SPEAK OUT

Constant opposition

I WAS always under the impression that Missouri state senators were supposed to work with the governor for the people of Missouri. However, Peter Kinder has made it his goal to do the complete opposite. He nitpicks Gov. Bob Holden about every topic and will not agree on anything good for the people of Missouri. Also, since being elected Senate president pro tem, Kinder has done everything in his power to hurt the working-class Missourian. He is so anti-union that he even wants to block collective bargaining for state employees. These are the people who actually make Missouri what it is. They deserve to bargain for their wages. Kinder couldn't care less about the people of Missouri. All he cares about is his own pay raises. There will be another election. Kinder shouldn't run for political office. Maybe then the people of Missouri could get what they deserve.

No acceptance

I'D LIKE to comment about the job discrimination in Cape. The discrimination is not just in jobs. It's also in the businesses, the neighborhoods and in the schools of Cape Girardeau County. That's why we are leaving this area after three years and going back to an area of the nation where everybody accepts everybody.

Support for veterans

I WAS out in Marble Hill. There are two veterans living in an older house that someone gave them. I have to admire the man who did that. The veterans went and fought for our freedom overseas. Now there are some in Marble Hill who are trying to run them out of their home. I think it's time for the real American people to stand up and stand behind our veterans instead of running the other way. Do you know anyone who will stand behind these veterans and not let them be thrown out of their home?

Beautiful roses

I JUST drove by the rose garden in Capaha Park, and it is simply beautiful. I don't know who's taking care of it, but it's weeded and mulched, and the roses are in full bloom. It's a joy to see.

Caring for pets

IN REFERENCE to the person who rescued the dumped kittens near Whitewater. I applaud your caring and compassion where animals are concerned. It's unfortunate that not everyone is caring and kind. Remember, pets are like children. They depend on us to take care of them. If you're going to own a pet, please be responsible. I recommend spaying or neutering. It extends the life and health of your pet, and it cuts down on the amount of unwanted pets in the country. This helps everyone.

Protecting the county

WHAT I received from this hearing on the proposed power plant was that there are people who don't want to hear anyone else but themselves. I think Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones made it very clear that the county commission would in no way be for a plan that would affect our air quality or the water. I do feel that Kinder Morgan Power Co. has not treated the Seabaugh family in a respectful manner. Mostly what I saw was a group of people who wanted to argue rather than listen. I don't believe that DNR or the county commission would allow Kinder Morgan to come into this area and hurt our quality of life. I am a Whitewater resident.

Check those hydrants

I'M A citizen of Scott City, Mo., and I'd like to encourage everyone in Scott City to go to city council meetings. I went last week, and I found out that the fire department isn't doing what they should be doing. It really worries me to think that maybe the hydrant by my house doesn't work because they haven't been checked in five years, and the fire department knows that some of them don't work. But they don't know which ones, because they don't have time to check them. If there's a house fire, what are we going to do if we don't know which hydrants work and which don't? We need to encourage them, put some pressure on them, to check these fire hydrants.

Bible interpretation

REGARDING "BIBLICAL sins": The Christians are the ones who lifted the women up. Jesus Christ himself started elevating women out of the background. About hating homosexuals: The Bible tells you to love everyone. Christians don't necessarily hate homosexuals. They do hate the homosexual sex act, which is sodomy. The caller said no way is that a crime. I beg to disagree. The majority of states, including Missouri, list sodomy as a crime.

Righteous beating

IT'S A disgrace, what the national news media are doing to Gary Condit. The Washington police said he wasn't even a suspect, but the news media have gotten out their self-righteous sticks and are trying to beat him to death. I wonder how many of their lives would stand up to such scrutiny. The media should butt out of his private life.