LETTERS: TASTE LOUNGE NEEDS HELP, NOT HARRASSMENT

To the editor:

Unfortunately, the city of Cape is failing to show the same leniency towards the Taste Lounge as it is doing for other bars and taverns here in Cape.

I've been residing in Cape for approximately two years, and all I hear about is the Taste Lounge. Whenever physical altercations occur or when there are disputes between a few citizens of Cape Girardeau and the Police Department, the media latche onto the information like a hungry dog. I know other citizens of Cape feel there are too many disturbances occurring in and around the Taste. Tell me: Can they honestly say that physical altercations and conflicts do not occur at other establishments here in Cape? Or is it OK because they are not from a minority background? Why is it that disputes which occur at these establishments are not broadcast across the front page of the Southeast Missourian or on KFVS-12?

The Taste Lounge should not be held responsible for the actions which occur outside its place of business. Who are you to say that this gentleman should be responsible for actions of other supposedly grown adults? Those adults who are cowards and have to wait until they show up at the club to settle differences should be held liable for their actions. Why is it that this man is responsible for other people's lack of judgment? When students fight at school, the principal is not held accountable for the students' actions. The students are reprimanded for their part in the dispute. When people fight at the park, how come the mayor or the chief of police are not held responsible for the individuals who are fighting and disturbing the peace? When people have confrontations or altercations anywhere else in Cape, why aren't the owners of those establishments held responsible for the actions of others?

I'll tell you why. It is because anything that will show a negative light on a black male who has a legal establishment and is not supporting his family through drug dealings and robbery, the leaders of Cape Girardeau just can't stand it.

Sure, you can say that the council members yanked the Chance's liquor license. But it was only because the black citizens of Cape and surrounding areas frequented the facility. Had it not become so popular among the minorities, in my opinion, the Chance would have never lost its license. But the owner there realized how lucrative a business opening his doors to the minority could be. Regrettably, the leaders of Cape thought that was an error in judgment on his part.

Focus your efforts on assisting the owner of the Taste Lounge in upholding the laws instead of perpetuating the situation. Being from Sikeston, I can honestly tell you if you take away the only outlet the black citizens of Cape have as an establishment of their own, you will inevitably face the consequences behind that decision. Ask the leaders in Sikeston. They thought they were destroying the source of all their crime and corruption by closing down the clubs. They only created an environment where the people had no other recourse but to lash out. Now the police are being shot at, citizens are being restricted in exercising their constitutional rights, and Sikeston as a community holds no respect.

Observe and take heed, leaders of Cape. You will be placed in the same predicament the people in Sikeston are facing. Live and learn. Watch and grow.

ERICA STARNES

Cape Girardeau