Speak Out 4/19/15

P.O. hours

I understand that the post office doesn't care about us customers anymore, but the least they could do is put an answering machine on that will tell us the hours of these post offices that they've cut the hours so drastically in. It says to call for the hours. I call. Nobody answers the phone. I guess they're not open. I'll have to call again later. At least put an answering machine on with the hours. That's all I ask.

Fluoride

I think the city ought to take a vote on if we ought to keep putting fluoride in the drinking water.

Revisionist

Conservative columnist Rich Lowry's stunning contention that Christianity ushered in the modern world is the most radical revision of history ever. Humanists of the late medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Scientific Revolution eras paved the way for the modern western world. For good or bad, secular humanism was a revolt against, not a product of, Christianity's church teachings.

Whisper campaigns

One lesson learned from the Sikeston Public School Board election is that negative whispering campaigns about candidates that have nothing to do with the issues won't work and will likely be counterproductive.

Slow pitch

There's still time to get a team together. Longtime observers are saying Cape's adult slow pitch softball league will be the most competitive and talented ever!

Helmets, licenses

The Missouri House on Wednesday gave first-round approval to a measure that would allow people 21 and older to ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Rep. Eric Burlison, of Springfield, says it's a matter of personal freedom and that the government should not interfere with the choice to wear a helmet. He says adults should be allowed to make their own decisions. Why do we even need driver's licenses? Everybody can make up their own mind if they can drive or not.

Progressivism

Understandably, Cape Girardeau has an undeserved reputation as an extremely reactionary, regressive, right wing community with an across-the-board anti-tax attitude. And yet, the recent election returns reveal a common sense pragmatism at the local level more in line with selective progressivism. This reflects well on our present and future prospects for continued growth and prosperity.