Speak out 3/24/08

Vote yes

Wake up, people of Cape Girardeau, and vote yes on April 8 so we won't have to deal with this type of flooding again — or at least it would improve what we just witnessed.

Walking in floodwater

During the flood my son, along with several other Cape Girardeau students, were let off the school bus and told to walk through the flood to get home. They walked through waist-high floodwater. To the bus driver I would like to say: You lack common sense. If you cannot drive your school bus through the floodwater, how do you expect students to walk through it? To the adults who live near Clippard Elementary School who saw what happened and guided the boys through the water by pointing out the center of road was highest and by shouting out to them where the rapid water was and where the storm drains were: I don't know who you are, but I thank God for you. I believe God had you there at that moment to guide these boys to safety, and I thank you for that. Thank you also for offering the boys shelter (even though they declined it since they did not know you). I want you to know the boys made it home safely. Thank you for being there to guide them.

Reaching out

REGARDING Wal-Mart's health insurance plan suing a former employee: The employee was in a traffic collision, and the health plan paid for her bills, as it should. The woman is now in a nursing home, and a settlement was later made from the accident. (This seems like the right thing to do, too). The settlement from the accident should provide for her long-term care. Wal-Mart, do the right thing. You are always reaching out to give to organizations. Why not an employee?

City responsibility

I ALREADY pay to have storm debris picked up, because I chose to live inside the city limits where these types of things would be taken care of with my tax dollars. I cannot physically do it myself. The city has promised to take care of this and should do so. Period. If I wanted to have the responsibility for things like this, I'd move out into the county.

Last in line

AFTER THE Jackson tornado a few years ago that hit the city's Bent Creek area hard, the debris on that side of town was cleaned up almost immediately. I live in one of the hardest areas hit by the ice storm and nothing has been done on my side of town. I was one of the very last people in town to get my electricity back on too. It's interesting to see who is really calling the shots in town.

School schedule

I AM tired of people complaining that the Cape Girardeau School District is adding five extra days to the schedule. The state requires the district to go a certain number of days. Some districts are going into June and still don't have a large spring break.

Take the hint

DURING THE recent torrential rainfall, I heard a voice that seemed to be coming from above. The deep voice said, "This should be enough to convince you to vote for Cape Girardeau's storm and sewer tax proposal."

Drury's principle

I WORKED for Jim Drury when I was in college and can tell you that he was exactly what we need more of in this country. He expected you to work hard, but he worked just as hard, if not harder. His son was right in saying he wanted to help those who couldn't, as opposed to those who wouldn't, help themselves. Our country would be better off if everyone, including those making the laws, lived by that principle.

Senior park

CAN'T THE city government ever do anything that's cutting edge in Cape Girardeau? We need a senior-citizens-only outdoor playground with exercise equipment that's both fun and good for you. It wouldn't cost that much. Seniors, unite!

Park parking

THE CITY should not permit parking on both sides of Parkview Drive during baseball games. It becomes a one-lane street, and drivers are backing out onto West End Boulevard to allow others to pass. It's dangerous and poor planning. Permanent "No Parking" signs would alleviate the problem.

Biblical meaning

DO THE torrential rain and flooding have any meaning? Yes. It's biblical and best summed up in the warning given Noah as to how mankind had better straighten up its act. God gave Noah the rainbow sign. No more water. The fire next time.

Store sitting

CASHIERS AND store employees are not babysitters. While we are willing to try to ensure that your child doesn't get hurt, it is rude and selfish for parents to allow small children to walk around a store alone or ask a cashier to watch them while you use the restroom, get money from your car or shop. If you do not want to watch your child in the store, hire a sitter.

Not my mess

I PAID to have my trees trimmed after the ice storm, and all the trimmings were neatly stacked on my lawn (off the street). A city forklift came down our street taking all the limbs from my neighbor's yards and piling them in the street in front of my house. It's quite a mess, but it's not my mess.

Welcome home

WELCOME HOME from Iraq, Sgt. Nathan Davie. Thank you for serving our country, God bless you and your wonderful family.

Thanks, preacher

I WANT to thank the preacher who came up to me when I was waiting for news on a family member in the emergency room. Your kindness was greatly appreciated. Everything turned out fine.

Thanks for shelter

MY WIFE and I would like to thank First Baptist Church in Marble Hill for opening its doors to flood victims. They gave us food, blankets and a place to sleep until the waters went down. I saw many people there, and I hope each one thanked the church.