OpinionApril 30, 2005
Speak Out 4/30/05
Thanks for the effort; Here's a complaint; Tax solution; Preserve these homes; Still a bargain; Looking for music lovers; No fake clock; Making a choice; Riding her coattails; Limits are needed; Smoking decision; Wonderful concert; Different review; Do it the right way; Job instructions; Still responsible; Leading by conviction; Paying for the future
Thanks for the effort
FOR 20 years, I've watched a group of fine people put on an event called the Kow Pasture Klassic. These people work very hard for weeks prior to event selling tickets, making items, gathering things to be auctioned and preparing the grounds. When the day finally arrives, they are there no matter what the weather's like. Over the years they've had many beautiful days along with some days with rain, snow, wind and cold, but the show always goes on. They have fun, laugh, play and even drink some beer. At the end of the day, they have raffles, auctions and prizes for the winners, all for charity. Over 20 years, they have raised thousands and thousands of dollars for such charities as Make a Wish, the Kenny Rogers center, St. Jude's and the veterans home. Thank you, and keep up the good work.
Here's a complaint
I TOO have an allergy that's triggered by cigarette smoke. Smoking areas in restaurants do not work. Smokers seem to believe they have a right to destroy the air we all have to breathe. The mayor claims he isn't getting calls complaining about cigarette smoke in restaurants and public buildings, so he doesn't support the smoking ban. Why aren't the non-smokers in Cape calling the mayor and the city council about this?
Tax solution
IT SEEMS the American petroleum consumer does not understand the impact of our energy dilemma. I suggest a 50-cent-a-gallon gas tax to alter driving habits and fund needed infrastructure improvements. Conservation of remaining oil resources, preservation of the environment and the reduction of urban sprawl are desirable results we all can enjoy.
Preserve these homes
INNER-CITY reconstruction is feasible. Older homes in need of restoration are gold for the do-it-yourselfer and bread and butter for the small investor. These houses need to be preserved.
Still a bargain
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI State University closed the old Parker pool because it was old and out of date. Keeping the pool going cost more money than building a new one. The decision to build a new pool really isn't up to the people of Cape Girardeau. It is up to the university. If the students are going to pay for it, go for it. SEMO is still a bargain, even if the incidental fees go up for students.
Looking for music lovers
WHAT A wonderful concert most of Cape Girardeau and neighboring communities missed at Old St. Vincent's Church Sunday afternoon. There were many moments of goose-bumpy, chills-up-the-spine highlights and the opportunity to hear and see musically talented individuals put their hearts and souls into an inspiring concert. Presented by the Southeast Missouri State University Music Department, the concert ranks right up there with Community Concert Series offerings of the past. But where are the supporters? Where is the local media to cover and publicize such grand events? Where are the music lovers? Where are the young and not-so-young people? Come on, folks. Let's support this marvelous opportunity to listen to, appreciate and enjoy live music right here in our hometown. The next concert in the ongoing series, "Sundays at Three," is scheduled for Aug. 28. Let's have a standing-room-only crowd in attendance.
No fake clock
MEMO TO Jackson's new historical association: Jackson does not need one of those fake replicas of an antique clock in the middle of its uptown.
Making a choice
I'VE CONSIDERED myself a compassionate conservative for some time and have mostly voted Republican. However, my local legislators don't seem to be listening to their constituents. I'm extremely disappointed in their fiscal decisions and will most definitely be making more appropriate choices in following elections.
Riding her coattails
WHY IS Southeast Missouri State University bringing in Oprah's boyfriend as a speaker?This is a huge waste of taxpayer money. His speech is touted as how to make a name for yourself. What a joke. He's ridden on Oprah's coattails and only has name recognition due to her. If he was doing a speech on a dysfunctional relationship, I could understand. There's something wrong with couples who refuse to marry after decades of being together. Come on, SEMO. Bring in a decent speaker or none at all.
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Limits are needed
I AGREE with Jackson about limiting collecting for charities at intersections. I wish Scott City would do the same. You come off I-55, and traffic is backed up because of people at the stoplight collecting for charities. Though the causes are noble, I don't feel city streets and intersections are a place for people to hinder the flow of traffic to collect for their charities.
Smoking decision
IF A person has a problem with his favorite restaurant's smoking policies, the answer is to find another favorite and consider speaking to the owner about it. Restaurant owners should be allowed to make their own decisions about smoking or non-smoking. Every time we make a law to protect a group of people, we take away the rights of another group.
Wonderful concert
I HAVE to say thank you to the Central High School Jazz Band for such a wonderful concert at my son's school. It was so entertaining. It was all that he could talk about. I happened to be at the school that day and want to say how wonderful the concert was. Those band teachers in Cape Girardeau are outstanding.
Different review
I MUST comment on your movie reviews. I have seen all three of the movies that Ken Cook has reviewed, and I am not sure if he watched the same movies as everyone else. Movies are not supposed to be realistic. They are supposed to be entertaining.
Do it the right way
IF THE Jackson School Board tries to use the so-called nuclear option to get voter approval for a new high school, the voters -- even more so the yes voters -- will not accept this and will set this issue back for years to come. Let's do this the proper way. If the district tries to force this on the voters, it is going to lose.
Job instructions
MAYBE PROSECUTING Attorney Morley Swingle would like a letter from all the high school parents telling him how to do his job better. What a rude invasion. Does he think we are dumb?
Still responsible
NOT ALL parents are responsible enough to try to prevent kids from drinking. Perhaps the bad attitude about the prosecuting attorney's letter to parents of high school students going to the prom is more from being reminded that they are still responsible for their kids.
Leading by conviction
IF JOHN Bolton is representative of the president, then he's representative of the United States. Thank goodness we have a president who leads by conviction.
Paying for the future
THE PARENTS paying into Social Security right now are not paying in for what the senior citizens are currently receiving. They are paying in for what they and their children will receive when they become senior citizens.
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