SPEAK OUT

Equitable fairness

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the president and first lady considered their daughters' legal cases private affairs. "As you know, any matter dealing with the family is a family matter, not a government matter. It is not an issue that the White House is going to get into," Fleischer said. Shouldn't this standard be applied to all, regardless of their political party?

A safer holiday

THANK YOU. This Fourth of July has been much more enjoyable. Since bottle rockets have been banned in Cape, my property has been spared for the first time in years. No residue on my roof. I could leave my garage door open. No picking up the rocket remains in my yard. And no fear of a house fire. Way to go, city council.

They're too busy

Republicans get the short end of the stick in Speak Out, sayeth a Speak Out caller. I agree, but frankly Republicans are too busy being productive citizens to pay attention to Speak Out. They have more constructive things to do than stoop to the level of reading and contributing to the Speak Out forum: monitor their investments, plan and go to parties, play golf, read The Wall Street Journal, shop, travel.

Make it part of fair

I have a simple solution to the potential problem for fair-goers caused by construction on East Rodney Street. Make the construction site part of the fair. Charge kiddies for pouring and smoothing concrete, wearing hard hats, riding heavy equipment, taking smoke breaks and so forth. Use part of the money raised to defer construction costs.

River fireworks

THE FIREWORKS display and band concert at the Fourth of July celebration on the river in Cape was just great. Thanks to everyone involved with it.

He's not listening

I'M CALLING to agree with the caller who believes state Sen. Peter Kinder thinks he's smarter than the rest of the people in Southeast Missouri and supports the new Cardinals stadium. Kinder probably believes the voters of Southeast Missouri are too unsophisticated to understand the complex matters surrounding this endeavor. Maybe we can increase our understanding the next time we go to the polls by getting rid of a guy who's unwilling to listen to his constituency.

No phony morality

LIKE FORMER President Clinton, Democrat Rep. Gary Condit of California is being questioned about an extramarital affair. In his case, the intern is missing and possibly dead. Like Clinton, it could have an impact in his ability to do his job or even keep it. This is wrong. Personal conduct in office has no bearing on the ability to perform elected duties. These are good Democrats and shouldn't be judged by any phony moral code usually reserved for Republicans.

It's our history too

I'D LIKE to address the comment about Cardinals support. History and tradition are not reserved for conservatives. History and tradition belong to everyone -- not just to conservatives.

Need better location

TO HAVE the fireworks at the riverfront is another great decision. No parking, no viewing, most space taken up by the river. A poor choice. Next year, let's have it in an accessible location, or get yourself a raft or boat. Arena Park has a larger viewing audience in a central location.

Organized event

I THOUGHT I'd tell you the fireworks display was wonderful. I had visitors from out of town, and they went on and on about how orderly everything was. It was very nice to see the policemen there trying to keep things under control. It made us feel good to be in America. Thanks again, and I hope they have it again next year.

Country music -- again

AFTER SEEING the SEMO fair's music for this year, I wasn't too excited. Why does it have to be country music each year?