Speak Out 2/13/09

Mail those pitches

I'M on the no-call list and do not appreciate companies bothering me on my personal phone. If you have a deal you think I can't refuse, put it in a letter and mail it to me. I will consider it. But I will consider no sales pitches over my personal phone.

A helping neighbor

I want to thank Charles, owner of Klughart Mechanical. He and his crews are the true meaning of neighbors helping neighbors. During the power outage he lent — for free — generators so my family and several others would have power. I was sitting at home in the dark using a candle and a flashlight when he showed up with an extension cord and left a generator for my neighbor and me to use. As he provided me power, more of his crew was cleaning the road and driveways.

Schools safety

THANK you to the Jackson Police Department for patrolling near the elementary schools. It seems like I'm the only one who does the speed limit. 15 mph seems slow, but isn't our children's' safety worth it? Thank you for enforcing the speed limit near our schools.

Use the money

PRESIDENT Obama has been in office several days and hasn't cured all of our problems? Really? Give the guy a break. Our economy won't be fixed easily or quickly. Although stimulus packages sound like an iffy idea, the money will be spent. Let's try to put it to work around here.

Take a cut

EVERYONE at our $120 million corporation took a pay cut today. I challenge everyone on the government payroll and the government dole to take a cut. Then I'll know they're serious about helping the economy.

Hold on to history

AFTER reading the opinion article by Terri L. Foley on parking lots in Cape Girardeau's downtown, I'm reminded of many historical structures that have been demolished in the Sikeston area for the "betterment" of the community. While I'm all for moving onward and upward, why do we have to suffer the loss of buildings that are historical? Granted, if the structure is not safe, then the answer is clear. But to rid your city of its historical significance is not a benefit. One case in point for Sikeston was the loss of the Matthews home on the corner of Kingshighway and North Street several years ago. It was one of the most beautiful and historically significant homes in the Sikeston area. It was razed for a parking lot. Sikeston lost a historic home that can never be replaced. I would only hope that Southeast Missouri State University would see the significance of saving historical structures. I spent several years commuting to Southeast and had to walk to classes from the "pig lot," which is now the Show Me Center. It was a gravel lot and quite a haul to classes. I'm not sure what the answer is for Cape Girardeau, but please don't make the mistakes we've made in Sikeston. Once it's gone, you can never bring it back.