Speak Out 10/07/01

Easy handouts

IT IS a much better plan to put our tax dollars into fighting meth labs and users. We pump I don't know how many thousands of dollars into inept rehab centers where users are allowed to come and go at will, watch big-screen TV and are treated like royalty. After they complete rehab they are allowed to move in with a sponsor. These reformed druggies are then given more tax dollars to rent apartments for themselves and their unfortunate children, Medicaid cards, food stamps and a list of agencies where they can receive more financial aid. Then we wonder why these people go back to drugs. If I had everything handed to me, I doubt if I would appreciate it either. We need to stop treating these people like it's the world's fault they keep messing up and making these poor choices time and time again.

Prayers and ammo

THIS MAY be considered heretical in some quarters, but to rely exclusively on the Lord to deliver us from the terrorist threat, as some are suggesting, is counterproductive and extremely dangerous. It creates a mindset that wrongly leads us to think he will take care of us. Praise the Lord, yes, but please pass the ammunition.

Bait and switch

LOOK FOR bait-and-switch legislators to use the terrorist attack to open the previously locked Social Security lockbox and spend the money not on defense, but on tax cuts.

Let citizens decide

AS A Cape Girardeau citizen, I am upset because the River Campus issue will be decided by the Missouri Supreme Court and not the citizens of Cape Girardeau.

Pray for our enemies

I HAVEN'T heard a thing from ministers in Cape Girardeau about praying for our enemies, concerning terrorists, as the Bible tells us.

Show of patriotism

I ATTENDED the City of Roses Music Festival and loved the nice art work done on the river wall by local artists with the American flag and Bible verses. The festival goers really loved the show of patriotism. Thank you.

Looking for action

TALK IS all I have heard from the media, Congress, officials and the president. The same news rehashed over and over. Where is the action?

Thanks for festival

I'D LIKE to thank all sponsors of the downtown concert over the music festival weekend. It was really fantastic. There was a lot of local talent, and it was nice to see Eddie Money. He has been a longtime favorite of mine. Thank you, Cape Girardeau, and thank you, Eddie Money.

He's in heaven now

I WISH to thank the Missourian for running the story about Father Darling. It was just wonderful. I know he is in heaven now. Thank God for such people.

Best performance

I THINK Sidney Poitier, the actor who played in "The Last Brickmaker," should be given the award this year for best performance. It was simply terrific. It was so good in every way, and everybody should see that, enjoy it and profit from it.

Big Drury impact

SOMEBODY SAID Jim Drury should stop and think about the impact the university has on his businesses. The people at the university should stop and think about the impact the Drurys have had on Cape Girardeau. Without the Drurys there probably would not be a university.

Not in my closet

IT SEEMS a little inappropriate that in the week leading up to the Cape-Jackson football game, Cape students were supposed to dress up like hicks for one day at school. What's even worse is my son went to my closet to look for hick clothes to wear. Now that is completely irresponsible.

Congratulations, Mario

I'D LIKE to congratulate Mario Whitney on setting a new state rushing record in last Friday night's victory over Parkway North.

In poor taste

THE POLITICAL cartoon you chose to publish Sept. 30 was profoundly lacking in good taste at this time in our country. When the theme has been one of unity and tremendous backing of our president, including Al Gore's own words of support, to publish a cartoon of this nature only brings forth those anti-support notions for which Southeast Missourians are often guilty. Yes, humor and smiles are important as well at this time. But good humor, not something in poor taste.

Thanks for the help

I'D LIKE to thank the man and his wife who helped me Sunday morning when my truck was stranded on North Kingshighway. You were the only ones who helped me. Thank you so much.