Your View: three from 9/11

In this time of instant communications and 60-second microwave dinners, many people of our country have become complacent and accustomed to having everything on demand. However, many facts of life do not work that way. It still takes 60 seconds to make a minute in time; it still takes nine months of gestation for a baby. War is still war and rebuilding thereafter still takes time and the will to see it through.

What is happening in Iraq is not new in American military history. After the allies accepted Germany's surrender to end the war in Europe in 1945, it took years to rebuild and to get that country up and running independently. But the allies had to take measures to defeat resistance from various German groups. Organizations like the "Werewolves" were bred by the dying Nazi regime to hamper the allied occupation of Germany after the war and our military personnel took casualties from this resistance.

Do not let negative media coverage of Iraq sway your belief in our military and this country. There are many positive things happening in Iraq which are not being reported to the media. The vast majority of the Iraqi people are grateful to be liberated and to start receiving food, water, medical supplies, electricity and soon to be able to vote on their own constitution for their country.

No one ever said freedom was free. Over the years of American history, many young men and women have given the last full measure of devotion upon the altar of freedom for this country. Therefore, we must remain resolved to the task remaining before us in Iraq. As our enemies have already shown us on 9/11, if we do not engage them overseas, we will see them on our home soil. Do not let the sacrifices of our young military men and women be in vain. Stay the course.

Anthony G. Carroll, USN (Ret.) Farmington

We live in great times of opportunity in America, but with that comes a feeling of great responsibility to give back. The Sikeston area did just that at our recent community blood drives.

We would like to express our appreciation for the giving back at the First Baptist Church blood drive on Aug. 22. A special thanks to Pam Bedell and all her volunteers who donated their time on a sweltering afternoon to host a Red Cross blood drive. You exemplify giving back! Many thanks to the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores for hosting a drive and to Good Humor-Breyers for providing refreshments.

Our community blood drive met its goal in July at the Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church. The City of Sikeston and the Highway Department hosted this drive and we can't thank them enough for giving back to our community.

The American Red Cross will host its next community blood drive from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the First United Methodist Church, 1307 N. Main St. in Sikeston. Please, if you are a regular blood donor or have never given before, consider giving back to America and Sikeston. when you give blood, you give life, the greatest gift of all.

It's heartwarming to be a part of an organization that truly does seek not only to save lives, but improve the quality. Each and every life is precious to the American Red Cross, and we will never cease to preserve even one, because it might just be you. See you there.

God bless.

Freida Cardwell, American Red Cross

I am just writing to you to thank you so very much for all the work you have done in publishing Tom's and my family's predicament. I doubt that the Immigration Department will change its views on our problems but at the very least, perhaps other people looking at applying for residency will look more closely into the rules and regulations as they stand.

At the moment, Tom is selling everything he can so that perhaps he and Jesse can come over here to Australia so that we can fight this messy situation together. Unfortunately I don't think enough money will be raised but we will do what we can.

I know this is an imposition, but I was wondering if it was possible for you to mention in your newspaper articles that we are in need of financial aid in this matter. In asking you this I feel that I am begging, but at this stage in our emotional turmoil I have decided to do away with what pride I have left.

I know this is a very trite cliche but "home is where the heart is" and my heart is with Tom, but the U.S. $4,500 is beyond our means. The nine weeks I was incarcerated cost our family both financially and emotionally and I think Tom is becoming more distraught as time goes on.

Anyway, regardless of whether anything more can be done either financially or otherwise by your newspaper, I really do need you to know how much we appreciate it.

Yours sincerely, Karen Kimball

Editor's Note: Tom Kimball's address is: 608 Mill Street, New Madrid, Mo, 63869.