Speak out 10/1

YES, IT is wonderful that SEMO has grown so rapidly. More students only means more money for the university to use for improvements and more money entering our local economy. I suggest that now is the time, though, for SEMO to go ahead with some construction that will benefit the continuing growth, with some new, improved residence halls and some high-capacity parking garages. Without these amenities, growth eventually will reach a standstill.

Nice forum

I APPRECIATE it so much that the Southeast Missourian is giving a forum to Libertarians. I think it is important that voices from this politcal party continue to be heard even though, in light of our national tragedy, their abstract absurdities have completely destroyed their already dubious credibility.

Old punk

"SOME YOUNG punks won't lay their lives on the line for America," thundered a Speak Out caller, who is probably a middle-aged or even old punk.

Stop and think

I BELIEVE Jim Drury should stop and think about the impact the university has on his businesses. When people come into Cape Girardeau for sporting events, concerts, etc., where does he think those people eat and which motels do they stay in? Everything is Drury. Perhaps a boycott of everything Drury for a period of time would show him how important the university is to the city of Cape Girardeau.

Ease up

SOME READERS of the Southeast Missourian may take great comfort in reading that Gerald Posner has changed his mind and now thinks George Bush is a good president. At the same time, I would imagine that more than a small number of readers scratched their heads and asked, "Who in the world is Gerald Posner?" Please guys, ease up on invoking reprinted thoughts from those who fancy themselves among the intellectual elite.

Allowed to watch

I WANT to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Dan Steska, Cape schools superintendent, who on Sept. 11 allowed the secondary students to view the events throughout the day. My children were not afraid because of the ability to stay up to date with the events as they unfolded. I really appreciate that, and I think Steska did the right thing. I applaud him for what he did.

Broadcast responsibility

IN LIGHT of the terrible tragedies in New York and Washington, it amazes me that we have newscasters asking the stupidest questions and asking people to reveal confidential information. People of power need to grow up and realize they are accountable for what they say when on a public airwaves. Some of these newscasters have done a fantastic job, but repeatedly showing the bodies falling out the windows is too much.

Tagged trash

I am calling in response to trash pick up in Cape Girardeau. I got a tag on the trash can. Each can is not supposed to weigh more than 75 pounds and not have more than three bags per can. Then why aren't they picking them up?

Poor example

RUSH LIMBAUGH is telling the nation that anyone who questions the President in this time of crisis is unpatriotic and un-American. This is from the man who only ratcheted up his diatribe of President Clinton during the Oklahoma bombing. Limbaugh is as un-American and unpatriotic as they come. His intolerance, vengeance and uncontrolled hostilities represent everything a human shouldn't be.

History lesson

COMPARING PEARL Harbor to the attack on New York and Washington is a generational thing. Those of us over the age of 70 have vivid memories of Dec. 7, 1941. What a horrible way for a younger generation to learn patriotism.