OpinionDecember 28, 2004
Speak Out 12/28/04
New leadership; Different story; Wonderful program; Now the building's safe?; A show of respect; Cure for boredom; Multiple holidays; A strong program; Great effort in storm
New leadership
I HOPE governor-elect Matt Blunt uses this opportunity to replace Don Dickerson with a new voice on the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents. Nine years is long enough.
Different story
I OPENED my paper and found out that once again the school board has no credibility. We were told a few years ago that the Schultz school building was unfit for students. And it was falling down and too expensive to renovate. Now we're being told by the director of the Alternative Center that "it's a wonderful old building, much more conducive to secondary students." That wonderful old building was why we had to spend all this money for a new high school. How come four years ago we couldn't do anything with this building, but now it's a wonderful school? We have been lied to and cheated right and left.
Wonderful program
I WOULD just like to say what a wonderful job Mrs. Mims did at the Nell Holcomb Christmas program. It was just wonderful. I think our dear lady deserves a terrific hand.
Now the building's safe?
SCHOOL DISTRICTS cannot participate with state tax credits, let alone lease out spaces in the Schultz school building, like a business can without spending more of our money for improvements for the renter. Throw money at it, and it will work? Wasn't this the same building that the school board said was unsafe a few years ago in order to get us to pass a bond issue for new schools? Are our Alternative School students of no concern for safety now?
A show of respect
I'M ONE of those people who does sometimes say "Happy holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Here's why: Among my co-workers and friends are traditional Christians, Christians who do not celebrate any holidays, Jews and Muslims. If I know the religious preference of the person I'm speaking to, I'll use the name of their religious holiday. If I don't know, I wish them a warm and safe holiday or simply say "Happy holidays to you and yours." This is how I would like to be treated, and I accord that respect to others, as well.
Cure for boredom
WHEN MY children complained of boredom, I found things for them to do: taking out trash, washing dishes, dusting, mowing, weeding the garden. Oddest thing, they seldom ever said "I'm bored, there's nothing to do."
Multiple holidays
THIS IS not just the Christmas season. There are several holidays in t in December, making it a holiday season. It would be selfish and close-minded to call it the Christmas season as if only our little world of Christians exists.
A strong program
FOR ANYONE who believes Southeast Missouri State University is losing ground to other universities in Missouri, you had better check your facts. Truman State University is not the Harvard of the Midwest, as it is touted. The average student population is around 5,000 with only 82 percent of the faculty holding a doctorate. And Truman offer half the majors that SEMO offers. The 150 majors offered at SEMO, combined with the excellent faculty, has led to the 9,000 undergraduate students. If SEMO is losing ground to Southwest Missouri State University, it is only because Cape Girardeau is located too close to St. Louis and Carbondale. I can assure you that the campus and the city of Cape Girardeau are the most attractive in the state. Think how quiet Cape is when college is out.
Great effort in storm
I CAN'T say enough good things about the road crews, mail carriers, garbage crews, emergency services and others who worked through the snowstorm to provide essential services. Thanks so much.
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Many reactions
I REACTED with horror when I saw pictures of the explosion in the mess tent in Mosul. Then I reacted with sorrow when I saw the wounded being unloaded in Germany. But I really reacted when the top officials stand there and say they're sorry. I reacted with anger. How can they be sorry when they sent our kids into an unnecessary, unprovoked war?
Clear around hydrants
WITH ALL the snow we're getting lately, it would be a good idea if you have a fire hydrant in your front yard, like I do, to shovel around it a little bit just in case of an emergency. It would help the fire department greatly if there was a fire.
Delivering the news
EVERYONE KNOWS that during snowstorms that public-safety personnel, mail carriers and medical staff go beyond normal duty to assure all needs are met. But the unsung hero in my book is the devoted employees who assure delivery of our media whether be by the delivery of newspapers or communicating to the public through TV and radio. Thank you.
Better location
PLEASE MOVE the license bureau to a more central and convenient location. More people live and work in the west end of the city, and the license bureau is too far away to get there on your lunch hour to do business. Please help.
Scott City plowing
I WANTED to comment on the roads in Scott City. The city did not day a very good job grading the road, the main road. I think they should do a better job and maybe get more help and spend more money on getting the roads cleared.
Getting the mail
I JUST had the mailman hand me my mail. He said it was a good thing I was there because he could not get to my mailbox because of the snow and would have passed on by. The snow plows need to get closer to the curb. The snow is blocking the mailboxes and keeping people from getting their mail.
Terrible shape
I WAS curious what happened to all the tax dollars that the city raised and why the streets didn't get cleaned any better than what they are. They're in terrible shape.
Kind farmers
WE WANT to wish all the farmers on Route PP east of Kelso a very merry Christmas. They cleared our roads and driveways on Thursday. Your kindness will always be remembered. God bless all.
Way to make money
ATTENTION TEENAGE boys: Why is it some of you don't knock on doors and offer to shovel people's sidewalks? You could make a lot of money.
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