Speak Out 05/04/04

Thanks for taste

THANKS TO the downtown merchants who participated in the Taste of Old Town event. The food was great, and our group had a wonderful time. We're hoping you bring it back next year.

Amazing performance

I AM a retired teacher who has arthritis. I don't get to get to travel or get out much because it bothers me. But when I do get to get out, I enjoy it. I attended the musical "Cats" at the Show Me Center. I thought it was amazing. It was well worth the money to see it. Please, Show Me Center, have more musicals and plays.

Thanks for the help

I WISH to thank the two young men who helped me in my front yard. I forgot to ask their names. Also, I want to thank my next-door neighbor and St. Francis Lifeline, which I notified while outside that I needed assistance. It's a good thing to have.

Small bump, big impact

I KNOW that the government may say a tax increase is small, but there are some people who cannot afford even the smallest tax increase. If we are going to increase taxes, why not aim it at a tax that those who can afford it will have to pay? I understand the difficulties that some people have just paying their bills. When there are people in Cape Girardeau having to decide whether to pay their rent or heating, then even the smallest increase in tax could greatly affect them.

A real snoozer

THE "CATS" performance at the Show Me Center was a real snoozer. The sound was horrible. I believe many of our local high school performers could have done a much better job. The absence of plot didn't bother me, nor did the music. I just can't understand all the hoopla over it. I forked over a load of money to see the performance. Boy, was I snookered.

Nothing offensive

I SURE hope Southeast Missouri State University doesn't rename the football team to the SEMO Americans. Look how many people that would offend. Maybe Mizzou should rename its team so it doesn't offend tigers. Come on, people. Get real. We've had the Indians forever, and there is nothing offensive about that name.

Pets in the dark

I WANT to know why these people who walk their pets after dark think they are fooling the public. Well, they're not. We know what you're doing. Your pets are yours, not ours. So please clean up after your pets.

Proud of Indians

WHEN I went to high school, our mascot was a Red Devil. Every year when we were privileged to go to the Jackson band festival, which was always the highlight and biggest thrill for every school. The Jackson Indian Band took the field led by their mascot dressed in full Indian costume. It was impressive. I always felt proud of that Indian theme. The Indians were the first Americans, and that meant they were the first of us. If a mascot is being portrayed in a vulgar, obscene or negative manner, then that speaks for itself. That is wrong. But to choose the Indian mascot for a sports team shows pride in the good traits of what being an Indian meant. An Indian is the best mascot of them all, and that is why I was proud when my four sons went to Jackson schools and became Indians and now are SEMO Indians.

Make it all correct

WHILE WALKING through the store the other day, I went by the freezer section. I saw some frozen fruit. There were some red raspberries and some blackberries. But to follow the lead of the Southeast Missouri State University and to be politically correct, shouldn't we now call these fruits the Native American raspberries and African-American berries? There's also a brand of chewing tobacco called Red Man with a picture of an Indian chief on the package. Shouldn't it now be called Native American chewing tobacco?

Golf fee is too much

I'M A senior citizen and can only afford to play golf like once in a blue moon. Now I understand that the Jaycee Municipal Golf Course is going to raise greens fees for next year. Say it ain't so.