SPEAK OUT

Against each other

THE VERY poor pay no income tax. The people who work and hire people need a tax reduction at some point. How many poor people hire people to work or create jobs? The Democrats are good at pitting rich against poor, blacks against whites. It's always their game, pity and hate, and it seems to work every time.

Meters for students

I HAVE a suggestion concerning budgeting money for Cape. If we want to make some easy money for the town coffers, let's install parking meters on North West End Boulevard, surrounding side streets and Capaha Park. That way the SEMO students would pay instead of using our city streets for their free parking lots. Then maybe SEMO would be forced to build a parking garage instead of wasting money on the fountain and River Campus projects. How long do you think we townspeople would get away with blocking the streets and parks with our cars? Think about it.

Defense comes first

A COROLLARY of compassionate conservatism must be that a tax cut takes precedence over any other item, even the top priority of any sovereign country: national defense. If this is indeed the case, then my flirtation with compassionate conservatism has come to an abrupt halt.

Demolition warning

FOR A variety of reasons, I have always believed the Marquette Hotel to be possessed. Now I'm sure of it. "City fathers, tear me down at your own peril!" was the old hotel's recent message to the community, delivered in the form of a frontal assault on the west entrance of the Royal N'Orleans Restaurant.

Thanks for shadows

HOORAY FOR Gov. Bob Holden, state Rep. Jason Crowell, and principal Randie Fidler for making the shadow-day events possible for Laura Brown and Jon Thompson of Cape Girardeau. What a wonderful gesture it was to include local students in such a neat event.

It's that new math

SOUTHWESTERN BELL is getting the shaft. On top of that, all of this complaining about the incorrect listings of telephone numbers is making us look like country bumpkins. They're probably laughing their tails off at us. Folks, it's the process by which we telephone someone that is important, whether dialing or touch tone or whatever. Whether or not the number is correct is irrelevant. They probably think we hicks around here have never heard of the new math.

Holier than thou

TO THE caller who said the Colonists had very strong Christian ideals, I would suggest he head to the closest library and do some in-depth reading. Jefferson, Franklin and others did have very decided ideas, but I hardly think the caller would agree with them. Almost every one of them advocated the complete separation of church and state. When our most intelligent politicians today attempt to do that, they are called "ungodly" and "liberals." Please, enough of that holier-than-thou business.

Dogs in front seat

I'M CALLING about the comment about the police officers on patrol, which is a wonderful thing to see. I'm fairly new here. I would also like to see the officers stop more people when they have their dog sitting in the front seat while they're driving. It's just as bad as having a cellular phone in use. This could cause a very serious accident.

Partisanship twist

IN A strange twist on bipartisanhip, Republicans and Democrats have, in a very partisan manner, taken to accusing each other of undermining the spirit of bipartisanhip.

Open school earlier

MAYBE SHAWNEE Elementary South is getting all the bad PR because they deserve it. It is a sad day when you see children standing out in front of a school building in the cold and rain because the staff inside the building will not open the doors until 7:40 a.m. I think somewhere along the line the administration has forgotten our children. The other two schools in the district already open their doors at 7:30 a.m. Why is Shawnee South different? Let us all remember who we are here to help: the children.

Valentine decorations

IT SEEMS like every year people decorate more for the holidays. Halloween is more popular than ever, and, of course, Christmas is a sight to behold. This year I'm seeing lots of houses with Valentine lights. In fact, I've even seen a couple of houses with Valentine wreaths. Isn't America great?

Nab the litterers

I'VE CONCLUDED that our littering problem has gotten so much worse because people assume that with all the organizations volunteering to clean up a section of highway, someone is designated to pick up after them. Our state, as well as our city, must have the same assumption, because I don't recall seeing any "Do not litter" signs in years. And have you ever heard of anyone being fined for littering? Actually, the punishment for littering should be pretty obvious: pick up trash for a few hours. Thank you.

Only for the poor

I READ the Rev. David V. Disson's biblical justification for the death penalty. Based on his interpretation of the Bible, we can justify slavery and male domination over women. The problem with the death penalty is only the poor are put to death. Does anyone really believe any Firestone, Ford or tobacco executive will ever have to face the death penalty?

Teachers in charge

WHEN I was in school some 30 years ago, it was the teacher's job to watch the children. If someone was cussing on the school grounds, they would be in trouble with the teacher and the principal. When the child's at home, it's the parents' responsibility. When they're at school, it's the teachers' responsibility. If they can't meet that responsibility, move out of the way so another teacher can.

Stop vote fraud

I'M CALLING about U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond's report on voter fraud taking place in St. Louis. I think it's great that now there is proof of the shenanigans that have taken place. This will be turned over to authorities so they can be prosecuted by the law. We must prosecute these people in order to protect our democracy. Jim Grebing's statements to try to sweep this under the rug are abominable. I know Jim, and I think a lot of him, but to support these people to avoid prosecution is very inappropriate, and that makes Jim an accessory to the vote fraud.

Losing the nest egg

REGARDING PEOPLE on fixed incomes: I know people who planned ahead, had property, savings and investments. But emergencies arise. Illness can strike, bringing big medical bills that Medicare won't cover. People who save a nest egg, and that nest egg can be robbed by illness or higher taxes or home repairs.

They know the problem

IN RESPONSE to the Speak Out item "Streets aren't private," I think the reason some of the city council members voted to let that influence them is because they don't have the guts to vote like they should. They know we have a problem, and so do the police, but they'd rather deny it than admit it and do something about it.