Speakout 6/24

In response to the letter about obese people who draw Social Security checks, obesity is an addiction just like alcoholism or smoking. It is a hard habit to break. Do you really think obese people really want to look like that? Apparently you are thin and have never experienced being overweight. I have, and I can tell you I would love to buy smaller clothes and sit in normal-sized chairs and visit or work in places where smaller people do. Obese people are some of the most unhappy people you could ever meet. We don't want people staring at us all the time and making rude remarks, but most of us have tried every kind of diet and are afraid of or cannot afford the surgery. Try having a little compassion for us. Our weight leads to other health problems, but we would work if we could. As for me, I worked and paid into Social Security for several years, so the money I draw is not yours anyway. Thank God you are not an obese person. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Here's one more on the disability problem that was in the June 15 SpeakOut. There are people who may be young and look like there's nothing wrong with them, but you haven't walked in their shoes. I, for one, have two bolts in my back, a bolt in my neck, a bolt in my arm, I have severe arthritis and fibromyalgia, macular degeneration, have had four surgeries on my leg, my knee - yes, I may be overweight, but not by much. As the other person stated, it's because you can't get around. I'm not an old person who would typically be labeled as someone who "should get disability," so when I pull up at Wal-Mart once a month to get my groceries, people look at me like I'm taking the parking place when I shouldn't have it. I would gladly trade places to have my young body back again. I would do things differently than I did when I injured myself so much. I suggest you walk in someone else's shoes before you gripe too much.

What's the deal? Why do we have to look at O.J. on TV trying to look like a good guy? We all know he did it. It's bad enough that Clinton is given time on "60 Minutes," but do we have to see his face on every newscast before then? Can't the news media find anything better to do?

Sorry, caller. SpeakOut can't help with that one. We have nothing to do with CBS programming.

For those who don't have a clue, there is no separation between church and state. Our forefathers actually said that a state will not form a church. In other words, there is not government church, but there is no law separating church and state and I'm sick and tired of hearing people say that and saying that, and it is not true. If you don't believe me, check your history. God bless you.

In the June 17 SpeakOut, "A religious twist," whoever came up with that, it's so crazy. I love it! I wish they would come up with something again.

In response to the June 17 "Religious twist" to the Republicans, first of all, I would be afraid to write a poem like you did, mocking Psalm 23, putting your own words in. That's sad. But clip this out of the newspaper for future reference, provided you have one. John Kerry and his wife are evil people. In her interview, in describing herself, she said she is odd and sexy. She isn't first lady material and he sure isn't presidential material. If they get in office, God help us all. So you write your twisted little poems. If John Kerry gets in you will see. He is a liar, his wife uses a lot of profanity. She's a billionaire who can buy their way into office. The Bible is being fulfilled. I wouldn't be surprised if he does get to be president. You are persecuting George Bush. At least he stands for morals. If I were you, I would get on the other side of the fence where the sheep are, not the goats.