Speak Out 12/22/10

Smoking debate

THE smoking ban debate is not just some new frivolous law that non-smokers can smile about. It is based on years of research that has now become public knowledge. When I walk by you with a beer, although endangering myself, you are unaware. If I walk into an enclosed area and light up a cigarette, now I'm endangering myself and everyone around me.

Absurd ordinance

I think the new law banning pseudoephedrine is absurd. Of course the doctors are for it because it will increase their business.

More than nuisance

TO knowingly ingest carcinogens is all well and good. However, when that act affects everyone else around that person, it becomes not only a nuisance but a danger.

Unemployment

I read that there are three million jobs going unfilled because people are too content to draw unemployment and food stamps. I know several people who are actively looking for jobs. You can look in the employment pages and see there is not much available in this area. Not too many people would stay on unemployment rather than have a job.

Christmas lights

WHY do we see more Christmas lights this year than we have in years past? It's like there's a contest to see who can use the most kilowatts this month. I'm tired of hearing people complain about their huge utility bills if they're not willing to turn off some of the lights and stop the nonsense.

Chickens

I was raised in the country. We always had chickens, and we loved them. But the country is the place for them, not the city. If you want to teach your children about animals and husbandry, take them to the country.

Perot and NAFTA

ROSS Perot helped create that great sucking noise. Remember NAFTA?

Cape Scrooge?

THE city of Cape Girardeau needs to change its name to Ebenezer Scrooge. We do not get a tax-free holiday, and the more city leaders get, the more they want.

Restaurant success

ASK The Marquette Restaurant in Perryville what's happened since they went smoke-free. They thought they would lose business, so they didn't do it for a while. And now, their business has doubled. Smoke-free restaurants are a plus.

Sewer costs

CAPE Girardeau gets extra money from the Redhawks games, and they get money from sending their recyclables to St. Louis. They'll be getting money in the future from the casino. So tell me why we may have to pay an extra $20 a month for the sewer.

House pets

THE people with the chickens should get chicken diapers for their girls and move them into their house. That way they would be house pets, not yard birds. Aren't birds allowed as house pets?