SPEAKOUT

Trying to change reading habits

GARY RUST recently wrote that he spends the better part of each day reading. I can vouch for that because that's what he's doing virtually every time I see him. I can also testify that he doesn't like to be interrupted when he's doing so. However, I'm going to continue to try to distract him until the day comes when I see him seriously concentrating on reading some left-wing literature such as The Nation or Mother Jones. I think I'm safe in saying that day will never come.

Hard-working CHS band wins again

THE CENTRAL High School Marching Tigers have done it again. For the third weekend out of four, they have brought home first-place trophies. This time it was at the 1997 Rebel Invitational Field Competition in Park Hills. The Marching Tigers competed in the blue division which included 11 marching bands from Missouri and Illinois. They placed first in that division as well as receiving the trophy for outstanding marching performance. The final trophy they received was the 1997 sweepstakes trophy which is presented the outstanding band of the entire competition. A total of 23 bands competed in the invitational on Saturday. It's nice to see this group of hard-working students display such excellence in their performances. For those who may be interested, they present their show at halftime of every Central home football game.

Better control even from North Pole

SOMEONE CALLED in wondering who's minding the store with the president being gone in South America and Brazil and the vice president in California. Boy, the Republicans certainly have a short, short memory is all I can say. It's my opinion that Gore and Clinton can run the country, even if they're in the North Pole, better than any Republican I've ever seen.

Same tune, but different lyrics

I WAS glad Rufus Thomas came to town. I really liked his early 1960s hit "Walking the Dog." In fact, I'm working on a similar song. The tune will be the same but the lyrics will be different. The song will be about politicians and will be entitled "Walking the Fence."

Return excess taxes to taxpayers

I JUST read the editorial about the millions in excess dollars we have been paying to our state government for a number of years. Voters passed the Hancock Amendment which does not allow this. Our state auditor pointed this overcharge out for several years, but these taxes go on and on. Now we have various individuals and groups rubbing their hands in glee and salivating, hoping they can circumvent the intent of the law to use this money for their pet projects. This money should be returned to the taxpayers according to the legal guidelines of the amendments. If any of the pet projects truly deserve some money, provide for it the customary way and don't spend just because we had to pay it. I can well imagine how hard it is for most politicians to return a dollar once it gets in their hands. So I'm waiting with bated breath. I'm also incensed because the legislators don't anything about the ongoing over collection of taxes, nor are they refunding excesses already collected. It stinks.

Actions take away all respect

I WANT to comment to the person who said he's upset by the way people don't have any respect for the flag anymore and they don't stand up when they see it. Well, I'm one of the people who don't stand up or salute. I used to be proud of our country until they murdered those children down in Waco. The president that we have in here probably will squirm out this. After the American public put someone like that in, they gave away the right to honor and respect for the flag. I'll never respect it anymore, and I'll never honor it, and I'll never go to anymore of those veterans parades or teach my children and grandchildren anything about how honorable the country is. I just think the people gave that up, and it's never coming back.

How about a bicycle ride for charity?

I JUST saw the motorcycle ride going down the road and they looked great. The Missourian stated they collected 300 items. I was thinking why can't a bicycle ride get started? They could bring a toy or food also. That would certainly help the Toy Box and the food pantry. Wouldn't have to ride too far, just in the city somewhere.

Parking lots are dangerous speedways

AT ONE particular business parking lot, you take your life in your hands. It's a speed trap. It's a matter of time before somebody not only gets injured, but gets killed. They drive in there like mad with no speed bumps, nothing of that sort. As a senior citizen, I notice a lot of times that these people take their time on the road where you have to get around them, that have no regard for you, drive slow, extremely slow in areas, don't go the speed limit. But when they get in those parking lots, they don't yield the right of way, they drive real fast past you when you got a load unloading in your car. The other day, I was turning left, and this lady rushed out of the parking lot, a senior citizen person, rushed out of the parking lot and I had to put on my brakes to keep from hitting her and someone almost hit me. Something has to be done about these parking lots, speed bumps or city ordinance.

One opinion of cigar smokers

THERE WAS an article on how cigars are now big business in the U.S. owing to cigar smoking being so trendy and cool. I must admit that cigar smokers remind me of movie stars. For instance, the bearded and clean-shaven guys smoking cigars in the accompanying photo remind me, respectively, of Lassie and Babe making room for their next meal.