Each year, La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau packs members and guests into its sanctuary for a unique series that focuses on popular culture through cinema while drawing poignant, transcendent lessons about life. In a year without Covid, more than 2,400 people, most of them munching on popcorn, would typically be in attendance each week for what is called "La Croix at the Movies." Its goal is explained on the La Croix website, "We believe that many biblical truths can be found in art, and one of the most prevalent art forms in our age is the movies.". ...

Joe Biden wants to take one of the great American success stories of the past several decades and drive it into the ground. He would turn his back on the stupendous wealth represented by proven reserves of oil and gas in this country. Rather than focusing on producing cheap, abundant energy -- a key ingredient to human progress through all of human history -- he'd embark on the fool's errand of trying to adjust the world's thermostat 80 years from now...

"He's too polarizing." "She's too divisive." Ever hear those descriptions of politicians or leaders, the purpose of which is to convince people that Mr. or Mrs. So-and-So is too dangerous to even consider supporting? I call nonsense on the whole thing. Who wants to support milquetoast men and women more interested in not being labeled polarizing than in being principled?...

How fitting for front page tribute to the life work and courage of Clara Lucille Daniels of Cape Girardeau. Bravo to Jeff Long and the Southeast Missourian newspaper for embracing the opportunity to honor her barrier-breaking courage. A young Clara Daniels had to summon courage when her beloved Cobb School burned and with it her plan for education. ...

I am a 69-year-old white lawyer and landowner. I have voted in 13 presidential elections. I have never seen our society more divided, more angry, more full of hate. We have always had different opinions on many issues yet calmly debated an outcome tolerable to all. The current division is generated by misinformation spread about the position of opposing politics. I am truly independent, but my choice in this election has never been easier...

A new Pope Francis documentary, "Francesco," has certainly commanded some attention. Longtime pope followers like me know to take the hubbub with a grain of salt. The press attention to Francis' papacy has been so often guided by ideology. The progressive left, so to speak, has held onto hope that he is their way to a church they are more comfortable with, one conformed to the values of the times rather than age-old tenets. ...

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Trump signed an Executive Order which strips long-held civil service protections from career Federal Employees whose work involves policymaking. His action allows them to be dismissed without recourse, similar to the political appointees of each administration...

On Election Day, we hope that many will join us in voting yes on Amendment 3. Amendment 3 seeks to right the wrongs of the Clean Missouri Amendment which misled voters in our last election. The 2018 amendment gave the Missouri State Auditor -- not the Secretary of State, who is the state's election authority, or the Attorney General, who enforces the laws of the state -- the power of appointing a state demographer. ...

In February, our family was blessed with its first grandchildren. Their arrival made it clear that it was time for me to seek public office to restore the true priorities of all Missourians. Missourians place high value on equality for everyone in our community. Policies and practices must apply fairly to all. Resources should be shared equitably. The hallmarks of public service should be professionalism and responsiveness to everyone...

Voters know there's only one seriously contested local race in our county. They can't wait to hear when candidates for House District 147 will debate. They have many questions for my opponent, Sen. Wayne Wallingford. Voters are curious to know why Sen. ...

The public education system has many problems, even in Cape Girardeau. But with Covid-19, Central High school went to block scheduling this year. This allows students to focus on four or five classes a quarter. I have grandchildren that attend Central. ...

We are just days away from the most important election of our lifetimes! We have the privilege of voting for the party that upholds the sanctity of ALL life and protects our God-given rights, our freedom to worship, lower taxation, etc. OR voting for death and destruction of life which accompanies the party of increased taxation, Green New Deal, making the earth our "god", socialism/communism, to name a few...

Along with casting your vote for president and statewide officials during the general election Nov. 3, you will also come across two statewide ballot measures, Amendment 1 and Amendment 3. Amendment 1, the State Executive Term Limits Amendment, would limit the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor and attorney general to two terms of office in a lifetime. ...

If you haven’t done so already, take some time this fall to visit Trail of Tears. It’s a beautiful drive. Enjoy God’s creation. Congratulations to SEMO football on raising $13,000 for police academy scholarships. It’s great to see SEMO coaches training the athletes to not only be good players on the field but also good citizens. Well done.

The Russians haven’t loomed so large as a sinister hand influencing the course of American society since the Red Scares of the 20th century. Then, it was largely the right that warned of Russian infiltration; now it is progressives who see Russians altering the course of American history through dark manipulations...

It's natural to wonder if we could do more with our lives or make a greater impact in our spheres of influence. The recent death of local dentist Dr. Mike Bennett and the renaming of the Terry W. Kitchen Central Junior High School after the late coach are two examples of individuals who made a difference in their own specific ways, leaving behind legacies worth our admiration...

Domestic Violence Awareness month is observed each October as a way to bring attention to the problem of domestic violence and to support efforts to end domestic violence. Eighty-nine women were killed in 2019 in the state of Missouri by their domestic partners. ...

This year has been hard on us all. From working and attending school virtually to increased unemployment and business closures, the pandemic has compounded the economic challenges for our region. But there have been bright spots for Southeast Missouri. ...

The coronavirus, widespread quarantines, an unprecedented self-induced recession, and unchecked rioting, looting and protesting -- all in a presidential election year -- are radically disrupting American habits and behavior. Rents, home prices and office occupancy rates in major cities, especially on the two coasts, are dropping fast. Techies and young professionals have discovered that they can work from home without paying sky-high housing costs in order to be close to the office...

"Dude, I want you to punch Donald Trump in the face." During Amy Coney Barrett's hearing, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker quoted a man who approached him at a town hall. "Dude, that's a felony," is how Booker described his response. Good for him, fighting against our crazed political culture of anger, contempt and violence. ...

The Democrats blame President Trump for the surge in Covid-19. They are the ones who ignored the warnings before the first case was detected in this country. President Trump listened to the scientists and shut down the country. He made sure the states got everything they needed to keep our health care system from going bankrupt and save lives. ...

I recall several presidential elections ago, an elementary school teacher wrote a newspaper column about a mock election he held in his class. Two students were nominated by their classmates, and then they campaigned for their votes. Who won the election? One of the students presented an agenda and reasonably argued for the merits of that agenda. The other student promised ice cream for everyone who voted for her. She won...

Every year witnesses the publication of countless books. Some are interesting, and a few are inspiring. The forthcoming book by Charles Koch (business owner and philanthropist) and Brian Hooks (CEO of philanthropic community Stand Together), "Believe in People: Bottom-Up Solutions for a Top-Down World," is both interesting and inspiring...

Those in law enforcement have some of the most challenging jobs. But in today's environment where anti-police rhetoric dominates much of the national news coverage, the day-to-day pressures of the job are a challenge not only for the officers but also their families...

We are less than two weeks from the 2020 election, and no one knows who is going to win. Polls suggest that former vice-president Joe Biden is likely to come out on top -- significantly, when it comes to the popular vote -- but we all know what happened in 2016. Against the odds, Donald Trump defied the experts and scored the victory where it mattered most: in the Electoral College...

I've worked at the polls several times over the last few years at different precincts in Cape Girardeau County, and I have nothing but praise for Kara Clark Summers, County Clerk, and Allen Seabaugh, Election Supervisor. Both work hard to make sure that poll workers are properly trained, that election laws are followed, and that voters are treated with respect...

As we locals know, Rush Limbaugh, "our hometown star," comes back frequently and especially during the holidays. A couple of billboards north of the Cape Girardeau Airport on I-55 are vacant. With the Drury influence and our love for our native son Rush, it is most fitting that a billboard saluting Rush would be most appropriate and would boost his positivity in his fight against cancer...

Last Friday, Oct. 16, marked the culmination of a process that began several months ago. It was the formal unveiling of the Terry W. Kitchen Junior High School named after Terry W. Kitchen, longtime Cape Central teacher, coach, athletic director and friend. There is not a more fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to others...

Murals covering the outside of the Mississippi flood wall shine brighter than ever. After years of work toward securing a lighting solution, Old Town Cape, led by longtime volunteer and board member Danny Essner, recently flipped the switch on the lights that now illuminate the murals in downtown Cape Girardeau. Additionally, the murals were cleaned to remove some of the grime that has accumulated...

President Trump's nomination could very well be one of the biggest highlights of this presidency. Judge Barrett was tremendous in the confirmation hearings. Articulate, poised and brilliant are three words that come to mind. Well done to President Trump and Judge Barrett...

Joe Biden is the most cosseted presidential candidate in memory. He's run a minimalist campaign that's avoided the press as much as possible, while the press hasn't been braying for more access and answers, but eager to avoid anything that could be discomfiting to the campaign...

I was honored to both attend and give a presentation at the Show Me Writers Conference on Saturday, organized by local authors Amanda Flinn and Sarah Geringer. I'm not typically a numbers person, but some alarming statistics grabbed me. Author Karen Sargent shared the following: The percentage of people who say they want to write a book is 81%; of those, 2% start the book; of the 2% who start, 3% complete the book; so that's 97% who do not finish the book...

Hopefully you had a chance to read the special survivor-story section of the Southeast Missourian last Tuesday, featuring members of our community bravely telling their stories of endurance and persistence. You can hear these inspirational stories at Survivor Stories, an in-person event taking place Thursday evening at One City in Cape Girardeau...

Hats off to SEMO FCA for holding a wonderful event this week, Fields of Faith. It’s encouraging to see young people, bold in their faith, share the testimonies with their fellow classmates. Well done to all. ...

Amy Coney Barrett acquitted herself very well at her confirmation hearings, which means, quite often, she refused to answer questions. Barrett is an exemplary nominee, who was knowledgeable, clear and composed throughout the three days of questioning, but not always responsive...

I won’t pretend to be surprised by this, but Senate Democrats, knowing they don’t have the power to stop Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, have turned the confirmation hearings into a campaign platform to smear President Donald Trump...

Here is a round-up of news about coronavirus in our region -- and the larger world. Statistics underline that COVID-19 is dangerous to the elderly but less of a concern to young adults. Still, younger people who become infected can carry it to those most vulnerable, so vigilance is necessary. ...

In the 21st century, hallmark American and international institutions have lost much of their prestige and respect. Politics and biases explain the lack of public confidence in organizations and institutions such as the World Health Organization, the Commission on Presidential Debates, the Nobel Peace Prize, the Pulitzer Prizes and the Academy Awards...

President Donald Trump is one of the worst negotiators I have ever seen. One day, he tells Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi that the stimulus talks are over because she insisted on at least a $2 trillion deal and rejected the White House's offer of $1.6 trillion. The next day, without Pelosi lifting a finger, the president comes back with an offer of nearly $1.9 trillion. Maybe if Pelosi waits, she'll get her full $2 trillion after all...

Today we all saw what a Supreme Court Justice is supposed to act like. I was so impressed with her calmness and her knowledge and how she answered all the questions, and then to find out she had no notes. She was amazing. She made the liberal senators look foolish. She proved to the world that she is of high character and grace...

A traveling Smithsonian exhibit focused on water will open to the public on Monday in Cape Girardeau. Referred to as the Water/Ways Exhibit, it will be on display through Jan. 13 at the Kellerman Foundation's Heritage Hall. The exhibit looks at the essential nature of water to life, the environment, culture and history...