Readers should all know that this letter is the third attempt by this writer to submit to the Index a letter even the slightest critical of GOP State Representative Wyatt's "impeachment" and now "statement" prolific attacks of Democrat Adair Judge Steele.

  Whenever I approach an individual to tell him or her about the Show-Me Cannabis Regulation campaign and its goal of regulating marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol for individuals 21 and older, the typical response is incredulity. I can't be serious, right? I actually want to make marijuana legal? Isn't it illegal for good reasons? These were the same arguments made almost a century ago about another familiar substance: alcohol.

  I am disappointed that the Index would violate its own policy against unsigned letters to publish the anti-immigrant diatribe in Jan. 26 paper ("Illegal immigration must be reduced").  It does not help the debate on public policy to print a xenophobic and frankly racist rant under the veil of anonymity.

  A universal image of diversity: human beings connecting hands around the entire world, without a single kink in the chain. This is a picture we have been familiar with since preschool. As people grow, we begin to realize this ideal world peace will never be attained if we cannot have peace in our own neighborhoods.

    I would like to start this off by stating that I love the Soybomb. I have spent many a Friday evening eating some of the finest vegetarian food that Kirksville has to offer at the veggie potlucks, and I consider the residents of that home dear friends.

  In response to "Immigration bill meets opposition" on page 1 of the Jan. 19 edition of the Index.             "The Equal Protection Clause in the 14th amendment guarantees equal protection of law to any person within the state's jurisdiction, not specifically legal citizens.

   I read with considerable interest the number crunching aspect of your report on proposed cuts by Governor Nixon in Thursday Jan 2012 issue of Index. You have added cuts of 5.2 percent in FY 11, 7 percent in FY 12 and 12.5 percent proposed for FY 13 to arrive at a total of 24.

  I was disappointed in the content of Molly Skyles' recent opinion article ("Science should benefit humans, not aid laughter"). In the piece, Skyles draws on her extensive knowledge of the scientific process garnered from four years as a communications major to attack researchers who have devoted their entire lives, often for meager compensation, to understanding the phenomena that dictate how our world works, labeling their work an embarrassment.

  Last semester under the excellent leadership of TSU's youngest-ever Student Involvement Center Officer Dave Lusk, there was a much welcomed by we Kirksville political activists revival attempt to both get new societies founded and provide regular free Student Union Building music new local band concerts.

  I watched as Champ, one of the dogs living at the Kirksville Animal Shelter, hurried wide eyed out of that 10x12 foot cage with me like this big boy had never experienced something so exhilarating and fun: a simple run through a small yard on a short leash.