Letters to the Editor

Why, when the rich people, corps. and financial groups need help, the bail-out is shared by the 98% outside that group. But if the overwhelming majority need help, it's wealth redistribution and socialism? A fair and decent society takes care of their own...

I am proud to support Kathy Swan for state Senate. Kathy is a lifelong resident of the district, and she has always been there for Cape Girardeau County. She has focused on issues that are important to this community, including working to get more funding for Southeast Missouri State University, sponsoring legislation to increase workforce training opportunities, and voting for tax cuts that have helped families and small businesses throughout the region...

I am proud to endorse Wayne Wallingford for the Missouri House, and I hope that readers will vote for him on Aug. 4. Wayne has a strong record of standing up for issues that are important to our community, including the following: n Simon's Law, which prohibits healthcare facilities or physicians from instituting do-not-resuscitate orders for minors without the permission of a parent or legal guardian...

Drew Juden for sheriff Strong but fair law enforcement is the cornerstone of any community. While current Cape Girardeau County law enforcement is comprised of good people, it is my belief that strong, fair and united leadership has never been more important. These are challenging times for law enforcement and while all law enforcement personnel should be held to the highest standards, they should also be supported 100% to properly protect our citizens and maintain law and order...

With elections mere days away, I feel compelled to take a stand on Amendment 2, Medicaid Expansion. As a young mother of two, I was once in the position of having no insurance coverage for myself. My husband and I made just enough combined income to be over the line of coverage for Medicaid, and neither of our jobs offered insurance. We were lucky to have our children covered, but God forbid something happen to one of us. We feared illness then, as we fear Covid-19 now...

On Aug. 4, Missourians will have the opportunity to vote for the expansion of Medicaid. Medicaid is the health insurance program that covers qualifying individuals with low income or disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly. To date, 38 states (including Washington, D.C.) have already expanded or have voted to expand Medicaid. ...

I have long believed the best indicator for future performance is past behavior. Wayne Wallingford's past performance is a lifetime of service to our country, a distinguished military career flying 300 combat missions, awarded more than 47 medals. A recipient of the Silver Star, the third-highest decoration given by U.S. military. A true conservative: a safeguard for innocent life, defender of our Second Amendment, and dedicated to the preservation of religious freedom...

Among the Black Lives Matter protesters, there were criminals who looted, committed arson and vandalized Confederate monuments. However, most protesters across America were peaceful. They were patriotic citizens demanding equal justice for all, not anarchists, as Trump and Trumpists brand them. That begs the question, "Who are the real anarchists in America?"...

After reading articles/letters from Missouri Catholic Conference of Bishops regarding Ballot Initiative (2020-63) to Expand Medicaid, I feel I must respond. I do understand to a degree where they are coming from on encouraging "Yes" votes on this ballot issue in looking out for the poor, underinsured, etc. I get that! BUT we must look deeper!...

I am 13 years old and a Boy Scout with Troop 2 in Cape Girardeau. I am currently working on my Community Merit Badge. I would like to express my opinion about the back to school plan that our district has made. I think it's great that we have a choice to attend school in person or stay at home and are not forced to go back to school when conditions are still not safe. I will be doing the online Tigers@Home and am really excited to start my new experience...

Democrats did the country a big favor the last five months. They very clearly showed us exactly how it will be if Democrats win in November. Far left protesters' riots are OK, but church going is not OK. Defund police so criminals can go wild. Government takeover of everything (in Democrat-controlled cities nationwide if Democrats win) for as long as it is "politically good" for Democrats. (AOCs recent tweet proves this.)...

Cape Girardeau County residents have a unique opportunity in this Republican August primary election to nominate one of the most decorated, honored and talented law enforcement officers in the state of Missouri. Drew Juden has served the law enforcement community for over 40 years with an unblemished record of accomplishment and innovation unmatched in Missouri...

Our state legislators are truly our voice in Jefferson City. Having represented the citizens of Cape Girardeau for 12 years on the Cape Girardeau Board of Education, hardly a month went by that I was not compelled to provide feedback to our legislators on issues facing public education in our district, or how a pending piece of legislation might positively or negatively impact it. ...

As reported on Missourinet (June 12, 2020), the "Republican-leaning" Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing Medicaid expansion on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot. In a statement, President Dan Mehan explained the business group supports Amendment 2 as a "pro-jobs measure" that will help "fuel economic growth throughout our state."...

I appreciate your article regarding the bill Gov. Mike Parson signed, expanding Missouri's broadband grant program through 2027. (Missouri supports broadband expansion) Missouri ranks 41st nationally when it comes to broadband access, as nearly 20% of residents lack reliable, high-speed internet. ...

I appeal to you as a member of God's family. Within each of our communities there are so many who are going without adequate health care coverage. Lack of health care coverage (including preventative, dental, mental care and substance abuse treatment) creates damage that cannot be enumerated...

Kudos to Councilman Guard for his recent stance on the CSA monument decision by the Council. Thank you Mr. Guard for not taking the all too often path of simply joining the "rank and file" of council decisions in order to show unanimity among our city leaders. Thank you for taking a stance and sticking to it. Thank you for speaking your mind and following it up with a like vote, especially considering your views were both correct and in the minority...

Thank you for your non-partisan columns about our political situation and the dangers of Covid-19. More voices of reason, and less inflammatory finger-pointing by columnists like Limbaugh and Ross, have never been more important in calming the waters and protecting our families...

I am writing this letter to oppose the candidacy of Dennis Turner for county coroner. I believe this matter to be of public interest and of an urgent plea to this community. I began investigating Mr. Turner after several discrepancies in the finances of a business for which he was the appointed manager. I have current litigation pending against him in civil court...

I am writing in support of John Voss for 147th district state representative. I have been friends with John for more than 40 years, since junior high school. We were in Boy Scouts during the same time as youth and as adult leaders with our sons. John is an Eagle Scout and continues to live the pledge he took as a youth. John was a leader in high school as our senior class president and continued as a leader while attending college in Rolla earning his engineering degree...

Drew Juden is running against incumbent Ruth Ann Dickerson for Cape Girardeau County sheriff. The choice is an easy one: Dickerson. Dickerson, sheriff since 2018, ascended the ranks through good and honest police work and training. In 34 years of law enforcement, Dickerson's never had a case overturned. ...

During Putin's administration Russia has engaged in the following foreign adventures: n A 2008 invasion of the country of Georgia n Taking the Crimea away from Ukraine in 2014. n Sending troops into southeastern Ukraine to support the anti-government side in a civil war and then lying about doing so,...

As a young boy, Mr. Bray was a person I admired as a deacon in our church and later as a top flight administrator during my SEMO student days. His examples later inspired me to seek to become a college administrator. What a beautiful legacy he leaves as both a person and an academic professional.

Cape's Historic Preservation Commission, which recently voted unanimously to remove the monument to Southeast Missouri's Confederate soldiers has proven that it is not interested in history or preserving it. Charges made by the commission and some very visible left-wing activists that the monument was placed as a warning to African-Americans is unfounded...

The following was sent to the Cape Girardeau city clerk with a request that it be shared with our city's leaders, as well as submitted as a letter to the editor. Honorable Mayor Fox, city council members, and city manager Meyer: This letter is written in favor of the city's Historic Preservation Commission recommendation for immediate removal of the Confederate States of America monument presently located in Ivers Square...

Mayor Fox, There are wounds in this city that run deep -- they are the very same wounds that have been highlighted this past year in light of the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many more black Americans. We have all had to take a step back in these past few months and reconsider our understanding of how race, inequity, power and authority shape our daily lives and the lives of those around us...

We are living in a time of tension and profound moral corruption that has caused unfathomable feelings of detest against unity. Recently, in cities across this country, we have experienced blatant acts of racism. It is during these times of economic deprivation and expendability of black lives that we must be candid in our conversation concerning race and equality. We must clearly state our motives and remain steadfast to the purpose of our statements...

I am more disturbed by those who are caving than I am of those to whom they are caving. From our beginning, there have always been those who have wanted to beat us into submission. But we stood and fought to prevent it. We endured horrible conditions, lost life and limb; but we did it...

I'm an American patriot, Army Veteran, lifelong taxpayer, and white male, but I have to admit, our country has been flawed from the beginning. It was founded with a tolerance for racism, and some remains. We've attempted to make amends with the Emancipation Proclamation, laws calling for equality and civil rights, and resources to help level the playing field, but racism remains. Government hasn't eliminated it. And neither has religion...

Fifty-seven police officers of Buffalo, N.Y. cheering two colleagues indicted for assaulting an elderly protester, is an example of how professionals often enable misbehaving rogue colleagues. Likewise, we see Trumpist lawmakers enabling Trump's presidential misconduct, such as attacking media as fake news and enemy of people; illegally defying Congress; encouraging police misbehavior; indulging in divisive rhetoric, racist rants and acts; promoting lawlessness and chaos; spreading bizarre conspiracy theories and lies by Twitter tirades; branding facts as hoaxes; firing watchdog inspectors; blaming others for his incompetence; threatening civilians with military action; assaulting protesters with pepper bombs and batons to stage his ridiculous photo-op, and degrading America in the eyes of the world.. ...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we have reached the point where it has affected all of us. We all know someone who has fallen ill, or worse, succumbed to this deadly virus. And one thing has become abundantly clear: The economy is dependent on the middle class, and for too long, not enough financial gains have made their way to working families...

Adrienne Ross' commentary "My 4 unpopular perspectives amid George Floyd protests" expresses stunning ignorance and lack of empathy. Thankfully, her remarks are beautifully controverted by Dr. Loretta P. Prater's guest commentary of the same day "I know how George Floyd's family feels," regarding the death of her son at the hands of Chattanooga police officers...

If you can't seem to understand just how big this is, then I pray you will see how people of color in this country are hurting. But news outlets continue to twist the narrative of the suffering. People are using their First Amendment rights peacefully, and being arrested for it. We live in a corrupt world and people are tired of it...

The United States currently faces a pandemic, a recession speeding in the direction of a depression, along with civil rights problems which are manifested by police impropriety, and rioting that overshadows the people who are attempting to have peaceful protests. We are in a grave situation with both moral and political proportions...

There is a lot of conversation, perspective sharing, and protest happening in our community, which is ultimately what gets progress to flourish. A wise word has come before me lately, Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."...

I am lucky enough to live next to Capaha Park and enjoy morning walks around its perimeter. The Parks and Rec Department are making great strides in making it even more beautiful. My concern is the amount of trash I find every morning. Cans and bottles thrown out from cars, food wrappers, bags and receipts, straws and their wrappings dropped wherever. ...

Serving the citizens of Cape Girardeau County in a timely, effective and ethical manner is the No. 1 goal for Cape County Clerk Kara Summers. Kara and her great staff always go above and beyond in their desire to serve the citizens of Cape Girardeau County. ...

Immediately after Trump became President, “good people” such as Nazis, White Supremacists, KKK, right-wing hate groups, conspiracy theorists, etc. came off the woodworks. Since Covid-19 calamity, Trump has been cheerleading a few more “good people”: Covid-19 hoaxers, gun-toting lockdown protesters, social distancing resisters, no-mask skeptics, fake Constitution defenders, let-people-die lawmakers, etc. without regards to the consequences to the health of people. Such persistent denial of a calamity is a sign of serious mental illness. Some of them are frankly psychotic, with bizarre delusions such as, “Bill Gates has put microchips in vaccines to control the world.” Trump and rabid conspiracy theorists Alex Jones, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Mark Levin, Roger Stone, etc. form a mutual titillating society. Trumpist lawmakers kowtow to him because they love him, or are terrified of his vitriol and vindictiveness, or his rowdy base. Who are the “bad people” in America? Only those people who pose significant threat of exposing his long history of financial misdeeds: The media, FBI (“Deep-State”} and Democrats. So, he incessantly attacks to discredit them. When Trump emboldens such “good people” disregarding the serious consequences to the people, the future portends chaos, anarchy, division and destruction of America. Once upon a time, the world looked up to Americans as scientific-minded, brilliant, creative, thoughtful, reasonable, loving and lovable people. Now, “inject-disinfectants” Trump and millions of his insecure, deluded and hateful “good people” have made Americans the laughing stock of the world. How did Trump accomplish this incredible feat within three years? K.P.S. KAMATH, Cape Girardeau

As a co-ed attending summer session in 1965 at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles), five of us were trapped in our dorm as the effects of the Watts riots roiled around us. Yards to the east of the dorm, rioters in cars drove on the 110 freeway firing bullets in all directions. The National Guard’s Armory was set on fire just on the other side of the freeway. Citizens spoke out when the crowd set fire to local stores. The protest began in Washington Heights; Watts suffered. Residents of Watts lost their livelihoods. It was the good people of Watts who suffered. Hooligans without a thought to those people were the looters and fire bombers. What was meant as a peaceful protest miles away to the south became a “joy ride” without thought for the law. I’m in favor of the right to speak and demonstrate, but not when it hurts others. During that era, Rodney King was pulled out of his truck and beaten. Violence is never the way. We need another Martin Luther King who will emphasize passive resistance and communication, a leader who doesn’t throw out epithets without thinking first of being the peacemaker. CHRISTINE DICKMAN, Cape Girardeau

Last night the officers and several members, of both VFW Post 3838 and its Auxiliary met to discuss the reopening of its Canteen (bar and restaurant). After the Governor of Missouri decided to continue the States reopening plan to remain in phase one, the Post determined that it could not meet the social distancing guidance and be profitable to help our fellow veterans. ...

I was involved with the formation of the original Transportation Trust Fund initiative back in 1995. Now, 25 years later, the City of Cape Girardeau has committed over $125 million toward upgrading the city’s transportation system. These dollars have been designated for new street routes, reconstruction of existing artilleries and collector streets, repair of existing streets (both concrete and asphalt), sidewalks and improved street lighting. ...

I am Nathan Thomas, the current Ward 3 City Council representative. I was appointed to this position to fill the Ward 3 vacancy in fall 2019. I am honored and privileged to serve Cape Girardeau and my Ward, and I humbly ask for your vote on June 2 so I may continue serving...

The year 2020 has been declared as the Year of the Nurse. National Nurses Week was celebrated May 6-12 and coincides with the bicentennial of Florence Nightingale's birth on May 12, 1820. Florence Nightingale once said: "I think one's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions...actions which bring results." Words were important to her evidenced by the more than 200 books, pamphlets and over 14,000 letters she wrote! "Notes on Nursing" published in 1860 is still one of the most popular compilations of her work done.. ...

Our language is dynamic and word meanings can change, often due to misuse. Take the word awesome. It did mean extremely impressive, but misuse has caused it to mean slightly better than average, as in she's awesome, or these cookies are awesome. But beware! If preceded by so, the meaning is diluted even more. So is like water. It dilutes everything it gets close to. She's so awesome means she's not too hot, but let's pretend she is...

Southeast Missouri is home to many rural Missourians and rural medical centers that are often under threat of closure. If there were something Missourians could do to ensure those individuals would have access to care, shouldn't we do it? If there were a way to help keep those hospitals open, shouldn't we look for it?...

A huge Libertarian experiment will play out this fall in Cape Girardeau. (Libertarian -- a political system emphasizing limited government.) The experiment: What happens to a community after 20 years of budget cuts to its hometown university? No one knows exactly how the latest round of state budget cuts will impact Southeast Missouri State University. ...

National Police Week May 11--17, honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers. This sacrifice is almost beyond belief, in that on average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 54 hours. Since the first known line-of-duty death in 1786, more than 22,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice...

May is a very meaningful month for my family, as it is both Mental Health Awareness Month and NF (Neurofibromatosis) Awareness Month. In 2014 I lost my sister, Renee, to suicide. Suicide is an unfortunate death that many people struggle to understand. ...

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country, we have a new appreciation for our nation's health care workers. These professionals are working nonstop to diligently protect the vulnerable in our community. While our local nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals continue to ensure our health and safety, let us take the time to commemorate and honor their dedication and sacrifice during this year's National Nurses Week, which runs from May 6-12...