Speak Out 2/11/05

Stick to your guns

CAPE GIRARDEAU always backs down on ordinances instead of standing up for what they know is right for the public welfare. Eight animals are too many animals for one household, and a task force wants to increase the limit? Even two dogs are too many if their owners won't take care of them. When I see people walking their dogs in my neighborhood, I never see anyº of them stop to clean up their dog's manure. If people have the time to take care of that many animals properly, then they should have time to go get a special-use permit.

Remove the wage cap

THERE'S A dirty little secret that the Republicans don't want you to know about Social Security reform. People quit paying into Social Security when their income reaches $90,000 a year. If all the wealthy were paying Social Security on the rest of their wages, we wouldn't have a problem with Social Security. Let's get that wage cap removed.

Using the left lane

IF YOU are passing in the left lane while speeding, you are endangering the community and should be arrested. If you are tailgating a motorist observing the speed limit in the left lane, you should be arrested. If I am using the left lane in preparation for turning left and you hit me, you'll be found at fault both legally and financially. Left lanes are not just for passing, and speed limits were established by wiser people who have considered factors such as sight distances, traffic density, crosswalks and intersections.

Cut legislators' benefits

WHEN I see the hard cuts that Gov. Matt Blunt is proposing in services to children, the poor and the disabled, it makes me wonder: Why don't we cut health benefits for legislators? I don't know why I have to pay for such things as knee and hip surgery for my representative, who is perfectly capable of paying for it himself, when I can't even afford health insurance for my own family.

Breaking the barriers

THE NEWEST club at Central High School is the Hip-Hop Club. From what I heard from my daughter, her friends and other students at CHS, this group of students brought down the house and received a standing ovation from their peers at a recent pep rally. I hope the club will be able to perform for the public before a basketball game. The idea of fun is well-established within this group. With dedication and support, this group of students will excel in many area of their lives, most of all self-esteem, which so many of our students lack. Many thanks for breaking down the barriers and being all-inclusive of your fellow students. Kudos also go to Nita Dubose and Crystal Cerny, club sponsors. You go, students.

Blame the legislators

MY CHILD'S teachers are judged by their students' test scores and scholastic achievement. Anyone who wants to complain about too much homework should call his legislators about mandated state tests and President Bush about No Child Left Behind. Lawmakers are the reason teachers are assigning more work to create higher scores.

Depriving others

I UNDERSTAND that there need to be state budget cuts, but it is extremely disappointing to know that our state would deprive Missouri's disabled children from having every opportunity at a normal life. I am the mother of a disabled child who depends on programs like First Steps for a chance at a normal lifestyle. How dare someone who doesn't have to worry about his child's development deprive someone else. Maybe the budget cutters should cut money from their own funds to help the future of Missouri's children.

Less than planned

I FIND it interesting how everyone lashes out with the same knee-jerk reaction to fiscal responsibility in action. Most of the budget cuts proposed by the president and governor aren't cuts to the budget at all. They are cuts to the planned expenditures.

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Speak Out 2/11/05

Holding up traffic

I WAS driving home from work and found a bike rider in the middle of Perryville Road. I don't mind bike riders, but this one held up traffic. I think the city should make bike riders take a training course to get a license to ride bikes on the street. These riders should ride on the side of the road and allow traffic to keep flowing.

Deep poverty exists

THE FOLKS at the senior center are not representative of all seniors. They are middle class. There are lots of seniors all over this country who are living in isolation and deep poverty. Many are even homeless. This is bad, and it will get worse under President Bush's budget. The problem is not so evident in Cape Girardeau because we have some of the cheapest housing in the country. But there are people living outside of Cape Girardeau who are also Americans.

Regular festivals

IN RESPONSE to "Making history on Water Street: Consider leaving space for festivals, maybe first Saturdays of each month, with food booths from local restaurants and arts and crafts booths, along with booths of civic organizations. This could be handled by the merchants association.

Making choices

I'D LIKE to make my own choices about my retirement. Congress has already made such a mess of financing pork projects that I'd prefer to take my risks myself. From what I have heard, Galveston, Texas, is an example, as is the country of Chile. I understand some people want the government to tell them what to do, when to do it and how to do it. I'd prefer to have real freedom to chose my own future.

Life-saving duty

WOULD YOU rather a police officer make a traffic stop or respond to an emergency call and save your life? The Cape Girardeau Police Department is the busiest agency between St. Louis and Memphis. They do what they can, and they do a great job.

Good meals available

I SERIOUSLY doubt there are seniors in our area who have resorted to eating dog food. Dog food is more expensive than a lot of other foods on my grocery bill. There are several churches and senior centers in both Jackson and Cape Girardeau where you can get a good meal for almost no money.