SPEAKOUT

Article insulted hog float

I'M CALLING in regard to the article by Jeffrey Jackson on the Cape Parade of Lights. What was so untraditional about the SEMO hog float? It had Christmas lights, a Christmas tree, a Santa Claus, a fireplace and chimney. I think he was very insulting. I think he owes the group an apology.

No double dipping by crime victims

YOUR STORY on the crime victims' fund that you printed did not go all the way. If you were hit by a hit-and-run driver like I was, a drunk driver, and you get any money from the insurance company, you have to reimburse the crime victim's fund. If you will go to the police station and get a copy of the form, it tells on there that you have to reimburse them if you get any compensation. I know. They took a lien on my small settlement. I have the receipt if you want to see it.

Examples of reverse discrimination

THERE IS an overwhelming issue of reverse discrimination today that needs to be addressed. Personally, it is my belief that whites and blacks should be treated as complete equals. However, there is a problem today with minority groups receiving exceptional and preferential treatment. Examining the subject of Miss America pageants, not only can blacks enter and win the Miss America title, they also have their own Miss Black America excluding the participation of white contestants, which is reverse discrimination. Also, all college students should have equal chances at scholarships, but there are particular scholarships available only to black applicants. If the situation were reversed, these acts of preferential treatment would indeed be defined as discrimination and declared illegal.

Trees and global warming

I HAVE a tree in my yard that recently died and would like to replace it with a species that can withstand the effects of El Nino and global warming. My wife prefers the palm, but as I explained to her, palm trees grow best next to the sea. When the North Pole melts and the sea rises, the beach will be at Dutchtown and we live at Jackson, so palms are definitely out of the question. I prefer banana trees. The banana is a versatile tree that can withstand the tropical heat of global warming and thrive in the excessive moisture caused by El Nino. The banana tree is also tolerant of acid rain and the population explosion and there has never been a documented case of banana trees threatening whales. I'm going out on the limb with the following statement, but I truly believe that the banana tree is so environmentally friendly that it could be planted in the Shawnee National Forest.

A time to remember Golden Rule

IN RESPONSE to the woman who was appalled at the stares she received following an accident, I wish to say I know exactly how you feel. I have been facially disfigured all my life, so I know the stares and comments all too well, from adults and children alike. To these people I wish to say, be thankful it's not you and remember the Golden Rule before you stare or open your mouth with unkind words. Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

Kind act restores faith

THIS IS to Hazel, the lady that found my wallet and turned it in at Sam's Club Friday night. I was trying to get a very unhappy baby in a car seat, that's how the wallet got left behind. Thanks again. You've restored my faith in people. And have a very Merry Christmas.

Lost jacket diminishes faith

SEVERAL WEEKS ago, my grandson left his jacket in the ladies locker room. It had his name and phone number in it. We went back as soon as we could to pick it up. We checked the lost and found. They said nothing had been returned. I have checked several times since. Whoever took it, you know who you are, and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas as you wear it.

Many acts of roadside kindness

ABOUT A week ago, I was coming home, and my car happened to break down as I was coming around I-55. I had my little grandson with me, and we were kind of on a bank. He was crying and scared and we just sat there and sat there until two lovely ladies came by and tried to help. One gentleman stopped, and he would not leave my car until the tow truck got there. And also I would like to thank the state trooper who called the tow truck. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, and I'm sorry I didn't get your names.

I-55 needs surface repairs

I WOULD just like to know the status of the Interstate 55 southbound. A few months ago, they shaved the top of the road, and it wears out people's tires. I talked to tire man at a tire shop, and he says it wears out the tires and the way the road's uneven will mess up your alignment. I was just wondering when that's going to be fixed, if the state has any plans of fixing it.

REPLY: The resurfacing probably won't be done for up to a year, highway officials say.

Drivers fail to heed sirens

HERE, HERE to the volunteer fireman who is upset with people who won't get out of his way. We've seen this happen in real life with all kinds of law enforcement, all kinds of vehicles. If you really want to have a coronary, watch "COPS" and the high-speed chases on there. Other motorists act like their deaf and dumb. They simply won't move. I can't fathom it. Like you said, you're trying to protect everybody. It could be their house next. That's a big thing in our family. We always get out of the way. Moving along, this person slamming Dan Rather's El Nino reports. Were you just happening by CBS on your way to someplace else for news, or do you regularly watch Dan Rather in order to catch him in some imagined foul-up? Do you now feel as though the greater percentage of news if more accurate than not? Have you noticed that CBS News is up in the ratings because of its hard news reportage? If you look at the other networks, you're going to find them sorely lacking. I've been a loyal viewer to Dan lo these many years. He hasn't let me down yet. Hard as that may be to believe, it's true. Finally, another caller was quite right when said these lawbreakers like Michael Carneal just want publicity and that we're kind of wrong to give it to them in a way because it's sort of voyeuristic and maybe a little bit morbid on our parts. I sort of agree with that, but I have to say our attention span out here is longer than a day or two. Most people remember things for a good long time. They may forget names of people, but they certainly do remember events. And I really think it's terrible to say that we're out here and it's just about morbidity. When I watch news, I'm interested in the human interest, and that can either make me laugh or make me cry.

Beautiful tradition continues

TRADITION CONTINUES. Thanks to Ken Oberlohr for the beautiful decorations at the Kingsway insurance office. This is traditionally has been a favorite place to take our children. Mr. Voepel, who passed away this past year, started this project several years ago. Thank you, Ken, for continuing this beautiful tradition.

Understanding blind justice

THANKS TO Janet Reno, I now know the true meaning of the phrase "justice is blind." This also probably accounts for the drop in the crime rate. The Justice Department can't find enough evidence to prosecute anybody. And speaking of that, if the crime rate is dropping so drastically, why are Illinois and Missouri building so many new prisons? P.S. Has anybody noticed that the big boost in our economy took place after the Republicans got control of Congress?

Food handlers need health cards

CAPE COUNTY must pass a law and make anyone who works with food have a health card from the state proving they have no kind of disease. The public must be protected, including hepatitis and TB.

Bring back the Madrigal Feaste

THIS IS not about news commentary, but I would just like to say how much we enjoy the Madrigal Feaste that the high school students put on. It was a real treat. Everyone did such a nice job, and I would like to thank them for offering it to us. Maybe they can do it again next year because I heard people that were there talk about if they do it next year, they want to bring others who would really enjoy it. We appreciate the effort.

Jackson mayor more than fair

JACKSON'S Board of Aldermen recently voted 7-1 to deny Holigan Homes a permit to operate a commercial sales office in a residential zone. For someone to call Speak Out and blame Mayor Sander and say he is influenced on this issue is totally absurd. I have worked around Mayor Sander for years and have continually watched him to go out of his way to listen, cooperate and work with people on all issues. He is more than fair, as is the board. Looks to me like Holigan Homes model home sales office issue is one of them getting the cart ahead of the horse and not obeying city ordinances. Sour grapes appears to be the result.