SpeakOut 10-16

Castor them out

I would like for the person who put the castor oil recipe in the paper to get rid of moles to put it back in again if he would. I sure would appreciate it.

New journalistic technique?

May I suggest someone introduce the editor and reporters to Google? A simple Google search about the Treasure Hunters Roadshow would have revealed the company bounced checks paid to Illinois residents earlier this year. That information would have given the reporter the opportunity to ask the operation's front man about the safety and security of the checks they were distributing in Sikeston. Another technique you could consider is the telephone. The reporter could have called area dealers who buy gold, watches and collectibles to see if what these gypsy teams are offering is better than local prices, the same or not as good as local prices. That kind of information would allow potential sellers to decide if they wanted to make a deal with a company that's moving on or one where they know the owner personally.

Thank you for reading and your suggestions. We are well acquainted with Google and other Internet search engines and agree: they are very helpful! The reporter did indeed do some research and found a very, very long list of articles about the Treasure Hunters Roadshow. Unfortunately, there was no mention of bounced checks in the randomly-selected articles he had the time to read before meeting his deadline. As reported, the front man claimed payment checks were from Chase Bank, a well-known financial institution. As for calling area dealers to do a comparison, that was outside the scope of this particular news article. The article simply reported that area residents were selling items to this group -- and they were. While we agree that comparative information and advice regarding doing business with traveling businesses as opposed to local businesses may have been helpful to our readers, this seems to us to be material more suited to an advice column. Perhaps an article examining the risks and benefits of dealing with traveling businesses would make an interesting news article in the future.

Young and restless

If you're an adult going to see a kid movie, don't be surprised if there are children there being children. My 2-year-old son got a little restless while watching Beverly Hills Chihuahua. The next thing I know a woman was walking down the aisle toward me. I recognized her as an employee of the theatre so I really didn't think much about it. Then she leaned over my 7-year-old daughter and loudly told me I needed to keep my son quiet because they are trying to watch a movie. My daughter started crying because the lady was so loud and rude. She upset my daughter so badly she wanted to leave so we did. So if you're an adult who can't handle a child in a movie theatre, don't see a kid movie. Thanks for a wonderful evening!

Only PART of the problem

To "Quality not Quantity" - I wrote the article "Caught in a Web" and I'd like to respond to your comments. I most certainly agree that there are slackers, there are those who abuse the system and there are those who just have a certain level of ignorance that can not be tolerated by anyone with the slightest bit of integrity. But you can't make everyone guilty by association. If that were the case, I could assume you were racist because most all of your ancestors were. Now how fair would that be? You may clean your yard, watch TV or service your vehicle when you have nothing to do. But it sounds like you are of the age to where going to Wal-Mart is like a road trip and Cape is just too far to drive. The average 18-30 year old just so happens to need a little more excitement than that. Now, don't get me wrong - clubbing, getting drunk/high and loitering the streets are not on my mind when I say excitement or entertainment. But I don't think it would hurt to provide something like a skating rink, or an arcade room, or an up to date movie theater, something that is recreational. Not every person is into the activities that go on at the Sports Complex. If I'm not mistaken that's mostly golf, soccer and baseball. And if they are interested, they end at what time? And please let's not pretend that the people who attend those "types" of functions don't get out of hand. I'll say two words "Sikeston Rodeo." I saw firsthand someone who had too much to drink and lost control of his limit to the point of feeling invincible and ultimately cocky enough to use derogatory jargon to define a black male. The result wasn't too positive for him - a broken nose and a couple of cracked ribs was the result. But the ultimate point is, all ages, all genres, all ethic groups have a percentage of people that are the disgrace of the crew. Baggy pants may not be pleasurable to many of us. Myself included. I believe I made that clear in my commentary. But who are you or the city officials of Sikeston to tell someone what they should or should not wear. And what makes you think they "stole" them? Worst case is maybe they sold drugs to a member of your family and used that money to buy them. Think about that for a second. I may not like those tired khaki pants and plaid shirts you insist on wearing but by golly, you just insist on wearing them day after day. And what about those horrible pink pants your wife just refuses to let go of. The ones she bought in 1972. They just look so God awful. I don't know either of you, if you even have a wife. But my point is, mind your business unless it's affecting you personally. Have your opinion and keep it moving. Stop trying to pass laws about crap that matters so little and worry about making real laws that resolve real issues. How do you explain a criminal record which only shows "saggy pants" as the crime. Are you serious? As for education - the first line of defense is the parents. I most certainly agree. But that doesn't mean that people responsible within the educational system (from the teachers on up to the superintendent) don't still have to do their part. If everybody gives up on the kids then how on earth do you expect them to get the self esteem needed to know that "saggy pants" aren't necessary to be "the man"! Finally, the Return to Sunset. I love the concept and believe they have the best of intentions. But if you just set a date to host an outdoors event with tents for food and other items for sale but offer not agenda of events then what do you expect for people to do? There is no parade, not honoring of anyone in the community, no sporting events, no contests or pageants! I mean seriously. That's like putting three fat men in a room with peanut butter/jelly sandwiches and no instructions on how to share it - at some point conflict is going to ensue. Let go of the past, acknowledge the present so we can change the future, that's all I'm saying! We are, after all in 2008, not 1950!

Ins and outs

I was noticing where our esteemed Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson had voted twice for the pork-laden bail out plan for Wall Street for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. She voted twice to support it, and Kenny Hulshof voted twice not to. I think we need to vote Kenny in and her out. I know it's two different elections, but she has been in Washington enough and it's time for her to go. I don't think she's doing the way we need her to do for Southeast Missouri.

Talk on walking

I'm writing in reference to the article by Pastor McCanless. He is simply exercising his constitutional rights of freedom of speech. I have known this fine man for many years. Very few men have I known who possess the level of character, qualities and values as Pastor McCanless. He is quite sane and he does walk the talk.

Call for help

I'm the lady responding to the ad in there Help on the way. I'm the one with the mentally challenged daughter that needs dental care. I don't know how to get a hold of this lady. I don't mind leaving my telephone number. My number is 667-9029. If she is still interested in trying to help, I would be willing to talk with her or whatever.

- - -

I'm calling about this article in SpeakOut about helping the little disabled child. I think this is a wonderful idea. I thought about it, but I didn't know how to do it. I wondered if we could send money to your office and it could be gotten to this child. I can send $20. I know that's not much. If everybody could rally together, this child could have dental care. We ought to help them. People need our help and I want to help.

See telephone number above.

Tells it like it is

All citizens need to open their minds to political divisions and times and listen to the truth from Fox News. Fox News gives news as it is, disregarding political views or the individual holdings of any positions. A Fox Special was given Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. that will give anyone enough information for whom you want to select for president. The news was backed by photographs, places of residence, information concerning history and news, days and witnesses including underground FBI agents. This is certainly worth watching if the program is presented again. People check your TV listings. The information presented is being ignored by the other news media. Only a small portion was mentioned or ignored this morning. Other information is given trying to control our thoughts. Prayer is needed for our great nation, America.

Need to pray

My people which call me by name should humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, and then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles, 7:14. Please pray to God that He will take care of our nation. We need to pray for our upcoming presidential election and also pray for any other time we elect officials in the future.