Speak Out 12/13/06

Coming together

WOW! I read about the outpouring of support from those in Cape Girardeau, as well as from miles away, for Saraha. I am proud to live in this city that comes together when there is a need. After reading that article, I read about Aaron Gostowski, another Central School student from Cape Girardeau, who was diagnosed in 2005. I hope Cape Girardeau can come through to help that family also. I lift both families up in my prayers.

Need police help

I HAVE lived in the 300 block of North Pind Wood Lane for three years. This used to be the good part of town. Now it is a drug haven. I've called the police several times, and nothing never happens. What is it going to take? I'm begging the police to take action. Take time for the residents who care about the few remaining areas in Cape Girardeau that used to be decent and still can be with a little effort.

Plenty of parking

I REALLY don't understand the complaints about parking at Southeast Missouri State University. The Show Me Center lots are never full. There is a shuttle bus that will pick you up and drop you off. It seems to me that some time management and planning ahead would be in order, even if you have to walk.

Obeying the law

OF COURSE Oran's crime has not increased since the police force left. The police tamed our community, and everyone learned how to obey laws.

Hypocritical stench

HOW MANY scented candles would it take to cover the stench of hypocritical lying each time a member of Congress says that giving illegal immigrants a path to citizenship is not an amnesty?

Earning respect

I APPRECIATE the work involved in being a police officer. Police officers have my respect. But when policemen become criminals, I have a big problem, and I lose that respect. Power-hungry policemen will never gain respect and will eventually break the law. Being a police officer is difficult and demands earning the respect the job deserves.

Congrats, scholars

THANK YOU for your feature on academic competition between schools, and congratualtions to Notre Dame Regional High School for winning the varsity Scholar Bowl tournament.

Smaller servings

IN THE interest of health, New York City has banned trans-fats from being used in restaurants. This may start a trend across the country. Next step: forcing restaurants to reduce the size of servings to comply with the recommended amount per serving. Just wait until your favorite restaurant presents you with your 4-ounce steak.

Ineffective middle

IF MIDDLE school parents ask anything, it should be to inquire as to why we still have middle schools. Research has shown them not only to be ineffective, but counterproductive.

Benefit concert

WHAT AN awesome concert the Restless Spirit and Friends gave at the Celebration Center of New McKendree United Methodist Church on Dec. 3. Brad Davis, Kara Whitledge and Carla Eads of Restless Spirit gave an outstanding performance along with other performers from New McKendree. The concert raised more than $1,800 for Habitat for Humanity and more than 400 units of food for the food pantry. Each month a different group performs at the Celebration Center for charitable causes. On Dec. 17 Jeremy Verhines, Saxy Jazz and Kristen Swinford-Schweain of ZOEgirl will perform at 2 p.m. Bring a Toy For Tots or money donation for this benefit concert.

Police work

I HAVE noticed a lot of comments regarding local law enforcement. I don't think some people understand what these men and women do every day. When most people go to a 9-to-5 job, police officers don't. They may get to kiss their children goodnight before they go to bed, or they may not because they have to deliver a death notification to a mother and father. And in the back of that officer's mind he is hoping and praying that one day this will get easier because his child's face goes through his head each time.

Too little discipline

REGARDING person who said every time he sees a child get slapped, spanked or mistreated in any way he will call the police: That is what is wrong with youths today. They don't get spanked anymore. They get talked to and put in "time out." When I was a child I had respect and love for my parents. I truly think respect in most cases is not there anymore. I think that if you see a child getting more than a spanking, do what you feel is right. But if all you see is a parent disciplining his child the way he sees fit, mind your own business.

No private support

IF YOU want private-school vouchers, that's fine. But don't ask me, a mother of a Jackson School District student, to donate to your various fund-raisers throughout the year. My family is middle class, and I am happy with the Jackson school system. If you aren't going to help the public schools, then I am not helping you. See how much money you raise when none of us who have our children in public schools buy from you and your child when you come to our door.

Better use of money

TO THE person who sarcastically complained about our country wasting millions of dollars on Mars exploration: It's much better than pouring billions of dollars a month on wars that cannot be won.

Flashing yellow

FLASHING YELLOW lights mean proceed with caution. This means going through the intersection at the speed limit. I witnessed people stopping at the new stoplight on Mount Auburn Road by the mall when it was flashing yellow. Please take advantage of the flashing yellow lights before you actually do have to stop. One final note to Cape Girardeau officials: Please set up that light to sense traffic. If anyone has to stop in the middle of the night for ghost cars, I will not be too happy.

Paternity fraud

MISSOURI SENATE Bill 55 was prefiled this week. This bill will finally allow DNA evidence to prevent innocent men in Missouri from being penalized via paternity fraud. Everyone needs to let our legislators know this bill must receive attention and be passed so truth can once again be honored in our courts.

Iraqi timetable

PAUL GREENBERG has McCain fever. He thinks McCain is courageously calling for more American sacrifice in Iraq. I think we have done enough in Iraq. We have planted the seeds of representative democracy. There will now be an inevitable return to dictatorial and tyrannical rule there. However, in 50 to 75 years the people there will rise up, throw off the shackles of authoritarian rule and establish a viable representative democracy. When that occurs, President Bush's stature in history will rise substantially.