Speak Out 3/1/13

Aid, cuts

On the same day that President Obama cried wolf over the sequester, he had his secretary of state announce $60 million in aid to the Syrian rebels. We will borrow this money and continue adding to the debt. Let the sequester happen because it's the only way we can avoid bankrupting our country.

Medicaid expansion

Congratulations to erstwhile troglodyte conservative governor of Florida Rick Scott on his wise decision to sign on to Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. As one source pointed out, if some states accept Medicaid expansion and some don't, you definitely want to be on the side of those who do. As far as Missouri goes: Sigh.

Fruitland, commission

Residents of Fruitland want to become a recognized city. The county commissioners are holding back this process by nitpicking the process and spending county money to have an "outside" lawyer look into the situation. The "situation" is that no other village or city in Cape Girardeau County has come up against this kind of political Big Brother attitude. No wonder things the citizens want in Cape Girardeau County don't get done; the commissioners are just thinking, not doing.

Pre-K

Rest assured that most of those who oppose pre-K schooling have the funds and insist that their progeny receive it.

Great dance

It doesn't seem possible, but each year's Cape Parks and Rec-sponsored father-daughter dance seems to outdo the previous year's. This one was a smashing success, provided a night to remember for fathers and daughters, and reflected outstanding work by the staff to make it all possible. I wish there was enough Speak Out space to thank everyone by name. Anyway, a special Speak Out shout-out has to go to Chris Eastridge and Stacy Welter.

Presidential travel

I saw a comparison in which President Reagan used $8 million of taxpayer money for vacations during his first six years as president. Obama spent a whopping $4 million on just his last Christmas vacation in Hawaii. That is one trip! He has no regard for the taxpayers' money. It's all on your dime, and he can't spend it fast enough.