Speak Out 1/12/12

Tournament coverage

RACHEL Crader and Jordan Seabaugh will some day be remembered as courageous pioneers by ushering in a new form of interactive sports journalism as illustrated by their excellent coverage of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on semoball.com.

Misleading costs

IN the city of Jackson's last utility bill under "news and notes" there was an article on the upcoming vote Feb. 7 regarding the annexation of the Heartland quarry. It said, "Taxpayer cost for the election is estimated at $12,000." Just so you know, Feb. 7 is also the date of the Missouri presidential primary election. So is the mayor saying that primary is going to cost $12,000 and the annexation vote is going to cost $12,000 or was this the cost for both elections? A bit misleading, I would say.

Smoking hype

IN response to the Speak Out comment "Restaurant smoking," I will remind the writer that smoking was voted on last April in favor of business owners' rights and smokers' rights, too. There are plenty of restaurants in Cape Girardeau that have gone smoke-free. You do have a choice. I don't agree that we look backward, either. It shows that Cape Girardeau voters have minds of our own and can think and decide for ourselves. Not everyone buys into the secondhand smoking hype.

Use manners

IT seems that people have forgotten how to be polite and hospitable to one another, such as saying "excuse me" or "pardon me." They are so self-absorbed that they forget to respect their elders and would run over them to get where they are going. Gentlemen should act as such and hold the door for a lady and not slam it in her face. Remember, treat others as you wish to be treated, even to the visitors who come to our town.

Fuel exports

NOW that the nation's No. 1 export is fuel, what happened to all the dribble from Limbaugh, Fox news and others that said the reason for high fuel costs is due to the Democrats blocking any new refineries from being built? With fuel exports going to the highest bidder, it seems to blow a hole in the theory that more oil drilling here will bring the price of fuel down. Not that I'm against drilling, but you seriously had to put all critical thought aside in order to buy into the Limbaugh dribble about lower fuel costs with more drilling. Greed is king in America, and these companies could care less about America or its citizens.

Miller column

BECAUSE of his righteous rant in favor of free expression of students in their choice of clothing, I hereby recommend that Cape Girardeau Central High School's students recognize the Southeast Missourian editor by naming him honorary student body president.

School uniforms

CONCERNING school uniforms: With all the problems in this world, the discussion on school uniforms is exasperating. The problem is not whether students should wear uniforms, it is whether adults are in charge and still able to require things of their children. There is ample evidence correlating student success and uniforms. Most of the world's children wear uniforms. What makes the U.S. so different?

Numbers, issues

IT would be interesting to know the number of people who are adamantly against the rock quarry who promoted and voted for county zoning; how many demanded the minimum wage be increased and are now complaining that so much of what we buy is made in China; and how many who are complaining about losing the U.S. Postal Service mail processing center would give up the Internet and email.

Deer hunting

I have changed my mind. The exploding deer population in Missouri has convinced me that the only solution is to thin the herd inside the city limits of Cape Girardeau. Though it may not work, the first effort should focus on administering birth control to does. If that proves impractical, the deer population could be reduced by allowing hunting by professional bow hunters. However, only professionals. No amateurs.

Payroll tax cut

PRESIDENT Obama takes full advantage of the American public's economic stupidity. This whole deal with the payroll tax cut is a complete sham. The president is robbing from the Social Security Trust Fund in order to ingratiate himself to the masses who sit around waiting for the next government handout. The Social Security tax we pay is the money that funds the benefits. When we quit paying into the system in the form of a tax break, then the country simply has to borrow more money from China. Are the American people really this stupid? Apparently the president thinks so, and so far he seems to be right. No wonder we wound up with him as president.

Guns, New Year's

WHO thinks it's acceptable to shoot a bullet into the air at midnight to celebrate the new year? Those bullets have to fall somewhere, and do so with deadly force. A boy was critically injured in California due to this irresponsible act. Sure it's a small chance, but it's a potentially deadly chance taken with other people's lives.

Pothole problems

I know several people who've hit the huge potholes on Siemers Drive. Some of them have had damage done to their vehicles as a result of hitting these holes. These need to be fixed. I've nearly been hit by cars who are trying to avoid hitting these holes as well. This type of carelessness can result in insurance claims and class action lawsuits against the city. If you can get anyone to answer at the city offices, voice your opinion. Safety and costly damages are issues here.