SpeakOut 6/19

Thursday, June 19, 2003

Call 471-6636

The president of Southeast Missouri State University has been quoted as whining and crying about the cuts in the funding, which probably are justifiable. But how do they justify spending multi-million-dollars on the campus where St. Vincent's used to be. In addition to that, they're spending so many millions to buy property. If they don't have enough money to operate the school, why do they need more facilities?

I assume the laws have changed. When I struck a car from behind and rear-ended it, I got a citation, not a warning, but a citation for careless and reckless driving and for having a vehicle out of control. But when a state representative does it because he's talking on a cell phone and looking up something, he gets a warning. Is it any wonder that people have doubts about the fairness of our judicial system?


I have a comment on the report considering the representative from Marble Hill. For two people who should be role models, how can they justify their actions? According to the report, the representative was talking on a cell phone, trying to look up a number on the palm reader and rear-ended another vehicle. If that is not inattention, which I understand should be tagged for which they would get a ticket, and then the trooper only gave him a warning, when most people would get a ticket. I had an accident a few years ago in a funeral procession. I got a ticket and had to pay a fine. Why should the representative not be the same as ordinary people? It is clearly mis-justice and makes it hard to believe that the justice system is fair when things like that are reported.

I would like to call about the sewage or whatever it is in Morley. I was visiting my grandmother and the smell down there nearly killed me. They really need to do something about their sewage system. If I can't stand the smell, imagine how people who live there feel.

This is about Martha Stewart. I will continue watching Martha Stewart on TV and buying her products. She has very good products. She has done nothing wrong, no more than Bush or anyone else. At least she didn't declare war and get a lot of people killed. Anybody would have done the things she did if they were going to lose money because everyone is after money, especially Bush.

Friends, do yourselves a favor. Go into the Sikeston Depot and see the art exhibit of paintings by Barbara Ross. I stopped by the Depot to see the exhibit, as I often do, and I saw the current 20-or-so watercolor paintings by Barbara Ross are truly magnificent; no weird or offensive subjects, just pure delight. Her work shows wonderful transparency in watercolor with handsomely rich colors and handsomely frames. All are valued at many hundreds of dollars and they are free for us to enjoy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays through June. I am not connected in any way with the depot or a sponsoring organization. But I want our citizenry to know that we are indeed fortunate to have such opportunities and free. Don't miss this exciting exhibit at the depot.

I am calling in response to the lady who is looking for help. She was up at 1 a.m. with a toothache and said she works, doesn't draw welfare and was asking where people can go for help who can't afford medical care. What she can do is quit working, get food stamps, her medical bills would be paid, she could get most of her rent paid, her utility bills paid. Working people don't stand a chance. She sounds like a young lady. Sit on your butt like everybody else does. The working man don't stand a chance. The rich man does the dancing and the poor man pays the band.