SPEAKOUT

Thursday, September 27, 2001

Call 471-6636

Terrorists may use box cutters, bombs, bullets and other instruments of death to batter, bruise and bloody American flesh, but they can never pierce our indomitable spirit. The coming war may endure 11 days, 11 months, 11 years or longer. "Never forget the 11th of September" will be our rallying cry. My prayers are that the men and the women who serve in the U.S. military will suffer as few injuries and deaths as possible.

I'd like to thank the Standard Democrat for printing the United States flag. I heard on the news last night that they are in great demand and stores are running out of them. It is a complimentary service of the paper and the people appreciate it.

Osama bin Laden says he's not guilty of this and he doesn't know who did it. The best thing for him, to get it off his back, would be for him to find out who did it and let the United States know. Don't you think so? I do.

I'm calling in response to a statement in the Sept. 14 SpeakOut. It is hard to believe there are people so ignorant as to blame President Bush for the bombings. Anyone with half a brain should be able to figure out, after all the information that has come to light, that these acts of terrorism were being planned long before President Bush even came into office. This is not a time to worry about whether someone is a Democrat or Republican, but know that we're all, first and last, Americans.

During World War II, when the Germans were bombing England non-stop, Winston Churchill spoke of the heroism of the British Royal Air Force pilots who defended England in the sky. He said, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." That's heroism. After the attack on America's World Trade Center and Pentagon, we could change those words to read, "Never in the course of human conflicts, with so much hate by so many to so few." That's terrorism.

With Jerry Falwell's recent comments, is he trying to unite us or is he trying to aid and abet Osama bin Laden? Where is this man coming from?

In regards to the Cotton Carnival Queen Contest, why is it in the paper that only Sikeston High School children cannot be in this? The contest is open to any unmarried high school student in Southeast Missouri except those attending SHS.

This particular contest has been set up in this manner for at least 10 years. However, there are other contests specifically for Sikeston students. Sept. 27 is the Junior Miss contest for Sikeston ninth graders only. On Sept. 18 is Miss Sikeston which is only for Sikeston High School students.

Accept responsibility

To people on Stanford Drive, please keep your dog in on trash night or watch him closely or come pick up my trash next time.