Speakout 7/20

Thursday, July 20, 2006

To the vet that said there's been a lot of articles in the SpeakOut about the American flag that flies over the post office here in Sikeston. I've complained about it. Where have you complained about it? If you are a member of the VFW have you gone to the meetings to complain about this? If not a member of the VFW, do you go to the American Legion to complain about it? Or do you just complain to people in general who really don't have any choice about it? And why is it those organizations' fault that the flag is in that shape?

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Mike, This is Lloyd Evans. I would like to tell the person who wrote this in here about the VFW that the VFW is not responsible for the flag that flies over the post office. That is a federal building. It is the federal post office's place to put that flag up. We will check into it with the VFW National and find out what can be done about it. I'm tired of people ripping the VFW about it because it is not the VFW's fault. Thank you.

As I was driving down Kingshighway July 14, I am happy to report that there was a brand, spanking new flag flying over the Sikeston Post Office.

I see Agricultural Director for the State of Missouri, Fred Ferrell has written a letter to the editor about renewable fuels. I'm all in favor of renewable fuels. My question is I didn't know Fred Ferrell had been reinstated? Last time I had read in the paper he had been suspended from his job. What happened? Why didn't the public know what happened and why he was suspended from the job? Please let us know.

Here is the story released by Associated Press on May 20 and reported in this newspaper. JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - Missouri's agriculture director was reinstated yesterday after being placed on paid leave during a two-week investigation into his conduct. Fred Ferrell had been off the job since May 5, but Gov. Matt Blunt decided to reinstate him "after conducting a thorough and extensive investigation into all of the allegations involving" Ferrell's "workplace conduct," spokesman Spence Jackson said in a statement. Ferrell posted a statement on the department's Web site. "I am committed to maintaining a positive and productive environment for all employees and providing equal opportunities for advancement without regard to gender or any other status protected by law," Ferrell said. "If my words or actions have offended anyone, I apologize." Neither Ferrell nor Jackson described the specific words or actions that prompted Ferrell to be placed on leave, nor who might have been offended. Jackson said Ferrell's investigation was a personnel matter and said the governor has "the highest respect for the privacy of everyone involved." Ferrell is a farmer from Charleston who has served as agriculture director since Blunt became governor last year. Deputy Director Matt Boatright fulfilled Ferrell's duties while he was on leave.

I'm calling about the satellite dish that needs to be cut down. We've got one. Our number is 471-0174. Thank you.