OpinionDecember 20, 2007
Speak Out 12/20/07
Ethanol economics; Taxing inflation; Don't blame the food; Postal Santa; Confused; Police heroes
Ethanol economics
THE SCOTT City ethanol plants are not likely to be built. The economics are not good today with high corn prices and low ethanol prices. Corn prices are high today because of speculation in the futures market and a worldwide shortage of wheat. Argentina, Australia and Europe have all had disappointing wheat harvests. For some strange reason, this has caused corn prices to go up to about 7 cents per pound. Ethanol plants need to buy corn for less than 6 cents per pound.
Taxing inflation
CAPE GIRARDEAU does not need another sales tax rate increase. As the city grows and sales increase, the sales tax revenue automatically increases for the city. If inflation makes goods cost more, the city automatically gets a sales tax increase when people pay more in sales tax.
Don't blame the food
I WOULD like to know why fast-food chains are being blamed for obesity in this country? Yes, fast food is high in calories, but I have never seen anyone holding a gun to someone's head and telling them they have to eat the food. Stop eating so much fattening food and get more exercise if you do not want to be fat.
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Postal Santa
WITH LIFE speeding along, we sometimes overlook the kindness of strangers and friends. Recently I was reminded of this when I was in a tight spot and a friend helped me out at the post office. With your envelope of help this year's Christmas will be a little brighter. From the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you, postal Santa.
Confused
WHY DO postal rates keep going up when service is steadily going down the tubes? I received my mail at 6:15 p.m. and asked the mail carrier why in the world the mail was so late. He said to call the post office, so I did. No one could give me a definite answer. Thank goodness we have e-mail, FedEx and UPS.
Police heroes
POLICE WORK isn't just patrolling and working traffic. It involves countless hours and sometimes years of investigating things that most of us can scarcely imagine: dealing with ghastly crime scenes, preserving evidence, dealing professionally and compassionately with the families of victims and never forgetting the crimes. The men and women who wear the uniform and badge or those who dress in suits or go undercover are the ones that allow you to sleep safely tonight. As we celebrate the holidays, remember these heroes.
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