Speak Out 05/01/04

Future inspiration

I AM a student athlete at Southeast Missouri State University. I believe it is time for us to retire the nickname of Indians. Because of its lack of use, I feel no connection or tradition associated with the name. I would much rather change to something that will be used. Current and future students are being robbed of their opportunity to experience the tradition that was so important years ago. If students do not become connected to Southeast, the future of the institution could be in jeopardy. I represent that future. We need to stop looking to the past. Move forward and retire the Indians. Inspire the next generation of students to care about their sports team and their school.

Squirrel thieves

THINGS IN this town aren't what they used to be. I planted a garden behind my house to grow my own vegetables like we did back in the war. Someone came and ate the spoils of my labors. I guess it could have been the squirrels. The city needs to do something about the squirrels. They're out of control.

Formal approval

THREE YEARS ago Southeast Missouri State University had a push to change the mascot name. My roommate, a student athlete, went to the Cherokee Nation to get its opinion on the matter. Not only did the Cherokees approve of SEMO's use of the Indian mascot, they offered to come and traditionally bless the playing field before major games. A formal letter from the Cherokee Nation was given to the president of the university.

School name du jour

NAMING SCHOOLS after corporations wouldn't be a bad idea. However, due to so many corporate scandals, the school would have to suffer embarrassment or be ready to change the name of the school on the average of every six weeks.

Speeding on Fountain

THE CAPE Girardeau police could get their speeding quota any given day in the 500 to 800 blocks of Fountain Street. There are many young children playing in the area, and the cars just whiz by. Maybe this note will slow some of them down and someone's little child won't get hurt.

Speeding on Sprigg

I AM so sick of the way people drive in Cape Girardeau. I find it easier to drive in St. Louis, and that says enough. My problem is especially around the college. They use the two-lane North Sprigg Street as a passing lane. It really upset me because I had my two infants in the car and was going 5 mph over the posted speed limit when I was passed.

Minimum speed limit

THE MINIMUM speed limit is always 5 mph under the posted speed limit. Anything under that is considered delaying of traffic flow, and you are required to put on your flashers and get over to the right. I am a driving instructor.

Let alumni vote

LOCAL MEDIA are reporting that no one in favor of keeping the Indian mascot bothered to show up at the public forum held at Southeast Missouri State University. Would it have mattered if I showed up? The opinions coming from the university boldly state that the mascot will change. They claim they are interested in hearing from the public. I think the mascot issue should be put to a vote of the alumni. I am a 1993 graduate of Southeast. If this would have come up while I was in school, I would not have cared either way at all. Now, being older, wiser and somewhat nostalgic, it means a great deal to me. Please keep the Indian. We can make it proud.

Going too far

SPANKINGS ARE good when they are just spankings and not abuse. Some people need to learn what going too far is. I was spanked with anger and then beat with anger. My 12-year-old child also was spanked at school with a board so hard that it left marks. It was punishment for name calling. That is abuse.

Using the paddle

WHERE DO you draw the line with punishment in our schools? I am outraged at teachers who think they can abuse our children without repercussions. The paddle board should only be used with parent permission. I would suggest parents find out what kind of release form you signed concerning the paddle board. Teachers don't always use this properly.

Blame the insurers

THE SOUTHEAST Missourian's reporting on a tort reform bill is like watching a bad magician attempt to use smoke and mirrors. We know that some plaintiffs attempt to profit by taking advantage of liability laws, but the real scoundrels are the insurance companies that made record profits last year. That would be the same insurance companies and their lobbyist who have the Republican Party in their hip pocket.