SpeakOut 3/12

Call 471-6636

I'm calling about the investigation at Tom Brock's Salvage Yard. It said there were pieces of eight vehicles discovered from 1992-2003. Over an 11-year period they found eight pieces. That's less than one a year. When a salvage dealer buys a wrecked vehicle from insurance, he has no way of knowing if an engine, transmission or any other part of that car may have been replaced from another salvage yard, or whether the parts in this vehicle may have been from a chop shop like they have around the big cities where a lot of vehicles are stolen. So it stands to reason that almost any salvage yard, if it was investigated, had the ID numbers checked on engines and other parts could be traced back to a stolen car at some point. That's why the salvage yards have periodic investigations to help law enforcement see if they can detect a trend from one salvage yard to another. If two salvage yards bought vehicles from one place, then investigate that one. Maybe it would lead back to a theft ring if there is one. That could clear up a lot of problems. So it does bring some attention to Mr. Brock, which is unfortunate, and I hope he comes out of it OK. Having some experience in the salvage business, it is easy to say that all parts of all vehicles cannot be traced.

I read an article in a St. Louis paper that should draw alarm to everyone who draws a pension. It seems the Bush administration is trying to put into place legislation that could cut your pension in as much as half with no recourse to sue the company you work for. The article said you have until March 13 to comment on it and you could call the treasurer's department at (202) 622-6090 or 6020. It's worth a phone call.

I'm calling to tell you about the biggest scam in Sikeston today. It's these tax preparation companies. I, too, got scammed on this tax preparation situation. I got scammed this year but I won't get scammed there next year.

As I sat eating my breakfast, my thoughts reflect upon the events of the world in which we live. I'm so grateful for the privilege of freedom and feel bless I'm an American.During World War II, our gas, oil, shoes, meat, flour and sugar were all rationed. Each household received coupons for such items according to the size of family. You knew how to use each rationed item sparingly. When it was gone, that was all until the next issue date. Many appliances were no longer made. Metal and factories were geared up producing wartime items. Every available person was employed in production. You heard no complaints - they felt it was their part to play because most every family had one, two or more deployed in service.You protesters who have time to make your stupid signs and march in groups, making fools of yourselves, remember, our brave young men and women are risking their very lives defending our nation's freedom, making it possible for you to be the fool you are.Try defying the government of a dictator like Saddam and see if you live to tell about it. And I'm sure any one of our great pilots would be willing to drop you in Saddam's courtyard as a republican guard. Love our America or leave it, please.