JEERS: To the media over their coverage of Sarah Palin and her “shopping spree.” Doesn’t anyone remember Hillary before and after her husband’s election? Enough said.—A.S.C., Texarkana, Texas



JEERS: It wasn’t the economy, stupid, it was the candidate. Out of the group of excellent candidates, the Republican party picks John McCain.

Someone should write a book beginning with when his campaign began, seems like years ago, through 11-4-2008. The book should be required reading for all future candidates from lowest position to president of the United States on how not to run a campaign. It will be a long four years. I am now going to the post office to be sure my stimulus check has arrived, and then to Wal-Mart.—D.W.H., Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: To A.H.’s Jeer dated Oct 25, 2008, the last sentence stated “To make clear: I would like the attention of this town, this state, this nation to remember the First Amendment to the Constitution: separation of church and state.” The First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. I do not know whose First Amendment A.H. is reading but I do not see “separation of church and state” stated in it. Whether A.H. likes it or not, this country was founded on religious principles and freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.—M.W., Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: To the four people sitting behind my 10-year-old son, our friends, their 12-year-old daughter and myself at Grim Stadium this past Friday night. You sat through the playing of our National Anthem. Of all the nerve. None of you were handicapped in my view. What kind of example are you trying to set for my 10-year-old son or the many other children that attended the Texas High game that night? This is our country and you ought to have enough respect for our National Anthem to stand up and take your hat off when it is being played. I’ll bet you don’t even cover your heart when, or if you ever do say the pledge. My son even asked me why you weren’t standing. I had to explain to him that some people just aren’t respectful as they should be in public places.—W.M.P., Wake Village, Texas



JEERS: To those not giving this presidential election more thought—although the election is over and Obama is coming to office, still in what I regard as a “slap in the face” to all women, it was credibly discovered that the Obama campaign pays their female staffers 12 percent less than their male counterparts. In contrast, the McCain camp actually paid the female staffers 3 perent more then their male counterparts; that the Obama camp paid less—as Biden would say—is not change, that’s more of the same. (No, not the same, worse.)

Actions seriously betray their words. Obama could have had a female running mate but chose good ole Joe. True equality, true courageous, true change, true value of diversity and we missed our chance! That’s why McCain and Palin had my vote for 2008. And why Obama/Biden still won’t for 2012.—R.M., Texarkana, Ark.



CHEERS: To Miller County officials for ending the disastrous reign of the sheriff.—N.F., Texarkana, Texas