Speak Out 5/12/09

Missed the point

THE comment supporting federal anti-hate legislation missed the point, I do believe, of David Limbaugh's column. These type of crimes are not historically matters that the federal government involves itself in. By involving the federal government, this legislation would fundamentally change law enforcement and our criminal justice system by putting two jurisdictions over any crime that could potentially be construed as qualifying. Although it pains me to say it, I agree with Limbaugh. This is bad policy. I am gay and have witnessed much discrimination in my life. But this legislation, while it may sound good, is not built on sound legal principles.

Casino monopoly

GIVE riverboat gambling in Cape Girardeau a rest. Last year's state referendum, supposedly to generate more casino money for schools, effectively killed any chance of a boat here. Thank the gaming board and politicians who got wined and dined by the gaming companies for the state of today's Missouri casinos. Can you say monopoly?

Downtown cleanup

FROM what I understand, if the federal building becomes a homeless shelter it is supervised and the grounds are kept up nice. If everyone is so picky, take a look at the 600, 700 and 800 blocks of Broadway as well as parts of Good Hope and Sprigg streets as you come off the bridge. These areas could use some DREAM money to make Cape Girardeau look better.

Restrooms first

ALL the talk about the DREAM Initiative and everything proposed for downtown sounds nice, but we need restroom facilities downtown first.

No new taxes

DEAR Cape Girardeau residents, please say no to any more tax increases. Our homes have been reassessed higher. The new library has cost us over $9 million. The new water slide is to be completed for an enormous amount of money and will be far out in the city so many people will not be able to enjoy it. AmerenUE utility rates will surely go up. The rates for sewer, water and trash will pass if we don't oppose them. How in the world can the mayor with a straight face propose bringing a minor-league baseball team to Cape? This mayor and city council obviously don't know or don't care about the drastic economic crisis we're in. The Capaha Park swimming pool is centrally located and could be refurbished for pennies instead of the one being built. Come on, people of Cape, let's stop this tax-crazy group from pushing, pulling and bullying us into any more outlandish tax increases.