Speak Out 12/22/03

Bumpy roadbed

I JUST crossed the new bridge this morning and had breakfast across the river. The bridge is nice, but I was surprised at how bumpy and uneven the roadbed was. For a minute I thought I was on the old bridge.

Assuming the risks

IT WAS interesting to watch the French and German ambassadors to the United States on CNN after Saddam Hussein was captured. They are angry because they are not allowed to make money off the rebuilding of Iraq. They say what's past is past. No, it's not in the past. We still have troops there. There's still time to get involved and run the same risks that our troops are willing to run. I am impressed with President Bush's insistence that those countries that didn't aid in this effort don't get to reap the rewards. The war on terrorism is not over.

Thankful for bridge

I'VE MADE several trips across the new bridge. I was at the opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting. I want you to know that I'm very proud of what we've done as two states. I appreciate so much all the people who worked so hard on the bridge. And I thank God that we have a new bridge here across the Mississippi. I feel really good about it.

Support the athletes

I'D LIKE to call a foul on the Cape Girardeau School District superintendent and the committee that suggested that athletes pay a participation fee. My son is an athlete in Jackson. Student athletes work really hard and have already paid their dues to support and represent the school district. I think the school board should be a little more supportive of the athletes.

The right decision

THANK YOU, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, for voting against the disastrous Medicare bill. Too bad our Missouri senators could not see how bad it will be. Why not roll the price of drugs back 45 years like Alan Greenspan did the interest on certificates of deposit? One point three percent interest will only pay for very little medicine.

Where's the governor?

REGARDING THE bridge dedication: Why wasn't either governor of Missouri or Illinois present, or why didn't they send the lieutenant governors to take their places?

Fiscal irresponsibility

THE CAPE Girardeau School District may consider closing Franklin Elementary School. The district just built Blanchard Elementary School a few years ago. It could have used those millions and now would not be in this financial situation. The district is totally irresponsible with my taxes.

Sign isn't needed

I'M JUST curious why there is a stop sign placed out in the center of the street behind the middle school and the new school board office. That sign is put out there every day. It used to be put out because of the high school students going back and forth to the vocational school, but that isn't the case anymore. That sign doesn't need to be there.

The soldiers did it

LET'S REMEMBER one thing about Saddam Hussein. It was American soldiers who captured him. No politician in Washington had anything to do with it.

Try a one-time tax

I DON'T often agree with Mayor Jay Knudtson on different issues before the Cape Girardeau City Council. However, on the permanent tax versus a one-time tax for the fire department, I would go along with a one-time tax to play catch-up on something the fire department needs. I think the faith in the city council and its decisions need to be improved before I or my husband would approve a permanent tax.

Not the best cuts

I WOULD like to express my concern about the budget cuts for Cape Girardeau School District. I feel that Mark Bowles is not looking into what is good for our students and the teachers and what will happen to the kids. The 1960s was the biggest baby boom decade, and we had more schools in Cape then than we do now. What seems to be the problem?