SPEAK OUT

Can't understand why

I REALLY don't understand why they're having a drive for the policemen. I am sure they have good medical insurance, sick days and time off that they wouldn't lose any pay. Not that I'm not for the police department, but I just can't see why they would be taking up a collection for this for no reason. Not unless KFVS is just doing it for publicity.

Can't watch anymore

WHY DOES KFVS keep saying that the two police officers who were shot are not just Cape Girardeau police officers but Heartland police officers? Is that why the ones who live in Jackson have to park their cars at the veterans home before they go home because they can't take the cars out of their jurisdiction areas? I can't even watch that channel anymore because every other minute they repeat the same thing over and over again that they have been saying since the policemen were shot at the motel.

He'll be gone then

YOU KNOW what would be humorous regarding George W. Bush's tax plan? Ten years down the road, Bush will be out of office one way or the other. He can only run two terms. And they'll still be blaming Democrats and Bill Clinton if this thing doesn't work. Who knows if it's going to work or not?

They need it least

A FEW thoughts: I respect and appreciate the work done by our police department. Our local television station is campaigning to collect money for two wounded officers hurt in the line of duty recently. I wish these men and their families well. Those policemen are adults, and all of their bills are being paid by the city, which is just. Today I read about a family which lost its home to a fire. The newspaper printed "how to help" instructions for us. Recently, we read about an 11-year-old boy savagely mistreated by his father. Nobody is taking up a collection for this boy. Instead, we will most likely read that a judge has decided he cannot break up the family and has sent the boy back to his father. Our society seems to protect best those who are in least need of protection.

Highbrow area

SOME SEEM to think the paltry attendance at "Porgy and Bess" indicates this area is a cultural wasteland. I beg to differ. I think the low attendance at the play was because it was too lowbrow for us. We are much more sophisticated. In fact, I consider this area of the Midwest to be a Mecca of highbrow culture, as illustrated daily in the Southeast Missourian by the beyond-Shakesperian quality of Speak Out.

Congratulations, Rusts

I HAVE watched the Rust children grow up, and I am thrilled Rex and Jon will be following in their father's footsteps. By reading their resumes, I know they have many accomplishments away from Cape Girardeau, and I am sure there are many opportunities elsewhere. I am glad they chose to be here. Congratulations to Gary and Wendy. The Southeast Missourian, and the Bulletin Journal before that, have been part of my life for many years.

Cardinal subsidy

SENATOR KINDER, I am a longtime follower of your political career and realize you generally have little taste for state subsidies. Having said that, I strongly urge you to be out front and support a 100 percent state subsidy, if that's what it takes to keep our state's most valuable resource. Step up to the plate, Senator, and give unqualified support to a new stadium for our beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

Reason for trembling

AHA! THAT explains it. State Sen. Peter Kinder's recent revelation that Republican-introduced bills are getting a decent hearing in the Missouri Senate is the obvious reason why so many of my friends and associates have been reduced to an abject state of fear and trembling.

Stop the silliness

I TOO have read the somewhat dated "Modern Times." I agree with author Paul Johnson's thesis that the twin evils of the 20th century were the totalitarian regimes of Hitler and Stalin. However, I radically dissent from David Limbaugh's not-too-thinly-veiled implication that those who believe and participate in representative democracy, but are not his brand of conservative, are closet totalitarians. Mr. Limbaugh, please refrain from creating, then knocking over, straw men.