Speak Out 2/25/03

Cuts for those who pay

I'M CONSTANTLY amazed that someone said that this tax cut President Bush is recommending should not be going to the wealthy or the middle class but should go to the lower end of the middle class and the poor. You don't get the message. The poor don't pay taxes. Therefore, they can't get a tax cut. The tax cut should go to the people who pay the taxes. That just happens to be the wealthy, and they're the ones who will invest the money they save and create jobs for the poor.

Loose lips

THANK YOU to the person who said loose lips sink ships. Just listen to Tom Brokaw. Iraq should pin a medal on him. During World War II, he probably would have been arrested for putting out news on the troops.

More time needed?

WHEN THE war in Iraq is all over and we are letting these guys out of prison who are being tortured, I would like for the protesters to personally tell them they wanted to give Saddam Hussein more time to rip out more fingernails and cut off more toes.

Dangerous potholes

I'm calling ABOUT INTERSTATE 55 BETWEEN CAPE GIRARDEAU AND SCOTT CITY. THE NORTHBOUND SIDE IS MUCH WORSE THAN THE SOUTHBOUND SIDE. THERE ARE TWO OR THREE POTHOLES THAT ARE AT LEAST 8 TO 12 INCHES DEEP COMPLETELY ACROSS THE ROAD. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY MODOT CAN'T PUT SOME ASPHALT IN THOSE HOLES BEFORE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE RUIN THEIR VEHICLE'S ALIGNMENT OR BLOW OUT TIRES. IT REALLY PERTURBS ME.

Appeasement is wrong

WHO IN his right mind would want to put the safety and fate of America in the hands of the United Nations? Peace protesters and movie stars aren't looking out for our people. Why would anyone denounce his own country because a dictator thumbed his nose at the world and our country's safety? When will people wake up to the fact that the appeasers of our world get the shaft in the end? Rogue nations love those who protest against their enemies. How long would they last protesting in Iraq?

Jackson's gymnasium

WE ARE grandparents in Jackson and have lived here all our lives. Our children attended Jackson High School. Our grandchildren are attending the Jackson schools. What can we do to get a new gymnasium? We cannot even host district tournaments in our town. I'd like to hear some comments from others. I think our school deserves a better gymnasium. Let's hear it from other parents and grandparents.

Weighty response

IN RESPONSE to a Speak Out comment: Overweight singers are accepted (Aretha Franklin, Rosemary Clooney, Winona Judd), but don't expect us to change our perceptions of beauty because you want another trip through the fast-food drive-through. Double-check your info on Marilyn Monroe, because 38-23-36 doesn't sound like a fat chick to me.

The silver lining

BAD WEATHER brings out the ugly in people, doesn't it? Saturday I went shopping in Cape Girardeau. Everyone was disgusted with everything because of the weather. I want to thank the wonderful JCPenney hairdresser. Thank you for taking the time for me and for being pleasant and kind. I didn't have to hear anything negative about your life, and you were delightful. I got what I paid for: a nice hairdo and great conversation. I appreciated your service and smile.

Bus is too early

I BEG school bus drivers to slow down and not be early. Our kids are missing the bus too much. There is no reason to be 10 or 15 minutes early at the bus stop.

A good offense

NO, SOUTHEAST Missouri, preparation is not the best defense, as you tried to convince us in a recent editorial diatribe. The best defense is a good offense. Bombs away.