Speak Out 09/04/04

We're in good hands

I JUST watched the conclusion of the Olympics. I was fortunate enough this year to be able to watch most of it every day and night. It was so good to see the bright faces of the world's athletes. I was especially proud of the fair play, the reverence that was shown by the audience as well as the athletes whenever the national anthems were played. In the few events I didn't root for the U.S. but for some of the other athletes in other countries who had worked so hard to get there. The only controversy was caused by the judges. I say hats off to all the young people who competed. Take notice, everyone. The world is still in good hands, thanks to our youths.

Recycling mess

FOR TWO weeks in a row, a bag of newspapers I had placed by the curb for recycling has been torn open and the papers left in the street. Parents around the 1400 block of Luce Street don't know what their children are doing after dark. If this continues, I will have to stop recycling.

Concerned, caring

NOT ONLY has Mark Bowles been an asset to our school district, he has been a concerned, caring individual. Whenever I see him in the grocery store or elsewhere he asks about how things are going. When we went through the budget cuts and salary freeze, Bowles was scheduled for a pay increase. However, because he cared about the school and the teachers' pay being cut, he refused the increase. He did not have to do that. He was on a three-year contract. In light of how the school board has treated him, I wish he would have taken the money. Come on, school board. Act like somebody who is working on behalf of the students, patrons and community instead of on your own agenda.

A good model

THE CAPE Girardeau School Board needs to return to school for a refresher course in treating people fairly, humanely and in the fashion they themselves would like to be treated. Those individuals could learn many of these traits by simply modeling the man they were so quick to dismiss.

Historical pride

I HAVE just read the article about history of the Port Cape building and warehouse row. Thank you sharing the history of this area. You should be very proud of this historic district.

Your own fault

I AM tired of hearing the woes of people on fixed incomes. You are for nothing in the community except a handout for yourself. It is your fault you are on a fixed income. You should have prepared for your retirement better by getting a better education and better job and by planning and saving better. Don't hold the rest of us back for your mistakes.