Speak Out 11/03/01

Keep us laughing

I'M ALWAYS reassured to be able to open the newspaper and read about Heidi Hall's elliptical life. Thanks for keeping us laughing each Wednesday morning, Heidi.

Generous donation

MODEST, PRIVATE and almost reclusive Sikeston resident Don Bedell has become a matter of some public controversy because of his generous donation to Cape's River Campus. This shouldn't be the case. Bedell's life of self-denial and rigid adherence to a philosophy of asceticism has paid big dividends, and we are all the better for it. We should be grateful for the generosity of a Sikestonian I consider a virtual saint.

Harassing students

THE OFFICER'S bias toward students was plainly apparent in his comment. I think that further proves there is such a thing as student profiling. I'm a college student, and I feel I'm in better control of my car than some people in this town. Statistics may show that younger drivers are not as capable, and that is to be expected because they are not experienced. One thing the officer forgot to point out was that "young" is classified from 16 to 19. He also failed to mention that the statistics for drivers over 60 are not good and in some cases worse than the "young" crowd. And even though it may not be against the law to run a yellow light, you can be assured people do get pulled over for it. They may not receive a summons (fancy word for ticket), but they receive verbal abuse. The police need to find something better to do than get their jollies by harassing college students.

Don't think so

SO IF I believe in God, believe that Christ saved me, am the kindest, gentlest person on Earth yet am gay, I have a one-way ticket to hell? Think again.

Highway taxes

THE REASON projects like the Rodney Street bridge take so long is because the Missouri Department of Transportation is second to last in the nation in per-capita transportation funding. Maybe if we were willing to have more taxes for road improvements, things would go a little quicker.

Do as God does

THE SPEAK Out caller who said homosexuality was not acceptable hit the nail right on the head. Homosexuality is not acceptable to God. Therefore, since it is not acceptable to God as the Bible specifies, then it should not be acceptable to anyone who is a true Christian. I accept what the Bible tells me God accepts, and I condemn that which the Bible tells me he condemns. The caller was exactly right.

Addict seeks solution

I'M A resident of Cape Girardeau. I've been on methamphetamine for about six years. I recently was arrested for manufacturing meth. I am facing 10 to 12 years in prison. I'm a first-time offender. I think it's a shame we can't get help first besides a long prison sentence. I think there ought to be work camps run by civilized people, not recovering addicts, or some kind of program to help. We are not meth monsters or child killers or bad people, just addicts looking for a better solution.

How's the puppy?

SAM BLACKWELL is by far the most talented writer on your staff. Please, Sam, tell us how your beagle puppy is doing.

Bedell a role model

THE SOUTHEAST Missourian editorial praising Sikeston philanthropist Don Bedell was an excellent effort. Bedell's beneficence knows no bounds. Long ago, he and a handful of other Sikeston residents became my role models. I will be a season ticket holder at the River Campus's performing arts center in no small part because of the patronage of Don Bedell.

Southern crossing

I HEAR the United States and Canada are bolstering our borders. But what about our southern border? An emigrant can fly in to St. Louis directly from Mexico and not be challenged. Is this safe? Is it because the drug trade is so lucrative?