Speak Out 10/15/12

Median income

I hope everyone noticed on the business page that the median income in Cape Girardeau County fell from $44,500 in 2010 to $39,200 in 2011. New census data shows that 2,000 more families fell below the poverty line. I hope everyone saw this and sees what happens in our own county.

47 percent

I'm calling in response to a Speak Out comment about the 47 percent. Yes, those people do pay taxes and do contribute, but because of tax credits they get most of theirs back. I know people who get more back. When you get that much of a return you can't say you pay taxes. The people who get the most are single people and people with no children.

Broadway mess

Look at that mess down Broadway the city did for the casino. Took away parking, I've never seen such a mess in my life. The city fathers ought to be proud.

Raiding Medicare

The President took billions out of Medicare so all the illegal immigrants could receive free coverage. Isn't it time we vote him out?

Voter ID

I find this idea of a voter ID law at this time before our election ironic. If really there was a problem with illegal people or dead people voting, why didn't we address this after the last election. It seems like we're putting pressure on people to keep from voting.

Social Security

In regard to what someone said recently in Speak Out about getting Social Security because they've paid for it, what about our children and grandchildren? They won't see a dime of the Social Security that they've been paying in. The Social Security system is broke. Some people are greedy enough to think that as long as they're receiving their check, future generations of Americans don't matter. The Social Security system is abused and overused by people who shouldn't be getting the amount of money they are getting. That's why future generations won't see any of it.

Jensen is right

Mike Jensen's concerns about a significant number of voters being clueless is on target. Most of the many people I've heard talking about the election and who they're voting for have very little idea how the candidates stand on any issues. Many didn't have a clue as to Romney's political background and were surprised to hear what offices he's held. One lady told me she's for Obama because he's anti-abortion. I hear this stuff all the time. Jensen is, unfortunately, exactly right, and those who disagree are obviously not in touch with the general voting public.

‘Grease'

I went to the production of "Grease," and the high intensity of the excitement and energy was evident. The dancing was very good and two of the girls were very good in their parts and had good voices. The girl who played Sandy worked so hard. I think the teen angel stole the show and she did a fantastic job. It was a very lively program. Thank you.

Obama's pandering

It is a sad time when the majority of the discussion about the presidential race seems to be around the tax rate when our country is suffering so much economically and morally. I don't care how much Romney paid in taxes and I don't care if he can relate to little old me. We need someone to bring America back to the place of respect and security, a place that has jobs for its citizens and equal opportunity for all. Not pandering to those who choose not to work. Our current president gets an ‘F' in all of these areas.