SPEAK OUT

Kindness appreciated

I have read with interest the recent comments in Speak Out and other places regarding rudeness in Cape. Since moving to Cape a year ago, I've encountered a lot of people who were friendly, helpful and considerate, but I've also encountered some people who were rude and inhospitable. It's kind of a mixed bag around here. It's definitely been a little harder to be new in town here than it has been in other places I've lived. But I so appreciate the folks who have gone out of their way to be friendly and helpful, and I want to give thanks where it is due. Their kindnesses haven't gone unnoticed.

Differing views

Two terse televised statements about the Perryville schools speak volumes about our differing views concerning the priorities and purpose of formal education. Perryville teacher: "If we cut down on academic programs, what would we have left?" Perryville student: "If we do away with sports and extra-curricular activities, what would we have left?"

That middle lane

To all licensed drivers: The middle lane on U.S. 61 is a turn lane. Not a lane to sit in so you can get over. It's not the handicapped lane. Nor is it the senior-citizen lane. Use it for what it's supposed to be used for.

More public art

I have a suggestion for the city of Cape Girardeau: We need more public artwork. Many other cities in the state have ordinances requiring 1 percent of costs for new commercial construction be reserved for original public artwork. Other than the murals downtown and the veterans display at the corner of West End and Broadway, Cape is pretty lacking on the visual art around town. I would love to be able to see some local sculptors showcase their work all over town for everyone to enjoy. Please consider this suggestion for the future.

Love my union

To those who would condemn Gov. Bob Holden: If you think you'd like a right-to-work state, I can recommend Arkansas. I've been there, done that. Never again. I love my union.

Could have been worse

Andrea Buchanan's column about getting a traffic ticket while returning from covering a traffic case was a hoot. Good thing she wasn't covering a murder case.

Life-changing book

Why do so many people sweat the small stuff? I am recommending that they read the book called "Who Moved My Cheese?" After reading it, lives should change.

Neighbors offended

Someone said he would rather hear the church bells in Advance than the loud music and squealing tires of the young kids. The reason the kids do that is they like it. Although it annoys others, some kids have no consideration of others, kind of like the church. There was a time a church would never do anything to offend a neighbor.

Where does it go?

I think it is about time for the highway department to cut the fat. I have lived all over the country, mostly in states where I paid no income taxes. The roads were better. Land was cleaner. Police coverage was better. And I could also get access to many federal programs. These programs are not available in Missouri. Exactly what is all the tax money I send to the state spent on?

Made here, sold there

The argument against the new power plant that all the electricity it generates will be sent elsewhere and therefore we shouldn't build it demonstrates the irrationality of the opponents. There are thousands of plants and industries that manufacture something every day and send it somewhere else. Where would we be if everyone in Detroit decided that all the cars manufactured should stay there, or all the drug companies kept lifesaving drugs only for the people who lived next door? There is nothing wrong with building this plant and sending the power elsewhere. It's called capitalism, and it's great.

Job experiences

I have to add my two cents about job discrimination in Cape. I'm new to the area, and not long after moving here I started noticing I wasn't getting offered jobs that I was fully qualified for. I have a college degree and several years of solid work experience. I decided to conduct a little experiment. I submitted resumes for several similar jobs for which I met the advertised qualifications, and when I was granted interviews, I told a couple of the interviewers that I was originally from Cape and had just returned after being away for a few years. To the other interviewers I told the truth: that I was new to the area, a transplant from the West Coast. I find it interesting that I was only offered jobs by the interviewers to whom I lied about my origins. Needless to say, I didn't accept any of those positions. I got a job somewhere else that was offered to me by someone who was also new to Cape Girardeau.

It's what you think

Many years ago, the late Rev. Dr. J. Ray Trotter recounted this conversation in one of his sermons: A man was considering moving to another community and traveled there to inquire of a resident what the people were like in that town. The resident replied, "What are the people like in the town in which you are now living? That is the same type of persons that you will find here."

Negative attack

AS A street department employee, I resent Joe Sullivan's negative comments in reference to our current street-repair campaign. He should worry more about trying to get a sluggish newspaper back on track than attacking city's road progress.

Need answers

IF THE county commissioners don't have the answers to the questions of concerned citizens regarding the Kinder Morgan power plant, maybe they shouldn't be committing our resources to support the venture.

Strip the power

I WOULD like to suggest that state Sen. Peter Kinder should introduce legislation to strip the governor and future governors of the executive-order power that allows them to put in place strong measures that cost the taxpayers additional money, such as the recent public-employee collective-bargaining issue that he has instituted.

Beyond my budget

REGARDING SPENDING priorities: I can't see to play games. I don't play golf, fish, swim, skate or bowl. I can't drive, so I don't go to Homecomers or the district fair or Six Flags. I do not have food delivered or pick up food to take out, but I do eat out about once a month. I don't smoke or drink beer, and I have no children who play football, soccer or basketball. I am over 84 years old and live on less than $8,000 a year. Yet I paid $378.38 in school taxes last year. Perhaps you can afford new school tax issues every year, but I can't.

Need supply list

ON AUG. 17 I went with my daughter to get her schedule at Central Junior High School in Cape. Imagine my surprise when I got there and discovered there was a supply list of things we needed to get. I would appreciate in the future if the school would make that list available at stores like some other schools or send it enclosed with the letter telling when to pick up schedules.