Speak Out 1/9/06

Learning first

I FIND it ridiculous to expect a school for fifth- and sixth-graders to offer an extra recess. Students go to school to learn, not play outside. Our tax money ensures that they get a quality education, and I don't think recess is a major part of that role. If you want your child to get more exercise, enforce that on your time at home. The traveling the students do between classes is to prepare them for junior high where -- guess what? -- they don't have recess.

Some great people

THERE ARE some great people who choose to live in Cairo, Ill. Most of them have jobs too.

Mixed signals

ALTHOUGH I do not appreciate Big Brother watching me drive through intersections, I understand the necessity of traffic cameras. But the lights need to run more efficiently. When I am driving the only car around, why do I have to wait for a green light with no traffic? This argument also applies to the newer traffic lights around Cape Girardeau. These lights are supposed to allow the more major road to have authority until traffic wants to change course. Then the lights are supposed to only change for the direction-changing traffic and immediately change back for the major road. Also, there is a standard sequence that applicable left-turn traffic goes after a light change. If Cape Girardeau officials cannot understand these accepted standards, just make all the lights flash red. Keep in mind that we are the major influence on all of these modernizations.

Simple solution

MAIN STREET should remain one-way but with only one lane, with angled parking on both sides. Provide several parking slots for deliveries only. There. You didn't need to hire a consultant from St. Louis to tell you that, city council.

Get the facts straight

I'M WATCHING the media coverage on the disaster in West Virginia. The news media are trying to cover their mistakes. They reported information without verifying the facts, the very basis of journalism. Get off the mine officials and start cleaning up your own house before you start complaining about the company. I remember those families in my prayers.

Protecting us

AFTER READING Michael H. Maguire's comments about President Bush's so-called eavesdropping, I think he needs to become better acquainted with the law of the land before he starts criticizing. President Bush was entitled to protect us from terrorism, and that would even include Mr. Maguire.

Movie freedom

WHY ISN'T the movie "Brokeback Mountain" playing in Cape Girardeau? I hope it is not because of the gay issue. I thought this country was all about freedom and equality? If you don't want to see a movie like this, do not go to it. Ruining it for everyone else is no different than things that go on in countries we are at war with.

Main Street options

DO MOST of you who are making the comments about Main Street realize that this is only a two-block section? The section from William Street to Independence Street is a divided street. Every day there are individuals who try to drive the wrong way in this area. Some insist upon completing at least one block of this drive, while the majority endure the embarrassment of backing up and having everyone see them. Do me a favor: If you don't live or work in the area, give it up. The time to give your opinion has passed and a decision is made.

Alternating directions

THE DIRECTION Water Street travels has nothing to do with the murals on the floodwall. When a municipality decides to make streets one-way, the direction always alternates between blocks. Take downtown St. Louis or Rolla as an example. I wish Cape Girardeau city officials could use common sense.

Walk for your life

I AGREE that Jackson subdivisions should have sidewalks. It appears that sidewalks have lost their appeal as well as usefulness as America has gotten obviously lazier and, as a result, fatter. People will drive even a few hundred yards now instead of walking as was done in the past. Walk, America, if for no other reason than it might save your life.

Nursing care

TO THOSE who complain about everything while they are hospital patients: Nurses are overworked. Most of us would like to do a good job. We are stressed mentally and physically by constant demands. Some of you who complain should ask when something is needed rather than not say anything until after the fact. We are doing the best we can do. The minor details can wait until more pressing matters are attended to. We take care of sometimes six patients at a time. When you have to give one or two patients morphine, that is 20 minutes of your time. That means if you are mildly hurting, it may be 30 minutes until your nurse comes into your room. Yes, it would be nice to get out of the hospital right away when you're discharged. However, that is the lowest priority on the totem pole when your four other patients need something and are more critical.

Public employment

AS A faculty member at Southeast Missouri State University, I can only advise young people with a college degree to avoid employment in the public sector, especially in Missouri. Statistics indicate that compensation for college graduates in all jobs will continue to lag virtually any private-sector employment. If you must work in the public sector, migrate to a progressive state like Illinois, Iowa or Minnesota.