SPEAK OUT

More resignations due

CAPE SCHOOL board president Bob Fox said he was "shocked" because board member David Goncher resigned in protest over the firing of one time Central High School principal Randie Fidler. Frankly, I am flabbergasted that Fox and the other board renegades who unjustly fired Fidler haven't had the decency to submit their resignations.

Teachers vote too

THOUGH I disagree with it, there is an almost deafening amount of coffee-shop chatter to the effect that when it comes to voting on tax levy proposals designed to line their own pockets, teachers should be disenfranchised.

Ready for a new day

DAVID GONCHER'S decision to resign from the Cape school board was an heroic act. Delaying it until the tax levy passed was equally laudable. Goncher is a man of principle and simply will not stand for the smarmy, smelly, behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing that has characterized the school board for far too long. Goncher's action will give further impetus to already stated public sentiment that a new day should dawn.

No small change

CONCERNING YOUR Cape school tax squeaker headline: It was a squeaker all right. The whole election was kept so quiet a lot of people didn't even know anything about it, except those who were for it. We senior citizens had a hard enough time paying the old taxes, and this increase is quite a jump. Figure it out for yourselves. It's no small change.

Military leadership

IN REGARD to military backgrounds and the civilian sector: Having lived 15 years surrounded by the military lifestyle and working as a civilian for several years on military bases around the world, I have never seen more dedicated individuals deserving of our respect than the young men and women of the U.S. military. Yes, obedience is a part of the culture, but there also are traits of self-discipline, motivation and determination. Leaders who try to lead through intimidation are usually rare. The majority of individuals in the military I met and worked with were very professional and knowledgeable in their positions of authority. Just like in any job, I met some that were outstanding in their jobs and some that left a lot to be desired. To group all individuals that have served in the military as unsuitable for a managerial job in the private sector, such as chief of police, is a prejudicial approach to life.

Teaching responsibility

THIS IS regarding alternative schools. I think it is ridiculous that we have to pay for students to go to an alternative school because they refuse to follow the rules that everyone else has to follow. It seems like we are always having to make special accommodations for people who refuse to act like human beings. You parents need to take responsibility for raising your children and also make your children be responsible for themselves and the decisions they make before it is too late. We have special alternative accommodations when your child becomes an adult and is forced by law to take responsibility for his actions. It's called prison.

Commercial operation

IF YOU watched the City Council meeting on TV last Monday, you witnessed a classic. You watched unfold a case of overwhelming support and solidarity from neighbors who did not want a commercial day care being run in their neighborhood. Mayor Spradling said the council had no jurisdiction over the building of a church, but it did on the issue of other facilities including a day care. The day care currently run by the First Assembly of God consists of 115 children, many of which are not members of the church. It's open to the general public. How is this day care different from any other? I am an adjacent property owner and against a commercial business in residential areas.

I THINK a lot of credit for the continuing improvements in the Cape Girardeau School District ought to go to the dedicated volunteers who helped encourage people to vote on Tuesday. You all did a great job, and the future of Cape Girardeau is better because of your work. Special recognition should go to Harry Rediger, who has been a champion for Cape in so many ways. Congratulations also to the school superintendent, Dr. Dan Steska, whose straightforward style has helped establish the necessary credibility to convince the city that school development is one of the area's major priorities.

More civics lessons

I WINCE when I note the number of Speak Out callers who have no clue as to the distinction between a republic and a democracy. A republic is a representative democracy whereby the voters elect many of their leaders. It can also be defined as an indirect democracy. A direct democracy is distinguished from the above in that voters assemble and vote directly on issues. Some New England communities still practice it to this day at the local level in the form of town meetings. The U.S. government can be best described as a faux representative democracy with the real strings being pulled by assorted fat cats and special interests.

Hypocritical voting

THE HYPOCRISY of Southeast Missouri never ceases to amaze me. Everyone is so concerned about the rights of the unborn, but no one wants to lift a finger to help living children who deserve decent schools. A modest school-tax increase barely passes in Cape and fails utterly in Jackson and Perryville. And guess who will suffer because of this? The children.

Progressive decision

I NEVER thought I'd see the day when a school tax levy targeted in large part for teacher salaries would pass. Congratulations to Dr. Dan Steska and all of the progress-minded citizens who campaigned for and secured its passage.

A clear choice

FOR YEARS I heard Jackson residents boast about their school system and mock Cape's. Those days are long gone. Cape is now three for three in improving its facilities, investing in new buildings and raising teachers to a decent wage. I wish Jackson luck. But the baton of educational excellence has been passed. Already Cape's schools have better programming. Now it's indisputable that Cape also has stronger community support. Do you want your children going to the best schools? The choice is clear.

It's big business

I AM completely disgusted with the Cape Girardeau City Council meeting on the development proposed by the First Assembly of God. It was clear that this was set up. The only topic allowed was whether or not to approve special-use zoning for a day-care center. Council members already approved the building of the church, not allowing any discussion on limiting the size of the complex or limiting the parking. This gives the church the ability to build as large and with as much parking as it wishes. I'm sure the church will end up getting whatever it wants in the future too, using the name of God and stretching the First Amendment as far as it will possibly go. Money talks, and this is big business.