SpeakOut 8/4

Monday, August 4, 2003

Call 471-6636

As I was passing by the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center, I saw a bunch of people throwing a lot of clothes into the trash dumpster. When they got done, I went over and looked inside and the clothes still looked good. People donated those clothes to the center to give to the poor, why did they throw them away? They could have advertised "free clothes" or have taken them to Sikeston where some places could use them. Why throw them in the dumpster? People donated those clothes. In fact, I donated some of those clothes and I will never donate another thing to the center. This was on July 28.

We contacted the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center with your concern. The center has a person who volunteers three hours a day sorting clothes that are donated for the needy. While most donated items are in good condition and can still be used, some items had bad stains and others were out-dated. There were also several shoes with no mates. The center had collected so many pieces of clothing, that the pile was creating a fire hazard, so these items were thrown away. You are welcome to visit the center and see firsthand the procedure of sorting the donated clothing. "We are always grateful to our donors and couldn't make it without your contributions. We can also always use more volunteers," said Martha Ellen Black, executive director.

Domestic violence? Is that a thing where a man and woman disagree and the result is a little slapping around, which is good? Yeah, I'll run for domestic violence, but then I'll run for anything.

Several cases of second degree domestic violence have been reported recently in the Scott County Associate Court reports. We contacted the Scott County Prosecutor's Office for a description of "domestic violence." According to Missouri Statute 455.010, several acts are included in the definition of this crime. First degree domestic assault is if a person attempts to kill or knowingly causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to a family or household member or an adult who is or has been in a continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the actor. A person commits second degree or third domestic assault if the act involves a family or household member or adult who is or has been in a continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the actor. Other criteria is used by the statute to determine the degree of an assault charge to the suspect. For complete information, read the statute, which includes "attempt to cause or recklessly cause physical injury to such family or household member" (i.e.: a "little slapping around" during a disagreement)

This has been on my heart for a long time. Months ago, I backed into a vehicle with mine, and I drove off. I don't know why. I don't drink, I don't do drugs, I have full coverage insurance. I was afraid. But I was wrong to leave. I hope you forgive me. I can't believe I was that stupid! It was an accident. I was still wrong in leaving. I just had to get this off my chest.

If our country is so short of money to keep people in jobs, where are they coming up with so much money to support these game shows on television, like the "Amazing Race" and other shows like that one.