The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
I would just like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to all of the kids at Southern Unit District #120. Having taught or coached students in grades 5-12 for the last seven years, it has given me the opportunity to get to know each and every child in the district very well.
It has been a very rewarding experience for me. Long after the championships, trophies, and trips are forgotten, I will still have fond memories of all of the smiles and good times that we all enjoyed in achieving our goals both in class and in sports.
Although I was very disappointed to find out that my job at Southern was expendable and would be eliminated, I harbor no ill will towards the kids at Southern.
I wish nothing but the very best for all of the students and athletes here. Looking back, I realize now that I might have benefited professionally by pursuing certification in more subjects to avoid job cuts.
In order to do that, I would have to quit coaching and been unable to work with some of the nicest boys and girls around.
Now I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet new people and teach new subjects next year at Union. Good luck to everyone next year and in the future.
Sincerely,
Mike Snowden
Dear Editor,
Hiya to all my old classmates, friends, and relatives!!
To all of you that put together the Quill and actually have it online.
I finally got in touch with my friend, Tricia Owsley, and got the website from her.
I kind of scared her because someone from our class,
Class of '89, told her I had died or something.... well to my knowing I hadn't died and am very much alive and living a wonderful life in Kalispell, Montana.
I live in the mountainess area and am married and raising my 2 beautiful daughters and now have a very loving son.
But thought I would drop a line and say thank you for getting the Quill online just so I can keep up on what is going on back in my old stomping grounds.
Just wish I could see more pictures of La Harpe, since my husband has never been there and with our work schedules it will be forever until we can get there.
Thanks again and take care! My prayers and love are with all who have that special someone over seas protecting our country and our freedom.
And a very heartfelt compassion to the James' Family.
Sincerely from Montana, the heart of God's Country,
Michele "Shelly" L. (Hainline) Berglund
Today's Problems Are Being Solved
Most Americans would agree that the Bush administration has a brilliant plan in the war on Iraq and terrorism and the world is now a much safer place in which to live.
Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and General Tommy Franks, especially, deserve much of the credit for the war plan. Although the death of Saddam Hussein has not been ascertained, it is evident he will not be coming back into power.
Many of the weapons of mass destruction have not been located, but were possibly destroyed by the Iraqian leaders.
Although 130 Americans gave their lives in this war, think of how many Americans died in the twin towers episode and how many more would have died if this administration had not taken strong action.
In my opinion, Tom Ridge, ex governor of PA, has done an outstanding job as head of Homeland Security.
The most dangerous terrorists, which have been correlated to a deck of playing cards, have been cut in half, with more captures occurring on a regular basis.
Terrorists have learned, you do not mess with the U.S.A. without definite repercussions!
George W. has picked outstanding leaders for his cabinet, which include other ex governors such as Ashcroft (MO) and Thompson (WI).
These proven leaders will now be able to concentrate more on our own huge problem, the American economy. Again, former C.E.O.'s, such as Rumsfeld and Vice President Cheney, should be helpful in this regard.
As most everyone knows, the economy runs in cycles, and it is debatable how much influence politicians exert. (Sometimes it is probably best to leave it alone.) George Bush Senior handed the Clinton administration an economy headed in the upward phase, whereas, Clinton handed George Bush Junior the beginning of a recession.
We should have learned when Presidents Kennedy and Reagan had big tax cuts it helped a lot in stimulating the economy. Many agree with President Bush that we need robust tax relief so our fellow citizens can find jobs.
The president's proposal would pay for eliminating the double taxation of dividends, speed up already approved cuts in marginal income tax rates, remove the marriage penalty and increase the child tax credit. In a nearly $11 trillion economy the proposal cost of $700 billion wouldn't seem to be disastrous.
Greenspan has said that the U.S. economy is poised to expand at a noticeably better pace than it has during the past year, even though it is still sluggish. Greenspan also said, last week, that fundamentally the long-run growth potential of the economy remains solid. George W. is merely seeking to expedite the process to relieve the pain many Americans are feeling. The economic indicators are showing signs of coming back and the stock market returns have turned positive for this year.
Give this administration a little time and this economy problem will also be resolved.
Weyman George
Macomb