeast. My wife is a graduate of another of Missouri's state universities. Our children all have undergraduate degrees. One has a master's degree and one is working on a double masters. I consider myself a supporter of higher education. However, I cannot support the present direction of SEMO University. Blind expansionism at the expense of its students and potential students is unacceptable. Southeast cannot be all things to all people. Young people and non-traditional students within its service area need and deserve the opportunity for a solid, affordable college education.

Gun laws are not enforced

I AGREE that we do not need any more guns legislation, because the laws we have are not enforced. As our lawmakers struggle to pass a law to keep children from killing children, one thing they can do is pass an amendment to the Constitution to put prayer back in schools. Also, parents that do not believe in God should get saved and teach their children at an early age about God.