SPEAKOUT

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It is great how the people have really started through this terrible tragedy, except the greedy American oil companies, who will make all the money they can from this terrible tragedy.

It's Sunday evening and I just read the derogatory comments about President Bush in our SpeakOut. Who gave you the idea that he gave the money to casinos or that President Bush is responsible for these tragedies this past week? He is no more responsible for these attacks than you or I am. People, we are at war. It's time to stop. Quit quibbling among yourselves and unite behind our President and fight our true enemies, who are the terrorists behind these horrific events. For the record, I'm not a Democrat and I'm not a Republican. I'm an American.

I'm not a Bible-thumper or toter. I don't tell people how they should live. But I believe what happened Tuesday was a great loss and our President is right. I also believe every American should read Joshua 8. Abide by it and then read Joshua 9. We are Americans and the majority of us do believe in God. Billy Graham once said we have 16.5 million church members. If we only had 16.5 million believers in God and prayer warriors, I don't think this would have ever come to our land. God has truly blessed us for 255 years. I think we're going to have to go back to God's law.

I was touched last Friday while I was at Restart. The staff held a prayer and moment of silence for the victims of the terrorism this country has seen. God bless Restart and its godly staff.

Last week on KTMO Radio, they played John Wayne reciting the Pledge of Allegiance accompanied by a choir. I e-mailed the station wanting to know where this came from. I haven't heard from them but I think all the stations should play this. Can you find out how I can get a copy of it?

Thanks for giving me a place to vent my frustrations. I hope everyone saw a certain chain of stores, how they raped the pocketbooks of innocent Americans during our weakest moment. I hope the next time someone goes to spend money they will remember the fallen Americans at the World Trade Center. What they did to me is no different than going up there and taking money from the pockets of our loved ones. Maybe something like this needs to be said so it doesn't go unnoticed. I just hope the next time people spend their money they'll think about it. They've gotten the last of my money and I'm mad as hell.

This chain has been sued by the attorney general for price gouging and has agreed to give refunds to customers.

I have been glued to the television and radio since Tuesday. I have questions. Are the Islam people raised from little children to believe that if they kill Christians and Jews that they'll go to heaven? Is this a religious war for the Islam people against Christians and Jews? American people need answers in a few words that we can understand.

Omar Aziz, formerly of Sikeston, is a member of the Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, which also serves people in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff. He had this to say regarding your questions. "Islam is a religion and the people who follow the faith are Muslims. In itself, 'Islam' means 'peace' and killing is considered wrong in Islam. There are more than one billion Muslims in the world. For more information the Islamic religion, go to www.isna.com or islamcity.com

We have all suffered a great loss, but we will heal. So listen up because we, America, have something to say. This is to the terrorists who thought they could bring down the greatest country there ever was or will ever be: I am my own best friend; I am my own worst enemy. I alone choose my successes; I alone choose my failures. I have a mind, therefore, I can think. You may be able to wound me, but I will not allow you to cripple me. I will rise up out of the ashes a stronger, better nation. So take heed, for as surely as I stand, you will fall. We are one. We are America.

I have been taking the Standard for over 50 years and was so glad today when I got my paper today and there was a paper flag in it. I put it on my door real quick. I was hoping you would do that and I really appreciate it.