Speak Out 2/25/10

Hearts for Haiti

THANKS to all those who made "Hearts for Haiti" dinner possible, including Schnucks, which provided the veggies for the salad; Mediterranean on Broadway, which made the baklava; members of the Islamic Center; and the Cape Girardeau community. There was a great turnout. I'm grateful for those who went to help the people suffering in Haiti and for those who went to experience Islam firsthand.

Response to suffering

I'D like to thank the members of the Islamic Center for their hard work in putting the "Hearts for Haiti" dinner together. There was a friendly atmosphere, and there were many cheerful faces. The food was delicious, and I'm glad the community responded to help those suffering in Haiti. I respect the religion that prompted these people to put together such a wonderful event.

Long marriages

MY congratulations to the people who were at the party for marital endurance who have been married 50 years. My wife and I were married 58 years. Unfortunately this last week she died. I really and truly am proud of the people who have been married 50 years and longer.

Great runner

I was at the Presidents Day 5K run. It was a competitive run, but there was one runner there in particular who impressed me. His name is Shannon Aldridge. He had a fantastic run. The community needs to know how much he has improved in his running skills. There's a rising force in running in Cape Girardeau County, and his name is Shannon.

Thanks for benefit

I was really impressed with the "Hearts for Haiti" benefit dinner at the Islamic Center. I would like to thank those who worked hard to make it possible.

Getting by

WHAT are people going to do if this health bill passes and everything is taxed to pay for it? My husband and I are seniors. We don't have much of a savings. With our combined income we do not qualify for food stamps. Now it takes all of our income to pay for supplement insurance for Medicare, Medicare premiums, drug premiums, utilities and groceries. If all of these are taxed, we will not be able to make it. It seems like you are better off in this country if you don't work hard throughout your life. Then you are able to get food stamps, help on housing and utilities and Medicare premiums paid. But if you barely go over the guidelines you are in trouble.

Lawless utopia

SOMEONE from St. Louis complained about people from Cape Girardeau running red lights and the absence of police officers. The red lights are relics from a bygone era. We are living in a lawless community based on the principles of utopian anarchism and mutual, peaceful cooperation. Believe it or not, it's working.

Refreshing column

WE really enjoy Joe Sullivan's column. It's so refreshing to read something besides politics. Thanks, Joe. Keep up the good work.