Speak Out 5/21/07

Poetry to advertising

THE WELL-WRITTEN story about the burgeoning number of digital billboards in Cape Girardeau reminded me of a quote: "The trouble with us in America isn't that the poetry of life has turned to prose, but that it has turned to advertising."

Prom reminder

TO THE person worried about the champagne glasses being used as prom favors: Both of my children brought home these glasses from their proms. Neither one has ever used them for anything other than to remind them of a great prom. They are a pretty memento, nothing more.

Best health care

I GET so tired of people comparing our country's health care with that of other nations, citing just the costs. That's a small part of the picture. In my job I have traveled to many countries, staying several weeks at a time, and I've had the opportunity to get to know workers in those countries. Some of the countries have horrible care. Everyone can get it, but who would want to? No system is perfect, but after seeing what's out there, I'll take what we've got here any day of the week.

Responsible citizens

THE GOVERNMENT is supposed to be for the people, by the people and of the people. The patriotic thing to do is to take control of our country. Putting up the flag, paying taxes and voting aren't enough. We need to form our own opinions. Find out what the people in your life think about the war in Iraq, the health care system, the Fair Tax, government spending and lobbyists. Decide on what you think. Form your opinion, write to your federal legislators. They work for you. Rights and responsibilities come with citizenship. Talk with each other. Find your voice. Be responsible citizens.

Chaffee's secrecy

I WOULD like to know why Chaffee's city council is having so many closed meetings. Why is everything being kept in secret? We deserve to know what is going on.

Hiring bias

I HAVE had several interviews in doctors' offices, and not a single one has hired me. I truly believe it is because I am an African-American. Instead of looking at my qualifications, they look at my race. This needs to come to an end.

A fine teacher

I would like to say how much my child and I have appreciated what a fine music teacher Mr. Shaftner is at Central Junior High School. He took the students for pizza and paid for it himself. There have been two concerts that were free, and the students did an outstanding performance.

Caught on video

WHY WOULD anyone be so afraid of surveillance cameras downtown? If they caught one person breaking into a business or one person breaking the law. it would be worth it. If you are not doing anything you shouldn't, why worry?

Buying junk food

I WORK where people come in with food stamps that buy nothing but junk, not nutritious food. I don't feel sorry for people on food stamps.

Bright billboards

THE NEW billboards at Kingshighway and William Street blind you. You cannot see at night.

Worked for grades

I CAN assure you that my daughter was in the top of her class with a 4.0 grade average. She worked hard for those grades. She did homework every night and weekends for hours and hours. I resent the implication good students got those grades because the faculty was brain dead.

Reporting the ratings

THE NEWS media keep saying that President Bush's approval rating is 37 percent. Why not report that the Democratic Congress' approval rating is 29 percent? People do not approve of what the Democrats are trying to do. I wish the news media would be true and honest. No wonder no one watches them anymore.

Help the child

THE BIBLE says let your time with fools be short lest you become like them. Even if your child was slighted, don't be hurt. I know that is a lot to ask. Remember the words "Life is short." What if you gain the whole world but lose your soul? It is just a vapor, we are here for a little while and then we are gone. Help that child if you can. Don't be condescending. When you come face to face with the Almighty, are you going to look down or up at him?

Comparing costs

I KEEP reading articles about the high cost of medical care in the United States compared to the other 19 major industrial countries that spent 50 percent less than we do. What about the income of America verses these countries? I think that is the important thing to look at.

Seeking fame

I THOUGHT Cape Girardeau would be put on the map for two things: home of Rush Limbaugh and location for a worldwide smash movie hit called "Killshot." I guess we are back to the Rush Limbaugh home.

All diseases are important

I DON'T feel autism deserves anymore than attention than cancer or any other disease. Street repairs

GUESS WHAT? A city work crew is fixing the big concrete buckle in Kenneth Avenue. It has taken three comments in Speak Out to get this job done. Thank you.