SPEAK OUT

Oh, they see it

I STRONGLY dissent from the Speak Out view that politicians do not understand the nature of manual labor. They know very well what it is, seeing it on the streets quite often through tinted windows as they are driven to their respective legislative bodies in luxurious stretch limos. My guess is that every time they see it their resolve to avoid it at all costs is significantly strengthened.

You couldn't do it

ABOUT THE Chaffee trash workers: All of you yuppies need to ride that truck for one day picking up other people's trash, then go back and say they make too much money. I don't think so. You wouldn't be caught dead doing a job like that. So just leave them alone and be thankful they are there to clean up after you.

Blame the user

Even the left-wing California courts agree that firearms makers are not liable for misuse of their product after it leaves their control. If they had ruled any other way, the next in line would be the automakers for misuse by intoxicated drivers.

Bells are annoying

I have been reading comments concerning the continuous ringing of the church bells in Chaffee. We are not living back 50 or 100 years; I think every house has a least one clock. I don't think the bells need to sound every hour from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day. It is annoying, an invasion of privacy and a peace disturbance.

A little of both

A republic is a government with a single official leading citizens who are ultimately responsible for power through elected officials. A democracy is a government by the people through elected officials. Our country is both republic and democratic, and by definition laws are created by majority opinion.

No refunds for majority

I don't think those who voted for Al Gore should receive tax rebates, even though that would be a majority of the electorate.

Familiar keypad

You don't have to take your eyes off the road to make a cell-phone call. I know exactly where all the buttons are on my phone and could draw a diagram without looking at it. When I place a call I simply feel my way around the keypad and dial the number, then hit send. It's very similar to an accountant and how he knows his calculator. More people should try to learn this skill as there are those sad few who can't seem to walk and chew gum, let alone drive and use a phone. It's sad that those who can't use a phone and drive ruin it for those of us who can.

Military background

I HAVE a comment for those who will be involved in hiring the new police chief in Cape Girardeau. It's not lost on members of the department or the public that the two most controversial police chiefs were retired military men. Those who do the hiring need to realize that success and experience in the military do not always translate to success in the civilian world. In the military, blind obedience is expected and received. Most of the time those with rank do not have the respect of their subordinates but can operate successfully through intimidation of those with less rank who understand that their only chance of advancement is obedience. In the civilian world a person is usually more successful if he gains obedience through the respect of his workers. Also, civilian managers generally reach their positions through knowledge and success within their chosen field, not by simply outlasting others. The military system works well inside the military but not outside.

Cut out the pork

I SEE where the Republicans in the Missouri Senate want to spend $72,000 plus expenses to find a way the Senate can save money. If our politicians are that ignorant -- and it appears they are, if they can't recognize pork -- they shouldn't be in Jefferson City or Washington. The simplest way to save money is to eliminate the pork.

Making friends

IN REGARD to "Plenty of rudeness," I'm also new to Cape. I have lived in large cities and small towns, and I would like to applaud Cape for making my move here pleasurable. I've met a lot of very nice people, and I think the city is very beautiful and friendly. There is a lot to do to keep a person busy and plenty of opportunity to better yourself. If the caller is having a hard time meeting people, he needs to remember that he should do his part also.

Good alternative

I'M CALLING in regard to the alternative school in Cape Gir-ardeau. If you have never had a child who cannot make it in the normal public school setting, then you should not talk down about the growth of the alternative school. This has been the best thing that has happened to my son and our family. I would like to thank all of the teachers at the alternative school for what they have done.

Junk was dumped

FIRST ASSEMBLY of God on Mount Auburn Road is beautifully landscaped in the front. However, has anyone wondered how the church property looks like from the back? The church backs up against a residential area. The people who live in that area have bird's-eye views of the hill littered with concrete slabs and tree stubs. All this junk was dumped when additional parking was needed in the rear. Some of this dumping went on at night between the hours of 10 p.m. and midnight. It was so loud that people were awakened from sleep.

Help is appreciated

I WANT to report an act of kindness that happened to me. I was suffering from heat exhaustion and almost passed out. I was passing Langco and sat on the steps there feeling like I would pass out. A woman was coming in to work, and I asked her if she could take me home. She went in and got one of her co-workers and helped me home. They would not take anything as a thank you. The man ended up being a neighbor of my daughter. They took their time out of their day to help me. That doesn't happen very often, and I wanted to thank them.