Speak Out 4/21/06

Unfair criticism

I THINK the military should pursue criminal action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice against the Marine Corps generals who are attacking Donald Rumsfeld. If these generals felt so strongly about their criticisms of the war, they should have raised their concerns when they still wore the uniform.

Not for gentlemen

"GENTLEMAN: NOUN. (1) a: a man of noble or gentle birth b: a man with chivalrous qualities (2): a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior." The new owners of the Purple Crackle and town council of the East Cape Girardeau are calling the new club a gentlemen's club. Interesting. I didn't see watching a woman dance naked and putting money in her G-string mentioned in Webster's dictionary. Call it what you want, but when I am teaching my sons what a true gentleman is, it will have nothing to do with what their term is. It is a strip club.

Good riddance

MOUNTAIN LIONS and bears were wiped out in Missouri because they were a danger to farm animals and people. That's fine with me. If you allow these animals to repopulate, we'll be facing the problems of other states. They'll be attacking family pets, small children in their yards and joggers or hikers. Previous generations knew people were more important than animals. There are some misguided people now who don't believe this.

Scary politics

MANY DO not realize, or will not admit, that the scariest thing about coming elections is that we shall have voted in either Republican or Democratic lawmakers. Unfortunately, each political party has its good and bad points, and the general population pretty much has to live with both after the elections. It's rather scary, isn't it?

Bring back cleanup

I MISS the spring cleanup week Cape Girardeau used to have. It was an adventure every night to see what was out there. Lots of people would drive to Cape just to sort through the stuff. I can't believe it's cheaper to do it one day a week every week of the year, instead of a week-long effort once a year.

Making left turns

I DIDN'T think I would like two-way traffic on Main Street in downtown Cape Girardeau, but I do. The only problem is at the intersection of Main and Themis Street. The signs on the clock clearly show "No left turns," yet motorists are continuously making them. I don't think the public understands the picture signs.

No one cares

I AM a resident of East Cape Girardeau, Ill., and I also have to look at the filth some people have in their yards. It's sad to think people judge a person who tries to keep a nice home by the way others choose to live. There should be ordinances against the junk cars and trashy houses that look like they are about to fall down. None of this would go on if we had someone who actually cared about this community.

Tarnished glitter

THE DIFFERENCE be-tween the Purple Crackle and clubs like the Hush Puppy is that the former is steeped in historical tradition. Nationally known Big Band-era figures played there as did the wildly popular Jack Stalcup Band and others. Folks dressed up and always exhibited proper demeanor and decorum. Now that it's going to become a disgustingly low-brow strip club, there's only one thing I want to know. When does it open?

Unnecessary tests

ARE ALL these state tests given by schools necessary? All they do for my children is wear them out and discourage them from trying hard on the tests.

Burning issue

IT IS a real shame that Cape Girardeau allows open burning within the city limits. As I write this my windows are closed, my house is hot and I am not enjoying the beautiful weather because my neighbor decided to burn. I don't see why I should have to turn my air conditioner on and raise my electric bill because someone else decides it's OK to burn.

Double standard

LET ME get this straight. George Ryan, the former governor of Illinois, has been convicted of 22 counts in federal court, and one of those counts carries a 20-year prison term. But he is a free man until his sentencing in August. Yet Greg Sparkman, who was convicted in federal court six months ago and who has overwhelming community support, has been sitting in jail and will stay there until his sentencing this summer. Sounds like a double standard.

Showing appreciation

I AGREE that we do not give enough recognition to the jobs policemen do. We also fail to appreciate our firefighters and teachers enough. Each of these professions gets very little pay for what they do compared to other jobs. We seem to expect these services be provided at little expense, yet we don't mind paying $100 and more to go to a ballgame or similar activity on a regular basis. Sports are enjoyable. But I think we have our priorities mixed up. Thank you, policemen, firefighters and teachers, for your wonderful job. I appreciate you.

Earned rights

A RECENT comment said immigrants are demanding rights they hadn't earned and don't deserve. My country says all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. There is nothing in there about earning rights, nor that only Americans deserve these rights.

Bridge beacon

I never cease to have my breath taken away by glimpses of the new bridge over the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau. It can be seen from various locations, and it's always something of a pleasant surprise.