Speak Out 2/3/07

Political cycles

IT WILL be at least 20 years before an alternative fuel that really works will be available at a competitive price at all fueling stations to fill up your little matchbox-type of car. By then I will be long gone, as will be many readers. The Democratic reign, which has taken over after the Republican screwups, will be out after their own screwups, and Republicans will be back. And so it goes, Who really gives a hoot?

Not an empire

THE NEWS reported the administration has proof that Iran is supplying arms and training to Iraq. Is this another "we know how much and when," or is it a case for war against Iran? This president and his Pentagon have no credibility, have been proven liars and are all for nation-building. This is not Britain in the 1800s. We don't need to become an empire.

Respectful teens

IN RESPONSE to "Trashy community": It is unfair to put our whole community in this category because of a few rude teens. I own a teen venue in Cape Girardeau where 150 to 200 teens gather. We have no problems whatsoever. We are always commenting on how polite and respectful teens in Cape Girardeau are. We are proud of them.

How to discipline

WHAT IS the legal way an adult is allowed to discipline a young child? We really do not know, do we? Much of it depends upon whether or not someone charges an adult with child abuse: If a child has a bruise, that might be considered child abuse. If an adult must exercise physical power over a child, never use a belt, paddle or anything but a hand. How else can one judge the severity of the blows?

Shades of the KGB

WHEN IT came out that the president had named an administration person to oversee departments to make sure they complied with what the White House wanted, it brought back visions of the Soviet Union and the KGB overseeing departments to make sure they preached party lines. This government is out of control, and the American public had better wake up soon.

Tail wagging dog?

IN ORDER to take the heat off the president for Iraq, will he force a war with Iran? Let's be clear. We will not be met in the streets in Iran as liberators. The Iranians are trained, mostly by 30 years of American help and armament. Congress needs to take up its duties and not be chicken and talkers for once. Is the tail wagging the dog?

Registering offenders

WHAT IS the purpose for having sex offenders register is nothing is done when their failure to register is brought to the attention of the authorities? How do you think those who were violated feel about this? It isn't that hard to find them. I agree with an FBI official who says he would like to see a one-strike rule across the board in all 50 states when it comes to acts against women and children.

Drug informants

SCOTT COUNTY is no different then the federal prison system, The feds let drug users, dealers and manufacturers out on the street daily. As informants, they get to continue using drugs. If you are an informant, in many cases the police or federal agents supply the drugs. The police and the feds should be able to do their jobs without putting these people back on the street. The families of these people in many cases would like to see them get clean and stop using, However, when the police or feds put them back on the street, they don't get the help they need, and the cycle continues.

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Cold jail

My boyfriend has been doing weekends at the Cape Girardeau County Jail due to driving on a revoked license. This weekend the jail did not have the heat on for seven inmates. He said it felt about 50 degrees. The least the jail could do is give the inmates more blankets.

Bad example

It seems fewer and fewer people observe the 40 mph speed limit in Jackson. One morning last week, I saw two Jackson school buses (with students on board) driving close to 50 mph in the 40 mph zone. One tailgated the car in front of it, then whipped over to pass it. They later both turned onto the interstate and headed toward Cape. Besides setting a bad example for the students on the bus, their driving was illegal and dangerous.

After the storm

A comment on Hurricane Katrina from someone who lives in Biloxi: Neither the president nor any other government official caused Hurricane Katrina. Nature did. If you stayed for the storm, it was a mistake. As for what happened afterward, in Mississippi we are taking care of ourselves and building back. We appreciate the volunteers, but this is our home and responsibility. We don't need to be mentioned in the State of the Union. We know what we have left to do.

Driving on the left

When I drive on Mount Auburn Road I always drive in the left lane, I feel safer there. You don't have to skirt the mailboxes and people on the curbs. The police always drive in the left lane. I always drive the speed limit, so there is no need for anyone to pass me. If you want to pass me, go around on the right, If you are going to break the law, what difference does it make which lane you are in?

Late audit

The school district obviously doesn't know how to run a business. Audits are done for a reason. They are supposed to be completed in a timely fashion and serve a purpose. What's really going on in our school system?

District dallying

Thanks to Mark Bliss for a good job of reporting the truth about what's going on in Cape Girardeau School District. First the superintendent's evaluation is postponed after a two-hour meeting. Then administrators want to waste $400,000 on a preschool. Then a list is given of the buildings that are falling apart. Now the district wants to withhold the audit from the public. It's time to get a big broom, and start on North Clark Avenue.

Why change?

My son goes to the Early Childhood Special Education Preschool at Jefferson Elementary School. It is a good program with good teachers. One of the aides said the preschool will probably have to close because our children have to be taught with normal children who don't have handicaps. That doesn't make any sense to me. If you have something that's working, why change it?

Demand answers

Tell me what's wrong with a business whose leaders can't be honest or follow the law. Since when can information be withheld from the school board if it's required by law? I hope the school board has the courage and intelligence to start demanding answers to questions before they complete the superintendent's evaluation. If they don't, then we should demand a new board.

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