Speak Out 4/30/07

Hummers are here

HUMMINGBIRD WORSHIPPERS, get your feeders out. They are here in Cape Girardeau. I have two already visiting.

Not so easy

A COMMENT said working at a take-out restaurant isn't rocket science. Working at a fast-food restaurant is more complicated and challenging than you believe. I am working at one while I finish my education. It is upsetting that people think it's so easy. We work hard in a fast-paced environment and have to put up with people who constantly think they are better than you. We fill hundreds of orders a day. Every once in a while we may forget something. If we do, we gladly replace whatever is incorrect.

Show compassion

SOMEONE COMMENTED that people are not as nice as they used to be. I cannot control others' behavior, only my own. I try to use the theory of Random Acts of Kindness. If someone cuts me off, I smile and wave. If a checkout clerk is short with me, I tell him or her I hope he or she has a nice day. Who knows how another person may be suffering? Try to be compassionate. Someday you may be down yourself.

Mental illness

I COULD not agree more with the commentary "Bedlam revisited." Having dealt with a similar situation, the writer could not have explained my feelings any more appropriately. It is amazing how little attention mental illness has been given as a key element in the Virginia Tech shootings.

Slow down and enjoy

I HOPE the person delayed by deer crossing Sprigg Street brought this situation to the attention of the city. Obviously a deer-crossing sign needs to be put up so others like yourself can slow down and enjoy seeing the beauty of the wildlife that Cape Girardeau has to offer. My aged father lives in a big city. On occasion, he is absolutely thrilled to see deer passing through his backyard. As we build out and encroach on wildlife, let's learn to enjoy them and respect their beauty. Slow down and smell the roses.

Spending priorities

IT WAS interesting to see these two articles in the newspaper: One was related to the decrease in funding for mental-health programs in the state. The other reported our Missouri Senate approved a huge increase for the Missouri Arts Council as well doubling funding for public radio. Our legislators definitely know where our priorities lie, don't they?

Super photo

WHAT A super picture by Kit Doyle on April 26. This was outstanding work, capturing the ball and player as they both head for second base. I hope it results in an award for excellence.

Nation laughing at us

METHINKS THE Young Republicans at Southeast Missouri State University better watch what they wish for. You start to tell universities what a professor can teach that is not along party lines, and a few of us old-timers start to worry. I am neither a liberal nor a conservative. I am both, as are most people. I remember, if the history books are correct or even partially so, the Salem witch hunts, Saddam Hussein, Stalin, Hitler, Amin and a host of others who allowed only what they believed to be presented. Are we in Missouri trying to knock Kansas out as the laughing stock of the country?

Spread the tax

IF THERE is a so-called art tax in Southeast Missouri, I expect my daughter to receive some form of grant for the wonderful pieces of art hanging on my fridge. She is just as qualified as any other artist. She doesn't have a job, and I'm sure her grandparents would pay large sums of money for her work. It's only fair.

Political medicine

MEMO TO Congress: I see ads for medicines to combat acid-reflux (chronic heartburn), but you seem in need of meds to combat a virulent case of elite-reflux (chronic burning belief in your superiority).

No fast path

OUR GOVERNMENT says illegal aliens should have a fast path to citizenship. Most Americans disagree but aren't being heard. Why?

Eating option

REGARDING COMPLAINTS about restaurant workers: These people are providing a service. When they cook and prepare your meal and hand it to you in a bag all ready to go, they are saving you from having to go to the grocery store, put the food away, get it out at another time and prepare it. I wish there were so few important things in my life that I could complain about something as trivial as missing utensils. If you don't like the service you are getting, eat at home.

Liberal programs

EVERY CITIZEN of this country should have health care. Every child should be given a chance to grow up healthy. Every senior should not have to worry about food nor medicines. Everyone should have the same chance for equal justice. And all high school graduates should have the chance to go to college if they qualify and desire. I guess I am a liberal.

Slipping on gravel

REGARDING SCHOOL bus drivers running stop signs: One of the areas reported on was the stop sign at Route Z in Gordonville. On behalf of the bus drivers, if you have ever had to come to a complete stop at that sign and then pull onto the pavement from the gravel road, it is not easy to do in a normal passenger vehicle. Maybe the road district needs to look at paving the area near the stop sign to make it easier to pull out on the incline. I agree the drivers need to be more careful, They hold our future in their hands.

No bigger threat

MENTALLY ILL people are no more likely than the population as a whole to be dangerous to themselves or others. Period. Plenty left

KUDOS TO our outstanding law enforcement for busting another Cape Girardeau drug dealer. One down and 200 more to go.

School schedule

I AM so glad that the Cape Girardeau school board will finally have to give us a reason for starting school so early in the year. There are children who wouldn't mind going to school later just so they could have their full summer. They shouldn't start until after Labor Day.