Speak Out 1/31/11

Dems' fault

TO the person who said in Speak Out that the Republicans are responsible for no Social Security cost-of-living increase this year, this decision was made when the Democrats had the presidency and both houses of Congress.

Smoking, quarry issues

THE quasi-conservatives in Cape Girardeau County are more than ready to use the government to take away property owners' rights in the smoking ban and Fruitland quarry issues. I believe the Founding Fathers would have told the anti-smoking crowd not to patronize those privately owned establishments or to start their own smoke-free place. I believe they would have told the Fruitland crowd that they had several chances to prevent the landowner from developing his property as he sees fit, and if it is still that important to Saxony, they should raise the money and buy the quarry owner out.

Outlaw smoking

I think everyone, nationwide, is tired of the smoking issue. Maybe Cape Girardeau should be a pioneer and pass a prohibition law against smoking. We keep dancing around the disgust for smoking but let the tobacco companies keep on making millions. Place a $5 per pack tax on cigarettes and people will lose their homes to buy cigarettes. Shut down big tobacco companies and the problem is solved.

Great work

I would like to give a big thank you to the Alexander County Highway Department. During these recent snow storms they have kept our highways spotless, and I really appreciate the work they do.

Electric rates

I just read in the paper that Ameren is going to raise the electric rates. I can't afford what I have now. I'm a widow and mine was $300 this month, and I didn't even have Christmas lights last month. My neighbor couple is elderly, and their bill was $400.

Rewarding students

THE Southeast Missourian recently had an article on school absentees and how Scott City schools reward those students with money and gift cards for better attendance. That's unbelievable. Since when do we have to reward students just to get them to do what they're supposed to do? What about the children whose parents are sending them to school like they're supposed to? What do they get rewarded with?

Thank you

THANKS to all the people who helped and donated items for the Penny Ingram Baker benefit. Family and friends appreciate all who have helped.

Stop catering

I would like to ask all of our politicians when they are going to stop catering to foreign countries. Stop letting America go down the drain. What about all the women and men who lost their lives fighting for this country? They don't even want to take care of them or anybody else. Please bring our jobs back and make America strong and proud again.

Deeper in debt

I just heard on TV where this tragedy happened in Russia and that Obama has offered to do anything he can. I hope he gives out of his personal account, because the United States does not have the money to give to everybody who comes along. It may make him feel like Santa Claus, but it makes us feel like losers because we're getting so deep in debt.

It's the law

IF you are involved in a minor fender-bender, move your car out of the traffic after verifying no one is hurt and do not stand in front of your car while exchanging information or waiting for the police. It's the law.

Smoking space

AS a smoker, I feel convenience stores should be allowed to sell cigarettes. But also they should allow their smoking customers to have a smoking space in the store if they want to sell cigarettes and make money.