Friday, Jul. 10, 2009

Letters: 7/10/09

Lesson in weaponry

HERE WE GO again, How long will it take for people, like the writer from O'Fallon on June 28, to learn anything about so-called assault weapons?

The writer may be surprised to learn that both ownership and use of fully-automatic arms such as AKs and Uzi's are already prohibited by law. If used against law enforcement personnel, as he alleges, they would have to be obtained illegally. Weapons lawfully available to the general public since the early 1900s have been limited to semi-automatic operation, as in any standard hunting or sporting firearm. As a military retiree the writer should know the difference between fully-automatic and semi-automatic function.

C.E. "Ed" Shaver

Highland

Corn permit next?

I WILL CONTINUE to buy Keller Farms corn no matter where their stands are located. But, next year, I'll grow my own before you need a "permit."

Michael Katricka

Belleville

Fund social services

A TIDAL WAVE seems to be happening in Springfield concerning the budget. People with disabilities, special needs, senior programs, etc., need to continue being funded. We are in a critical situation with Gov. Quinn and the General Assembly not making a responsible decision. It is important to make this funding a top priority!

Kindness, care, compassion: those are hidden treasures. Let's hope our legislators listen and show heart. People who work in these facilities would lose their jobs, and it will create many problems.

We should care for each other and do all we can to let our legislators know that they need to approve the budget without any cuts for social service programs. Would it cost less to fund these services or to put these people in nursing homes? I do believe the latter would be more expensive.

Lydia E. Cruez

Fairview Heights

Look who we elected

WE HAVE chosen as president a man, who cannot make a speech without a teleprompter, someone who picked as vice-president a man who cannot open his mouth without having his brains spill out, a man who has trouble choosing people for his cabinet who have paid their taxes. He picked as Supreme Court judge a woman who believes bias has a place in the courtroom. He has as a secretary of state a woman whose entire staff cannot get an inscription correct on a gift to the Russian President. A man who numbers among his friends, Tony Rezko, a common Chicago crook; Ward Churchill, an admitted anarchist; and Bill Ayres, a domestic terrorist.

We have picked as President a man whose narcissistic character allowed him to present the Queen of England an iPod filled with his own speeches. (She already has a new one.) He has played down our accomplishments on the world stage, agreed with those who think America is an evil nation, announces that the United States is not a Christian nation and insults us all by bowing to the leader of a third world Muslim nation.

Think about it.

Paul E. Mohme

Benton, Ky.

In praise of youth

In spite of the heat warnings, my husband, Andy, and I, took a chance and went to the Shrine to see the Youth Sings Praise production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Are we glad we did. What a performance. It was more than a performance, it was a spiritual experience. The singing and dancing matched anything you would see at the Muny -- and it was free and close to home.

We can't wait for next year's production. Keep up the fantastic work.

Mag Wells

Belleville

Native American Day

I RECENTLY read a very small article regarding several poisonous snakes that some deranged individuals released at a Native American university. Why didn't that make headline news?

President Obama has gone out of his way for all other "minority groups," even though the true American minority still remains the Native American Indians. They still remain in poverty stricken reservations. How about a big apology for them?

To all those who claim racial bigotry, while others complain about "government handouts," don't forget what the true original Americans have gone through -- displacement, slaughter and poverty. How about an American Indian appreciation day?

We should be ashamed. By the way, did the Native Americans receive any "stimulus" payments?

Rande Colley

Collinsville

Hat's off three times

I WOULD LIKE to call attention to three people who have done so much for our area. Two have been very instrumental in providing our area with good educational opportunities, namely Lewis & Clark College and Southwestern Illinois College. These schools are among the finest in our state; they provide a very affordable education and opportunities for the future.

Dale Chapman, president of Lewis and Clark College, has done a fantastic job as its leader in education, promotion, and growth. Georgia Costello has been in the education field for many years and is doing a fantastic job as president of Southwestern Illinois College.

Both of these schools, through superior leadership and cooperation with business and industry in Southwestern Illinois, promote a lot of opportunities at these schools. The cost of a college education is certainly more attainable at these community colleges.

My friend, U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, has certainly enhanced the educational opportunities for the citizens of Southwestern Illinois. Also, with his leadership, dedication and hard work, we still have Scott Air Force Base, one of our largest employers in this area. This was a tremendous accomplishment for our area due to all the military base closures throughout the United States. This was only accomplished because of Costello's hard work and dedication.

Good leaders make good things happen and my hat's off to these three individuals.

Homer R. Henke

Moro

No amnesty for aliens

IS YOUR children's future worth a postcard? If so, buy a bunch, hand them to unemployed (or employed) family and friends who value the American culture and rule of law and ask them to write Senator Richard Durbin, 309 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, and Senator Roland Burris, 523 Durkin Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 and offer your or their version of:

* An overwhelming majority of Americans have already spoken out on two occasions -- they do not want any kind of amnesty given to illegal aliens.

* Breaking U.S. laws should not be ignored by senators or representatives elected by the people and sworn to protect our U.S. constitution.

* You must pay at the polls if you vote for any sort of amnesty for illegal aliens. Stand up for your constituents.

"Diversifying" our U.S. population has not proven to build up the economy or the former image of America as the "shining city on a hill." On the contrary, it has brought trillions in debt and government that intends to tax everything anyone consumes. Let the people defend our founding documents by taking an interest in government.

Mary J. Wasson

Equality