Speak Out 12/11/05

Best of the season

ON THURSDAY, the Heartland Pops orchestra and choir presented a Christmas program at Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. If you missed it, you missed probably one of the best concerts of the season. This was their fourth year, and I hope they continue doing this year after year after year. It was just simply great. Mike Shain was great too. He did a great job reading the Christmas story.

Parking and buses

I'M IN my 50s. When I was a child in a different city, we had bus service that was absolutely wonderful. Everybody I knew used it. I haven't been in the mall or downtown Cape Girardeau in more than a year. The reason is the parking is so terrible. That would be fixed with bus service. I think it's something we might want to consider. I don't know why we can't afford it.

Negative slant

I READ Gary Rust's column on "Positive leadership." In these days criticism has become uncivil. I agree. For years I have read negative articles and have seen more cartoons belittling people and Democrats as a whole in the newspaper Rust controls. The Southeast Missourian runs column after column that not only disagrees with Democrats, but degrades them. Democrats are not cloned any more than Republicans. David Limbaugh will not write about a disagreement with Democrats without condemning and ridiculing. Both David and Rush Limbaugh make good money with uncivil criticism. Some call it entertainment. It's clever to quote Roosevelt and Churchill and also provide people with negativism toward others.

Representing Saddam

I CAN'T believe we have a former U.S. attorney general who's willing to represent Saddam Hussein. Why would Saddam trust any American to represent him? I think Ramsey Clark should be held accountable to the American public as to why he's doing this. Saddam deserves a fair trial, but not with the aid of a former U.S. official who we have paid good money to represent our country.

Grateful hearts

I AM saddened by all the discontent throughout this town and country. Doesn't anyone have contentment in their lives and gratefulness? Remember what the Lord said: "Be content in all situations." This is the Christmas season, and we should find ways to give and not ways to bicker about every little thing imaginable. Let's change our hearts and attitudes.

Immigrant greed

I QUESTION why people from Third World countries immigrate to the United States and within two or three years want us to change to their ways and values. I resent this. If they want to come to the United States, let them change to our ways and language. It's worked for years. Our country and its values are being destroyed by our own government's greed and recent immigrants.

Four fabulous years

MANY THANKS to the Heartland Pops Orchestra and Chorus for bringing our community four fabulous years of holiday music. This year's performance was again outstanding. The Cape Girardeau Children's Choir was a welcome addition. It was refreshing to see our local youths participate in something other than sports. I can't wait until next year's performance.