Speak Out 1/14/06

Refrigerated beer

NOT REFRIGERATING beer is an outrage, especially in this area. Anheuser-Busch prides itself in being able to sell beer that has been cold since day one. AB and other manufacturers have spent millions of dollars on refrigerated trucks. I'm sure that fifth-grader will regret his suggestion in about 10 years.

Trashy interstate

I JUST returned from St. Louis. By far, the trashiest section of I-55 is from Fruitland to Cape Girardeau. Good job, Southeast Missouri.

Bring out the red carpet

I THINK it is a great experience for Cape Girardeau to have Hollywood here filming a movie. I haven't had the opportunity to take my family down to get a peek at the action yet, but you can bet we will make it down there. I have to wonder, though. Will the stars come back for the film's big viewing?

Insurance for prisoners

MEDICAL BILLS can be costly. With so many prisoners in the system, why could the government not get an insurance company that would provide insurance to the inmates at a low cost? This would take some of the cost off of the state and counties.

Teachers' workload

I AM tired of people bashing teachers. We are not miracle workers, yet we are expected to be. We are expected to cram 12 to 14 hours worth of work in an eight-hour day. It is often said that teachers shouldn't have to be thanked, because it is their job. Parenting and taking an interest in a child's education is a responsibility that falls to parents. If more parents took this responsibility seriously, teachers wouldn't be expected to work miracles. Consider the wisdom of Atticus Finch: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."

A real star

I WANT to thank the nice production assistant who made watching the "Killshot" filming on Monday an enjoyable experience. I don't remember his name, but he has red hair and works for KFVS. He was the real star of the day.

Standing up for kilts

IT IS sad that it takes a threatened lawsuit to get the Jackson School Board and principal to say they're sorry. What harm could come out of someone wearing a kilt? I'm glad someone had the nerve to stand up to the school district.

Existing code ignored

IN RESPONSE to the article regarding a proposed ordinance restricting signs: The city does not enforce the existing code. In the 1800 and 1900 blocks of Broadway, yard signs are prohibited. Signs are permitted on the building structure. In order to have a yard sign, a special-use permit is needed. I was shown a map by a city employee, indicating that none of these landlords or proprietors have a special-use permit for these signs in this area. A day care in the area has recently erected a yard sign and does not have the parking that is required by code. The city chooses to ignore these violations. Perhaps our city officials need to explain why these code violations are being ignored before enacting more restrictions.

Get students involved

I AM happy to see that the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is being held at a time that students can attend. I think it is important for students to understand the significance of Dr. King and for them to be passionate about continuing his legacy. Whether the celebration is held in the morning or in the evening, what's important is that people remember Dr. King's message of nonviolence and acceptance.

Prayer for heroes

DEAR LORD, I ask that you keep and bless all the people worldwide who work dangerous and underpaying jobs that help their countries survive. Soldiers, police officers and miners all keep our world going. They are all heroes.