Speak Out 09/30/04

Ripples at intersection

I WOULD like to say thank you to the city for fixing the Kingshighway and Lexington Avenue intersection. However, there is a problem. Has anyone else notice the ripples in the road going west on Lexington? Whoever put down the asphalt didn't do it correctly. They should have used concrete like the rest of the intersection.

Let me stay

If you asked Dan Rather

to get up and got.

He would likely say,

"I would rather not."

Feed our children first

REGARDING THE comment "Feed The Children": How about feed our own children? Our money should stay here to build the United States and feed our own children. Our country should be our first concern.

Paying for frills

NOW THE school board is going to spend between $12,000 and $15,000 to "resource" finding a new superintendent. The same $15,000 would give a $5,000 raise to three policemen or firemen a year. But once again we in Cape Girardeau are going to have to pay consultants to do the work for people who cannot do the job they were elected to do. I have lived in Cape Girardeau for 30 years, but I am getting out of here. I am tired of paying taxes for frivolous things that the people we elect or hire will not or cannot do.

Bible says: Work

THE BIBLE says if you don't work, then you don't eat. The Bible also says if you don't work, then you're worse than an infidel. Do you know what an infidel is? An infidel is worse than an unbeliever.

Losing credibility

IF CBS does not want to lose credibility along with Dan Rather, it should either force him to retire or fire him. Rather's denigration and demoralization of America's war efforts and our troops in our time of war is not excusable with a lame apology.

Gold star in crown

I WORK at Chan's restaurant in Cape Girardeau. I want to thank the couple who left an extremely generous tip of $50 to a young single mother I work with. It is really wonderful that people like you are in this world. That $50 may not seem like a lot of money to some people, but to a young girl who's trying to raise her baby, stay in school and live on her own, it makes a world of difference. God has a gold star for your crown. Thank you.

Welfare for the needy

THE GOVERNMENT does owe you a living if you are unable to work and you have no other resources. It's the government's place. That's what taxes are paid for. Those who cannot help themselves should be helped. Corporations are a different matter. They are worse than welfare cheats.

Restrain the dogs

I'VE BEEN reading about the proposed ordinance to limit the number of dogs in a household. I'm more concerned about dog owners who do not keep their dogs restrained. My neighbor recently moved, thank goodness, and took his large Rottweiler with him. I feel sorry for his new neighbors. The dog was allowed to roam. My former neighbor said the dog was gentle, but I still would not allow my 4-year-old son in the yard when that dog was loose. Dogs are great companions and come in all sizes and breeds. Some breeds are naturally aggressive. Those types of dogs need to be restrained if they are not inside the house.

Clean up, please

THE WALKWAY on the riverfront is a beautiful place where I enjoy walking and jogging. My problem is people walk their dogs and don't clean up the mess. We've got a real problem down there. If dog owners can't be responsible for their dogs, they should get rid of them. It's a shame.

Wrath of an angry god

AS A relative used to say, God's punishment of the South's slavery and Civil War was kudzu, fire ants and hurricanes. With the hurricanes coming at Florida from all directions this year, God must really be angry with them.