Speak Out 3/6/04

Blame the victims

BLAMING UNIONS for the loss of jobs to foreign countries is a classic example of blaming the victims.

Put dog on leash

I KNOW the Chaffee Police Department is trying to improve. But I watched a policeman stand in a field talking to some people who had a dog running without a leash. The cop should have told them to put the dog on its leash. Nobody else can let their dogs run, even if they're out with them. It is not right.

Meeting during day

A PARENT commented about the big brick clock in front of the Jackson Middle School and how they shouldn't be spending money on things like that when they have budget cuts. I agree. I'd also like to point out that Jackson Middle School no longer has night PTO meetings. They are held during the daytime when most people work. I used to be a member of PTO, but I have a job and I can't be a part of it anymore.

Need a guarantee

WILL THE city guarantee us that the tax on the ballot will be used only for fire and police?

Dangerous parking

I'M JUST wondering when the Cape Girardeau Police Department is going to do something about the postal employees parking in no parking zones by the distribution center. It's creating a hazard.

Impressive column

I WAS impressed by the column by young Edgar Palacius. It is one of the most sensible columns that has ever appeared in the paper. Thank you very much for his input.

Where's the savings?

I DO not have anything to put out for spring cleanup, but I want the city to tell us where the savings will be and what the trucks and the men will be doing on the days they would normally make these pickups. Where will this $52,000 be saved? Will somebody be sent home for those days? Will the trucks sit idle for those days? Give us the facts.

Paying your way

I WAS amazed to find out the city is spending over $20,000 in three months for one band concert a week. Most of the band members are self-supported adults. Why do they need to be paid when they enjoy playing? The concerts are free to the public, but there could be a voluntary collection box for those who can afford to pay or want to contribute. Our school district is going to charge students to play sports. Sports keep these students busy and healthier. We are complaining our youths don't get enough exercise. Now they will be expected to drop sports if the parents can't afford the extra cost.

A case of bribery?

I SEE in the paper today where Councilwoman Evelyn Boardman suggested the council consider promising voters that it will restore the spring cleanup if the tax passes. Does that sound like bribery to anyone else besides me?

Impact of the movie

HAVING JUST seen Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," I really didn't notice any obvious anti-Semitism. It did accurately reflect that the high priest at that time was morally and spiritually corrupt, but almost all historians would agree with that. The only explicitly anti-Semitic comment in the film was when one of the most sadistic of the Roman soldiers hurled the word "Jew" (as an insult) at the Jewish Ethiopian who helped Jesus carry his cross. If I were to let this movie form my opinions about people, it would make me hate Italians, not Jews.

Making ends meet

MANY OF the participants of the municipal band are teachers and professors. They count on the money they earn to help make ends meet because of the poor pay they receive from their jobs. The band also brings some culture to the area, which we all know is lacking in this city. The band members are providing a service to the community and should be compensated for it. I encourage everyone to attend a concert this summer.