Speak Out 5/20/10

Dangerous plants

WEEDS on Broadway shouldn't be nearly so big of a concern as the traffic hazard created by the plants at the southeast corner of Henderson Avenue and Broadway. They are very nice to look at but make making a left turn onto Broadway very dangerous.

Excellent program

THE things the Parents as Teachers program instructors do in people's homes are fun and educational for the children. Parents as Teachers instructors help the parents learn what they can do to help their children progress. They help to identify children who need extra help before they start school so that instead of being failures or struggling they are prepared and ready. The Parents as Teachers program is an excellent program. It is good as gold.

Casino benefits

A recent comment said a casino causes a downtown area to go to pieces. I have not seen that anywhere. Harrah's is in the middle of an affluent shopping and entertainment area. It has only prospered. Ameristar is in downtown St. Charles, and we all know that historic downtown St. Charles is the place to be. I think that is true of any city you look at. Casinos provide more police, better roads and jobs.

Less Social Security

I called Social Security to ask why my check is less when we got no cost-of-living increase. I was told, "Most people don't notice with the way it's done on the computer." I wonder if people realize how many people get a few cents less. Thousands of people draw Social Security. My check was $8 less a month before any supplemental insurance was deducted. Over 12 months that is $96 less, which means a lot to retirees. I don't think it's fair.

Pointless cartoon

MEXICO really doesn't kick out very many Americans who are there illegally. Americans who commit crimes know they have a safe haven there -- as safe as anyone can be in Mexico. A recent editorial cartoon saying Mexico is tough on illegal immigrants was rather pointless.

Keep to the right

THIS is regarding motorists in Jackson who don't get over in the right lane when they're driving slower. I know this has been addressed numerous times. Today I saw an example of why this is so crucial. Law enforcement personnel have determined that it is safer for you to be passed on the left than on the right because of what the drivers can see. Today I saw a motorcycle driver who stayed in the left lane going slower than the speed limit, and people kept passing him on the right. When they tried to get back over, they couldn't see where he was. Several people almost hit him. Get over in the right lane. It's for your safety.

Donate TVs

I work at a nursing home where the residents have small television sets or none at all. Wouldn't it be nice if people buying big-screen TVs would donate them to nursing homes?

Time for change

I think politicians are like baby diapers. They need changing often and for the same reason.

School support

I'M disturbed by comments I have seen in both Speak Out and in a letter to the editor about Paul Nenninger. Mr. Nenninger has done a fine job serving Cape Girardeau and our public schools. He is an alumnus of one of our private high schools. This in itself is no problem whatsoever and appears to present no conflict of interest. Mr. Nenninger is a private citizen. He has every right to run for school board. He was elected by the members of this community to serve on the school board. I am proud of the job Mr. Nenninger is doing to watch over not only our tax dollars but also our children. Those people who are upset by Mr. Nenninger for his appearing in an ad for a private school need to take a step back and understand that this no way belittles any of our public schools. It is merely a recognition that he's proud of the high school he once attended, and I support him.

VA doctors

MY father is a veteran who gets medical care at a VA facility. He always takes someone with him so maybe one of them can understand the doctor. If we ask questions, the doctor gets insulted. I have to agree that VA hospitals are in terrible condition. These veterans deserve better hospitals and doctors that we can understand.

Good work

I have been reading comments about Paul Nenninger. I have seen the words "angry," "appalled," "outraged" and "offended" used. I am angry that we have such low test scores. I am appalled at our high dropout rate. I am outraged at how few of our kids go to college. And I am offended that we're spending so much money on a football stadium. Mr. Nenninger, keep up the good work.