HARD TO UNDERSTAND OPPOSITION TO TAX CUTS

It is ironic, after nearly a century of Florsheim shoe production in Cape Girardeau, that the company is closing its doors later this year. When Roberts, Johnson and Rand Shoe Co. opened its first factory here in 1907, the town had just lost its Frisco Railroad shop and terminal business to Chaffee. People needed jobs, and over the years the shoe factory was a steady employer.

Roberts, Johnson and Rand later became International Shoe Co and then Florsheim Shoe Co. In 1994, the plant here was recognized as the chamber of commerce's Industry of the year. At that time, there were 450 employees producing 3,100 pairs of shoes a day and an annual payroll of $6 million. Today, the plant's work force had dwindled to 300 employees.

Florsheim's production line here will be consolidated with the company's manufacturing partner in India. It's a familiar story that has been told and retold across the country as plants are shuttered while companies take advantage of cheap foreign labor costs.

Cape Girardeau's low unemployment rate indicates that most of the Florsheim workers here should be able to find jobs. Area factories are looking for competent and skilled workers.

But it is never easy to lose a job, particularly when it's no fault of your own. If you have a relative, friend of neighbor at Florsheim, let him or her know you care. Maybe you know about a job opening. Anything you can do will certainly be appreciated.