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OpinionMarch 1, 2010

A high school friend came to visit me from Bloomington, Ind. He described Cape Girardeau as a dying river town. Sad to say, I almost agree when compared to towns like Paducah, Ky., Cape Girardeau is a poor example of a city trying to find itself. There needs to be a revival in Cape Girardeau development such as Paducah has done with its arts center...

Dying town

A high school friend came to visit me from Bloomington, Ind. He described Cape Girardeau as a dying river town. Sad to say, I almost agree when compared to towns like Paducah, Ky., Cape Girardeau is a poor example of a city trying to find itself. There needs to be a revival in Cape Girardeau development such as Paducah has done with its arts center.

Drunk and armed

I'D like to comment about the new law allowing handgun in national parks. The people who float the rivers are usually drunk, and we're letting them carry guns? That's a no-brainer. Why are we doing that?

Who's the boss?

PRESIDENT Obama, you need to tell Republican congressional leaders what to do and where to go. They whip you around like a wet noodle, and you don't fight back. Get tough with them. If you don't do something in three years you'll be packing your bags. Let them know you're the boss, not them.

Great teams

THE basketball teams from Eagle Ridge Christian School traveled to Joplin, Mo., where they played so well in the tournament for their division. The cheerleaders were awesome. The girls' team played wonderfully, and the guys took first place. The world is a better place because of Christian teenagers and their leaders. It was our privilege to spend four days and nights on this trip with them. Thank God for Christian teenagers.

East Cape casino

NOT everybody who goes to casinos is a river rat. I have friends who go to casinos. Cape Girardeau needs a casino to help our businesses and schools. If Cape Girardeau doesn't get a casino, look out for Illinois to put one on the Mississippi River bank across from the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. Who will benefit then?

Speeding truck

I just about got run over by a big truck on Siemers Drive. It was going about 80 mph from the stop sign at Siemers and Bloomfield Road trying to pass everybody and get into the left turn lane to go to the interstate. The next time I see this I will be making a phone call to the police.

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Enjoyable drive

MANY people are complaining about Highway 34 between Jackson and Marble Hill, Mo. They're complaining about the road being in such bad shape and about all the wrecks. I've driven that road many times. It's an enjoyable drive. Is it the road's fault, or is it the way in which people drive?

Starving children

MICHELLE Obama has taken on childhood obesity as her pet project. Doesn't she realize that by time our children pay off the national debt, they're going to be starving?

Movie suggestion

I have something I would make people aware of. There is a movie out called "Generation Zero." I think everybody should see it. People are concerned that we may have to cut back this program or that program. If this country collapses economically, there won't be anything. You won't have Social Security or welfare. The government is the only one hiring. Production from factories is down. We've got a real problem. I advise anyone to watch this movie.

School needs

I am not against any needed repairs to our schools, but I will vehemently say again that a football stadium is not a need. It is not even a priority. It is an ego thing. Jackson has a stadium, and Cape Girardeau doesn't. There are many more important things like having enough textbooks for everybody to be able to take one home to study. Stop beginning the school year so early. With the price of gas and electricity going up, it will cost more to heat and cool school buildings, so why not wait until after Labor Day to begin the school year? If the school district cuts out a few unnecessary things, it might find the money to do what needs to be done. Everybody has had to tighten their belts. It's time the school board did the same thing.

Extreme moderation

A Speak Out caller obviously doesn't understand Joe Sullivan. He congratulated Joe on writing columns that are nonpolitical. Whether he realizes it or not, the caller is constantly being bombarded with political propaganda from Joe, most of it in the form of subliminal messages. Now that you have been forewarned, keep in mind that when it comes to politics, Joe is a radical, extremist moderate.

Parking spots

THERE has been talk about giving the Cape Girardeau School District more money. If it gets it, the first thing it should do is repaint the numbers on the parking spaces. Each spot is assigned, but the paint is so faded you can hardly see it. Students get tickets if they are not in the correct spot. Before we entrust the school district with more money, we should ensure that they maintain the premises they have now.

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