Speak Out 4/1/09

Waiting for progress

IN April 2008 Cape Girardeau voters approved the parks and recreation tax. Two main interests I have in that tax are the lengthening of the Osage Trail and the water park. I have seen progress on neither. Were these projects not supposed to have been started by now? Can someone point me to where I might find an update or more information on a timeline for these things or an explanation on why they are not being started?

Barriers save lives

NO safety device is perfect. The cable barrier on I-55 is designed to keep vehicles from traveling across the median into oncoming traffic. It is effective in preventing these types of accidents and is a wise investment. The reason it is not in the middle of the median is because the poles must be set in a solid foundation to keep the system operating correctly.

Look in the mirror

I sure hope all you folks who have been whining about President Obama turning our country into a socialist state haven't been cashing your Social Security checks or pulling out your Medicare cards when you go to the doctor. What? You have? Then you need to find the nearest mirror, take a good long look at yourself and repeat after me: I am a big hypocrite. There. Doesn't that feel better?

A winning team

THIS evening I have witnessed the most amazing human spirit I ever have seen. I saw a volleyball game between Jackson seventh- and eighth-graders against Leopold. On the seventh-grade Leopold team, there was a girl who was mentally challenged who played most of the game. The Leopold team lost a few points due to her performance. However, the coach kept her in. Her fellow teammates cheered her on through encouraging words and quick saves. Leopold has always been known for its volleyball standing, and tonight I saw that put aside for a girl to live her life to the fullest. Way to go, Leopold coach, for letting this young lady play. May everyone who observed take with them the true meaning of a winning team.

President's excuses

WHEN Barack Obama was campaigning, he stated over and over how he was going to bring our troops home and soon. Now he's sending thousands more over. I know we can't just fold, but nothing he campaigned on has been done. There's an excuse for everything. I don't need any more change.

Cell phones in cars

FOR all those complaining about cell phones and driving: Where I live you are not allowed to have a cell phone to your ear while driving. I live on a military post. I am originally from the Southeast Missouri. It's really not that big of a deal. If an MP catches you driving while talking on your cell, you are given a ticket for $100. Maybe this is something you should write to your city officials about. Hands-free devices keep both hands on the wheel. This should be made a state law.