Springfield News-Leader

A refreshingly blunt opinion that appeared on one of our Voices pages Sunday deserves more attention.

While economists and government officials are saying that we are no longer in a recession, there are still many who are suffering. Yes, instead of shrinking, the economy is showing signs of small growth. So, by definition our country is no longer in a recession. However, economists are still predicting more job losses. For those who are losing jobs, experiencing a reduction in hours at work, or are still unemployed, it doesn't seem as though the recession is over. Families are being forced to live on shrinking or nonexistent incomes. Those who once lived the middle-class lifestyle have suddenly found their homes in foreclosure, their cars repossessed, and struggling just to put food on the table.

Recently, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, top U.S and NATO chief in Afghanistan, spoke out about sending additional military troops to Afghanistan if we don't want to be defeated in the war with the Taliban. I disagree. Using physical force is no way to win a battle with fundamental ideology.

A ROSE: To Jump Mania for collecting donations for Ozarks Counseling Center during the month of November, as well as giving free jump passes for children from low-income families seen at the center.

Are we to conclude that questioning Ms/ Robin Carnahan's ties to ACORN - a group which Mr. Roger Ray readily admits has often registered imaginary voters -- is just a matter of using scare tactics while condemning all conservatives for the votes of 30 Republican senators is logical and fair-handed? If I were running against any of those senators, I would certainly make that vote a topic of discussion. If I were running against Carnahan, I would raise the issue of her ties to ACORN as well. Both issues deserve attention and discussion.

I'd like to write a personal letter of thanksto Police Chief Lynn Rowe. With the cards he was dealt during his tenure here, he did a superb job.

The Sunday school class of St Steven's Church in Monett blessed Emmanuel's Tails, the dog and cat shelter in Mount Vernon, with gifts of food and treats and money and love.

Normally, I try to not get overly upset by letters in the paper; however, Mr. Johnson's overly long and inaccurate diatribe deserves some response.

An emphatic, "No!" I am not for reform, unless it's tort reform.

Jeffery M. Merrell ("Lawmakers trying to eliminate death penalty," Nov. 15) recently attempted to defend the archaic practice of killing a human being in revenge. He argues, using an Emory University study from 2006, that the death penalty is a working deterrent to murder. This claim, and the study supporting it, are based in the realm of myth, not facts.

For these three people, deciding to appear before the Springfield School Board on Tuesday took some grit.

It was announced on Friday the 13th by Attorney General Eric Holder that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the (alleged) mastermind of the 9/11 attacks that killed 3,000 Americans, will stand trial in a civilian New York City federal court.

Recently, I heard a spokesperson for CASA, which stands for "Court Appointed Special Advocates," speak at a local civic club about the problems of children in Southwest Missouri. In Greene County, for instance, we had 64 of 1,000 children abused compared to St. Louis County with 17 of 1,000. It should be noted that the City of St. Louis was not included in their county figures. Of course, the city of St. Louis figures were much higher.

The issue: Should Americans have the option of getting health insurance from a government plan that competes with private companies?

A ROSE: To Jonathan at Alterations Plus for excellent customer service and making my old jeans look and feel brand-new! I recently took three of my favorite pairs of jeans for mending. When I went to pick them up, there had been a miscommunication, and the final ticket had shown an amount that was two times what I had been quoted on the initial ticket. Once Jonathan (the owner, I believe) reviewed the discrepancy, he decided to charge me for the original amount. I feel this type of honor and customer service needs to be recognized.

Shame on Drury University for selling out Ozarks' livestock producers to animal rights promoter Bob Barker for $1 million.

There is an abundance of opinions, and a great deal of misinformation about how food is grown these days. We feel it is important that people hear from those who are actually doing the growing, farmers like me and my family.

I want to begin by apologizing to any student who did not have their financial aid processed in as timely a fashion as they expected. I can assure you that our financial aid staff worked and is working days, nights and weekends to process those last financial aid files.

The Nixa loss to Raytown South in the football quarterfinals was a heartbreaker. Nixa played great all season and we are proud of the clean sportsmanship the coaches and players showed us in each game.

Confused about health care reform? Don't fret. You're certainly not alone.