Speak Out 1/29/16

Conservatism

Sorry conservative ideologues (many of whom bloviate regularly on this page) but, as others have pointed out, the definition of conservatism has come to mean whatever Donald Trump says it is.

Captain D's

I would like a Captain D's in Cape Girardeau or Jackson. Looks like Jackson is doing real good with Jackson Donuts. You have the diner there in Jackson. It would help your town. The closest Captain D's is in Festus, Missouri. I'd like for the town and mayors of Jackson or Cape to think about it.

Restraining students

Do Cape Girardeau and other area schools allow for restraint and seclusion of students? If so, under what conditions? Does Missouri have a policy on restraint and seclusion of students in school? If not, why not?

Cat condos

I was out at the Humane Society the other day. They got some new condos for cats. I think it looks really nice.

Kudos to Baughn

For the Southeast Missourian's fantastic new online look, I hereby bestow upon James Baughn a highly coveted but rarely awarded Speak Out prize for creative web design.

Praise for in-laws

A word of praise to my in-laws! Recently my in-laws gave us and our adult children a piece of what was to be inheritance money. They said upon careful consideration, they decided they wanted to be here to see the smiles and feel the appreciation of giving us a portion of our inheritance now. I can't tell you how surprised we were by this generous act. I only hope that in the future we can do the same with our children and grandchildren. I know that money can't buy happiness, but this generous act has helped us and our children so much. God bless a cheerful giver!

William F. Buckley

William F. Buckley is turning over in his grave upon learning that the Republican Party disinvited The National Review magazine (Buckley-founded bible of conservatism) from hosting a pre-Super Tuesday debate because of its publication of a dead-on truthful denunciation of The Donald by a large number of conservative intellectuals.

Community service

So, our state representative is suing the city for more money for the sale of land needed to extend an outer road. Isn't this person a public servant? Where is the civic pride? Taking the money offered by the city and not taking them to court would be one way you could better serve your community.

Central gym

I realize I'm biased, but to me the seemingly arbitrary decision to tear down Cape Girardeau Central High School's original gymnasium reflects a jaw dropping failure of the school administration and school board to recognize perhaps the number one facility in Cape Girardeau worth preserving rather than razing. It's probably too late, but I'm hoping for local activists aware of the history and tradition pooh-poohed by the powers that be and save the gymnasium from wanton destruction.