MR. PRESIDENT: A FEW THOUGHTS

Today will be remembered for years by thousands of Southeast Missourians as the day they got to stand in Capaha Park with the president of the United States, Bill Clinton. On behalf of Cape Girardeau and all of Southeast Missouri, welcome, Mr. President. We hope your visit is a pleasant one.

And a special welcome to the first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and to the vice president and his wife, Al and Tipper Gore. What a rare treat to have all of you in our fair city at one time.

A presidential visit to these parts is unusual enough that such events stand out in our collective memories for a long time. For many of those who have an opportunity to see the president while he is here, this will be the only president they ever will see in person in their lifetimes. What a remarkable opportunity this is for us to hear what the president has to say. Moreover, it is an occasion for the president to listen to what Americans in these parts have on their minds. A sampling:* Taxes. There is hardly anyone in Southeast Missouri who would say we aren't overtaxed at the federal level. The president claims to have reduced taxes for many Americans, but in fact few taxpayers are enjoying any relief. Most of the so-called cuts have been in the form of tax credits to those who don't pay taxes in the first place. Americans need tax relief, and the president should be leading the charge.* Spending. One reason taxes are so high is because the federal government continues to find ways to spend too much money. More dollars are going for federal government and its programs then ever before. Spending cuts are requisite to sound financial management of government.* The deficit. There has been too much hedging, too many contradictory claims and too many petty fights on this issue. It is all too easy to promise us everything prior to the November election, no matter the cast. Without the fiscal responsibility of a balanced budget, the federal government will choke its citizens to death.* Entitlements. Mr. President, you must both recognize the impact of entitlements on federal spending and be willing to find ways to reduce that impact realistically. Quarrels over whether or not slowing the pace of entitlement growth is a cut is petty and unproductive. The fact is simple: Entitlements are about to break the federal bank.* Military readiness. The nation's long-term interests are best served by a well-prepared and well-maintained military. Although it can be argued that America need not be the world's police force, U.S. forces must be able to protect this nation at a moment's notice -- without fail.* Credibility. Mr. President, please face this issue head-on during the campaign. Americans are prone to vote their feelings, and many voters believe there is something to the allegations arising from investigations into Whitewater, Travelgate, Filegate and charges of sexual impropriety. Ignoring these issues will only deepen the distrust.

As you arrive in our town, look at the 4,400 white crosses along Interstate 55 that represent the number of abortions performed daily across the nation. This is a pro-life issue, not a political issue.

Mr. President, listen to the people. Too many politicians only want the people to listen to them. Thank you for being with us and for bringing so much positive national attention to our community. Best wishes for a good campaign, one in which the issues are fairly and thoroughly aired.