Speak Out

Why we vote

IT'S SAD, but this will be the first U.S. presidential election where people will vote based on race and sex. How many will say they vote for Barack Obama because he's black or Hillary Clinton because she's a woman? Am I allowed to say that I will be voting for McCain because he's a white male? Will they be called the racist? No. Will I?

Jaw-dropping column

THE RIGHT wing is in trouble. My jaw dropped when I read a column knocking overpaid corporate CEOs by no less than usually arch-conservative Michael Jensen, the sage of Sikeston and the area.

Bird hazard

IF THE bird flu ever hits Southeast Missouri, the west side of Cape Girardeau will be a breeding ground for the deadly virus with the millions of blackbirds that roost every night in the trees around Bloomfield Road and Silver Springs Road. Can't the city do anything?

Jackson's limbs

THIS WEEK I read that it may take Jackson two months to pick up the limbs from the ice storm. I hope this isn't true. Surely the city with beautiful homes, churches and schools can do better.

Great job

TODAY I went to the license bureau in Jackson to renew two vehicle plates. Usually I dread going there. The woman who helped me was nice, helpful and efficient. It is great when someone does a great job. Thank you.

In line for promotion

THE PUBLIC has pretty well decried the plan to allow deer hunting in Cape Girardeau. This can only mean that the architect of this failed plan, Darin Pettit, will get promoted by our wise state.

Teaching classes

I AM a teacher who did not have a teaching certificate at the time of employment. Instead, I held an undergraduate and graduate degree in my field. After I was hired, I was required to enroll in education classes to obtain the necessary certificate. These classes were a waste of time and money. I did not learn one iota of information to use in my classroom. If teachers were not required to take these absurd education classes, our society could employ better educated people to work in our schools. I feel like I am overeducated to teach compared to my colleagues.