PAPER SEEKS PUBLIC PERSPECTIVES ON TAX REFORM, GUN BILL, WETLANDS

The response to the Southeast Missourian's new Perspective feature continues strong. In the first three weeks, the newspaper has received over 20 columns or letters addressing Perspective topics. These columns have been thoughtful, forcefully-written and constructive. A few have even been passionate, like the one about health care reform by Maryann "Miki" Gudermuth, which will appear in the newspaper in the next few days. You do not want to miss this eloquent column, bringing a point of view to the health care debate not yet heard.

The overwhelming response to Perspective is a credit to the public-mindedness of this community. It is also a credit to the expertise we have here within our midst.

Although the first two Perspective topics have now run – Health Care Reform and Local Control of Cable Television – we will continue to accept letters on these topics.

Meanwhile, next Monday's topic is Tax Reform. Particular focus will be given to President Bush's capital gains tax plan, Bill Clinton's middle class tax break and Jerry Brown's flat tax proposal. Columnists already include Joe Domian, Russell Renka, Keith Russel and Rick Althaus. But we are still encouraging letters on tax reform for the following days. Remember, letters should be no longer than a page and a half, double-spaced, preferable typed.

For Monday, April 27, we are making a change in the advertised Perspective schedule. Because of the fast motion taking place in Jefferson City on the bill allowing qualified people to carry concealed weapons, we will focus on gun control. Specifically, we will explore the aforementioned bill, and its potential for good or bad.

As background information:two weeks ago, the Missouri House overwhelmingly approved an amendment to an omnibus criminal procedure bill, 124-24, to permit people 21 and older to obtain permits for concealed weapons, provided they get gun training and pass certain requirements. Under the bill, which is similar to existing laws in at least 33 other states, the applicants for concealed-weapons permits would have to pay a $100 fee and prove to their sheriff that they needed the weapon for protection. The sheriff could deny a permit on grounds that an applicant had been convicted of a felony, had two drunken-driving convictions or had a record of mental illness.

A strong dialogue has already been initiated in the Missourian on this bill, as Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney Morley Swingle and Paul Corde of Jackson and Charles Gibson II of Cape Girardeau have taken opposite sides in published columns and letters. There is still much more to explore, however. Write us if you have an opinion on this important issue.

Letters should be no more than a page-and-a-half, acceptable any time. Columns should be no more than two-and-a-half pages, double-spaced and typed, and received at the newspaper by Tuesday, April 21, whether the bill is passed in its present form or not.

Meanwhile, continue to read the Southeast Missourian for the latest developments in Jefferson City on this issue.

The Perspective topic after Concealed Weapons will be Education Choices, Part 1:A Changed World. That week, we will look at the various concerns a teacher must deal with, which impact on but range well beyond the traditional idea of classroom instruction. Issues to be discussed include:the impact of television, jobs, dysfunctional families, working parents, bureaucracy, juvenile delinquency, mainstreaming, etc. Columns on this topic are also due Tuesday, April 21.

In May, we will look at AIDS:What Is Our Responsibility? This Perspective topic will focus on the AIDS virus and what we should be doing in Southeast Missouri. In particular, we will look at the services and information sources already out there. And we will ask:Are they enough? We will also attempt to put the AIDS epidemic in context with other diseases Americans suffer. Of course, we will do this only if you participate. If you have knowledge about AIDS or health clinics in this area, we encourage you to write. If you are interested in writing a column, please call the Southeast Missourian Perspectives Desk at 335-6611. Columns should be received by May 4.

The last topic on the Perspective schedule at this point is Wetlands:Where Do We Go From Here? For this discussion, we will look at current wetlands definitions as well as those proposed in new legislation. Would these changes make good policy? More information about this topic to come. Columns are due May 11.

All columns and letters should be mailed to Perspective, Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Suggestions for Perspective topics should be mailed to the same address.