Speak Out 11/06/06

Immigration cows

Instead of amending the Patriot Act to put the Department of Agriculture in charge of immigration, just give every immigrant and terrorist a cow.

Did a good job

I think Oran police chief Marc Tragesser is doing a wonderful job. I hate to see him go, but he has to do what he has to do. When he is gone, I hope there will be a bigger and meaner chief come to town who won't let this town run him out. I give my best wishes to Tragesser. You made me safe along with my family. May god bless you and your family.

Where's the wealth?

Mexico is the second leading supplier of oil to the U.S. With that kind of wealth. Why does 20 percent of the population want to leave?

Standard variations

Silt fences are a great idea when they are needed, but they are a waste of time and money when they are not. Silt fences hold back the excess soil disturbed during construction. The widening project along Mount Auburn Road does not need silt fences, because they would cost a bunch of money and the soil will go on the street anyway. After construction and once it rains hard, the soil on the street will wash away with no ill effects. City governments have to set general standards to protect adjacent property owners everywhere. There are exceptions and variances to every project, large and small.

Living by laws

I retired from the federal government having worked for three agencies and having served numerous years overseas. I took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. The Bill of Rights is part of the Constitution. If you feel you are safe with the government watching you, you need to study the history of this country and others. We are a country of laws, and if we don't live by those laws, we are no better than any terrorist.

Always about money

Leave it to the Southeast Missourian to publish an ennui-filled, esoteric economic piece about why we don't appreciate the St. Louis Cardinals owners enough at the same time we were still on cloud nine over the Cards' improbable World Series victory. Why do you guys see everything through an economic prism?

Always watching

Note to the person who wants the government watching him: You can find a country like that almost anywhere. But I don't want to live in a country like that. I remember the letters KGB, the gulags, the Berlin Wall, the bread lines.

A long time

Ten years after Congress mandated creation of the employment verification system, it is still a pilot program and still being tested voluntarily. That is two years longer than between President Kennedy's May 25, 1961, "Man to the moon" speech and Neil Armstrong's July 20, 1969, "giant leap for mankind." The difference between these two enterprises is political will pushing toward a goal for one and lack of will retarding progress for the other.

Home security

I called the Cape Girardeau Police Department to ask if it is legal to park a large truck with hazardous material placards (flammable gas) on it in a residential neighborhood. The police didn't know and said to call the fire department. The fire department didn't know and said it would have the fire marshal call with an answer. Twenty-four hours later and I have not received a response. This doesn't say much for safety or homeland security if our fire and police allow large quantities of hazardous materials to be parked near our homes.

Big difference

Andrew Zimbalist may have been correct about the debt the Cardinals owe to St. Louis County, but it in no way can be considered rent, as the Busch Stadium is not in St. Louis County, but St. Louis City. There is a difference, and it's a big one, geographically and financially.

Religious freedom

MUSLIMS ARE entitled to the same freedom of religion, which includes expansion among its followers, as Baptists had when our country was founded. Now that Baptists have a large following, they feel it is their mission to halt the proliferation of different religions in our society. I hope these Baptists realize that the Muslims are only exercising their freedom of religion just as Baptists did many years ago.

Bad location

IT'S UNFORTUNATE that Southeast Missouri State University Press sponsors all its book signings at the university museum. The museum is a lovely and interesting place, but there's no place to park for any programs or events held at the museum. It's not accessible to the public.

Money back, please

WOULDN'T IT be nice if some of the money the Cardinals made off the World Series were used to pay back just a portion, at least, of what they borrowed to build their fancy stadium? It would sure be nice if we could get our money back from the Cardinals.

Competency issue

SOMEONE COMMENTED about a teacher being fat, and several other people have defended the teacher. The issue is that being fat interferes with a person's ability to do his job effectively, because this person teaches physical fitness and is unable to demonstrate the skills to teach his class If a science teacher did not know enough about science to do experiments, you would say that teacher was incompetent.

Thoughtful column

I THOUGHT the Nov. 1 column by TJ Greaney was extremely good. The comment of Sandra Preston, "I have to think if Jesus were here he'd say go and make friends, don't go and make war," was insightful, as was Greaney's last sentence, "How different from those who look at people of other faiths and see enemies to be conquered." Thank you, TJ, for a thoughtful column.

Keeping track

COSTOFWAR.COM gives a running total of the cost of the war. It also gives a comparison of what the money could have bought in health care for kids, education and other things. It also shows how it is costing your community.

Messy treats

AN FYI to Dr. Tom Harte (yes, I am a former student): Red velvet cupcakes are not the best choice for preschool treats -- red lips, red fingers, red clothes. What a mess. For grownups though, it is always a hit, especially that yummy butter frosting. I love to read your column online from Jefferson City.