Your View: two views from 8/19

On Sept. 11, 2001, blood was needed in New York to help our neighbors in their time of need. The memory of those who gave their lives will remain in our hearts, and their families will remain in our prayers.

Those who gave their blood to help keep others alive will also remain in the lives of the memories of the lives they saved. Just as real as 9-11, so each and every day, people are helping people all across our nation to stay alive. they give - never knowing them by name, but knowing they are making a difference, even if it's just for that one. You see, my friend, that "one" could just be you.

On behalf of the American Red Cross, I would like to give heartfelt thanks for all of those who came out, braving record-degree heat to give their gift of life. Each one of you is truly a hero.

We would also like to express our appreciation to the City of Sikeston and the Missouri Highway Department for sponsoring the drive. You set the example by giving back to our community.

We appreciate KSIM and of course the Standard Democrat for educating the community on the ongoing need for blood.

Many thanks to the volunteers who gave their time to ensure the drive went smoothly. A special thank you to Mindy McCormick for filling in for me.

Our blood levels continue to be low and we are still striving to keep blood on the shelves. We still need you. If you haven't given blood lately, we urge you to come out to our next blood drive and try saving someone's life. We guarantee it will put a new bounce in your step, just knowing there is nothing you could have done that day with such life-changing results.

If you would like to give and have questions, please feel free to call me her locally at 471-1565.

Remember, if we all work together, we can make a difference. Blood is given one at a time - just as lives are saved, one at a time. We can make a difference for that one. Each and every life is precious. If we will just read the rescue efforts of 9-11, we will quickly be reminded that when we come together as people united in one heart, there is nothing we can't accomplish. When there is a need, we rise to the occasion, whether it is in New York or in Sikeston. I, for one, am very proud of my town.

Please give the gift of life because help simply can't wait.

Freida Cardwell, American Red Cross

Once again, women are the focus of the ever-growing popularity of "living single." While the article by Ms. Pennington ("More Americans prefer the single life than ever before") attempts to show that there are more one-person households now than those with married couples and children, the focus inevitably was shifted to the plight of the single woman, not the single American, or the reasoning behind the lack of two-person marriages. Yes, it is more common now for people to stay single longer, whether it is for their career or maybe just the simple fact that marriage is not for them. However, by analyzing census figures about single-person households and two-marriage households, and then making the focus of your article about single women, you make the assumption that women need to explain their single status while men don't.

I am a 24-year-old single woman and, frankly, I am annoyed by articles such as this that depict women who are single and making it on their own, with the point being that they have succeeded despite the presence of a male figure. The media does a grave injustice to women by portraying those without male figures in their lives as exceptions to the rule. This only perpetuates the old-fashioned idea that we must get married to be happy. Why, instead of using two women as examples, did you not focus on a single male? It's newsworthy because a woman has raised her children without a man's help? Do you know how long women have been pulling that one off?

This is not meant to be disrespectful to "Sara" in any way, but the focus should not be on the fact that she has raised wonderful children without a man, but that she has raised wonderful children, period. She and Ms. Muench should not have to justify their accomplishments as being worthy because they have been done without the help of a partner. Ms. Muench, while assumably childless, has probably done many great things in her life that have not been great because she is single, but because she is a happy and well-balanced person, comfortable with herself and her life the way it is. I agree with Mr. Schott when he says that people need to do what they feel is right for them, despite whatever expectations are brought on by family and friends. However, notice that he says "someone" and "some people," rather than "some women." Your article misses the point, or perhaps redirects the issue by taking census facts about the population in general and then narrowing the scope to middle-aged females without partners.

Liz Barkett, Sikeston