Speak Out 5/18/10

Still there

ON Jan, 22, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order that decreed "the detention facilities at Guantanamo for individuals covered by this order shall be closed as soon as practicable, and no later than one year from the date of this order." His self-imposed deadline passed four months ago. Where's the outcry from the media, the liberal elite and those supposed compassionate humanitarians?

Casino boost

A casino in Cape Girardeau would be great for the city. Look at Caruthersville. It has more revenue than Cape Girardeau. It would help our dying downtown area merchants.

Bad taste

I am saddened by the recent actions of Paul Nenninger, president of the Cape Girardeau School Board, and feel that his decision to appear in an ad for Notre Dame Regional High School was a slap in the face for the district he serves. While Mr. Nenninger certainly has the right to be a proud alumnus of his school, his advertising the fact that he is the current president of the Cape Girardeau School Board was in bad taste. How can we expect citizens to have confidence in our school system when the president of the board appears in an ad for a private school?

Access blocked

MY daughter and several of her friends went to a restaurant for dinner before their prom. One of her friends is in a wheelchair and was unable to use the handicapped-accessible entrance because a table is in front of the entrance and there were diners at the table. I want to thank the patron who helped bring the wheelchair in through the regular entrance.

Casino poll?

CASINOS provide funds for good causes -- or do they? The state wants to make up funds lost when the President Casino closes. Casinos make contributions to worthy causes such as veterans, but is this a cover to gain public acceptance? Reports of hardships on families caused by gambling are classified as "anecdotal." Are the brutal statistics from sites like Gamblers Anonymous anecdotal too? The city does not want to put the gambling question on the ballot again. How about the opposing factions agreeing on an opinion research group to conduct a poll?

Preserving the old

Franklin Elementary School is scheduled to be demolished at a time when the rest of the country is thinking preservation. Renovated buildings celebrate both history and state-of-the-art efficiency. With updating, Franklin could readily serve today's needs. Why discard a viable and historic school when renovation is more practical and logical? Cape Girardeau has already lost too many of its old building, and to lose another is unthinkable. Demolition is a finality that cannot be undone.

University cuts

I am losing my job at the end of the month at Southeast Missouri State University because of budget cuts. I'm wondering how the athletic department was able to hire an external fundraiser making three times my pay. I also wonder how much new money he has brought in so far to justify his hiring.

That's not food

THE food stamp program is excellent. I have been on it. I had to raise six children by myself. I really needed food stamps. But when I see somebody checking out with beer and cigarettes, I think we need to get control over this situation.

Dog leash

I would like to know what we can do about a person who visits his parents on weekends and his dog runs loose. We are getting tired of the mess in the yard. What can we do about it?

Got it right

LAST month, 14 immigrants became citizens of the United States at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau. These people did it right. If you come into this country illegally and get stopped, Arizona says you must show proper ID. Even at our federal courthouse you must show proper ID. We should be proud of Arizona for having enough gumption to get it right.

Great production

CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Dumey and cast of "The Sound of Music" at Central Junior High School for a wonderful and exciting evening. It was another great production of a Broadway musical with junior high students. Thanks, Mike, for all the work you do for our school and community.

Too much change

PRESIDENT Obama promised change. Things changed when I lost my job. I changed when I have to live off my savings. I changed when my house went into foreclosure. I hope the next presidential election will change things for the better. Health care? Forget it.

Thanks for Fourth

I want to thank the veterans group that is going to do the Fourth of July celebration in Cape Girardeau. We need a Fourth of July celebration to appreciate our roots and our liberties.