Speak Out 12/18/05

Heavenly lights

OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS lights are an earthly expression of the pure light of heaven. Thus, those who fill their yards, roofs and houses with lights are, by definition, the most heavenly in spirit.

Bad-check mistake

KUDOS TO Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle for pointing out that Wal-Mart's decision to handle bad checks through a collection agency means passing bad checks at Wal-Mart will no longer be a crime. I agree that Wal-Mart is making a terrible mistake.

Lighting overload

I APPLAUD the energy-conscious person who said that fewer decorative lights is better than a lot of lights. Ever since I learned about electrical circuits and their associated cost, I became amazed at the amount of money people are willing to shell out to support the season. Don't get me wrong. A well-done light display is great, but it's too easy to go overboard. Do not expect any power shortages, because these lights are on during off-peak times when demand is relatively low.

Too big for area

MY FAMILY was at the toddler play area in the mall last weekend and could not believe the number of parents who let their older children run amok around the small children when they are clearly too big to play there. There is a height limit for a reason. These parents should be ashamed of themselves, not to mention embarrassed. These children were about 7 or 8 years old and were jumping from the tops of the statues. I will not tolerate that type of behavior again.

Magic words

WHAT IS wrong with people these days? Have people forgotten the words "excuse me"? If you need to walk past someone who is in your way, 99 percent of the time if you use the words "excuse me" they will move and let you go by. That way you don't have to plow them over or stare at them like they should magically notice you or read your mind.

Fewer freedoms

THESE NEW alcohol laws go too far. There's no reason for a college kid to get in a bunch of trouble just for having a few beers. We all did it, and it hasn't hurt me yet. It seems like the more laws we have, the fewer freedoms we are afforded. I'm tired of it.

Kids need recess

A PARENT was concerned about a child being spanked at school. What really is a crime at school is when a child does not finish his work or misbehaves and misses recess. If you have a hyperactive child, the energy keeps building. If your boss said you couldn't take a break be-cause you didn't complete your job on time or he didn't like your attitude, you would complain. I believe children should have the same rights when it comes to being able to take a break. Missouri should be like other states that make sure every child gets a recess.

Beautiful tree

I HAVE to comment about the lovely evergreen tree on the corner of Highway 72 and Route PP in Jackson. Every year the tree is decorated with red lights. It is beautiful. I look forward to seeing that tree each night as I drive home during the Christmas season.

Stop the bullying

I AM appalled by the fact that the four football players at Southeast Missouri State University were only charged with misdemeanors. Misdemeanor charges do not convey the seriousness of what these people are accused of doing. These lesser charges tells all of the bullies, "Go ahead and pick on whomever you want, because your punishment will be minor." A suggestion also to the teachers and the principals at Central Junior High School: I have a child who has seen a boy being pushed and shoved around -- bullied by two football players. I think teachers should monitor the lockers in the morning and especially in the afternoon. Something has to be done to stop the bullying in our schools.

Mutual understanding

IT WAS good to hear some local Muslims at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. We Americans need to bridge the gap since Muslims have numerous things in common. I wonder how some media exploit the image of Islam. The local media, especially the Southeast Missourian, are unique in their reporting. Bravo for providing us such a mutually understanding evening.

Wait for the truth

DON'T BE so quick to judge the football players charged with assaulting two students at the Pike Lodge. Let the story play out, and the truth will follow.

Better options

AS A civil engineer, I am awestruck that AmerenUE would even consider building a reservoir like the upper one above Johnson's Shut-ins State Park. As any good geo-technical course will teach you, the natural topography serves as a better reservoir than a man-made lake. Two examples include Lake Mead and Hoover Dam and, more locally, Lake of the Ozarks and Bagnell Dam.

Childish things

IF ONLY it weren't necessary to use disdain and contempt when speaking of someone whose beliefs and thought process are different then yours. It reminds me of childhood when kids are unable to properly communicate and out of frustration find it easier to call names and fight. It's time to put away childish things and become non-whining, communicative adults who have no need put others down in order to build ourselves up. If what you have is really worth your life, then live it to the fullest.

Charter proposals

THE CAPE Girardeau mayor was glib on the radio the other morning. But when you cut through the rhetoric, the three proposals he was pushing give the city the power to appoint anyone it wants to the city council, raise user fees as much as it wants and disband the ethics commission that keeps them in check.

Road waste

THERE IS a waste of tax dollars in Cape Girardeau County, particularly County Road 259. Too much money is being spent for unneccessary replacement of two bridges. Why should a hillside be removed unnecessarily? Rather than this extravagant project, some of the money should be used to pave the road.

Courageous cartoons

CONGRATULATIONS TO Cape Girardeau's Don Greenwood for drawing editorial cartoons for the Southeast Missourian. And kudos to the Southeast Missourian for having the courage to publish Greenwood's cartoons.