Speak Out 5/24/05

Beautiful county parks

THANK YOU to the persons responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Cape Girardeau County parks and pavilions. I reserved a shelter for May 14 and was extremely pleased with my experience. The lawn was well -groomed and the facilities clean. In return, I made certain we left the facility in the same shape as it was when I arrived. Thanks a million for making a good impression on my out-of-town family. Cape Girardeau is a beautiful city. Keep our city pretty.

Wifely duties

THANK YOU, Sam Blackwell, for the column "Confessions of a reluctant property owner." I too have learned the same lesson he already has: When you have a dirty job to do, pass it on to the wife. Nobody messes with the woman of the house.

Responsibility factor

I DON'T recall any Scripture saying that you have to take care of the lazy. In fact, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." If lazy people were forced to work to eat, those who truly need help would get it. I was told in the past that lazy men found switches on their porches when they abused their families or wouldn't support them. Most received the warning and straightened up. Today they would beat their families in the front yard just to show what kind of real men they are. It comes down to one thing: take responsibility.

Economic indicators

FOOD PRICES went up, but new-car prices went down. Aren't we all glad to know that? As far as lodging going down, we wonder where this is happening?

Real curiosity

IN RESPONSE to the person who was just curious about Cape Girardeau police cars being out of the city limits: I'd think that if this person were truly just curious, he would have called the police department and asked about it instead of calling Speak Out, where you cannot be contacted with the answer to your question.

Poverty drivel

THE WALTER Williams column on poverty was fundamentally flawed. It was based on the poverty level, which bears little relationship to reality. Indeed, two people working minimum wage jobs can earn more that the poverty level. But will this pay the rent and buy food and other necessities? The reality is that it will not, especially with children. One third of those who become homeless do so while working. The Missourian would do well to stop printing such misleading and fallacious drivel. Do a real story on the working poor and the numbers of people trapped in low-wage jobs.

Public lanes at pool

WHAT'S HAPPENED to the public swimming lanes at the Central Junior High School pool? The sign by the revolving door designates five lanes for Gators and the rest for the public. However, at 6 o'clock the guards often clear most of the public lanes for some other group. Are there really public lanes after 6 o'clock or not?

Corral the children

TO THE person afraid children will end up as hood ornaments on speeding cars: Maybe it's time for parental supervision or a better fence. Parents would not want their children in an accident with a car driving at any speed.

Asking for money

THERE ARE times I resent fund raisers. Why send a reminder if I didn't respond the first time? Could it be I am not interested in participating? Could it be I don't have the money and those second attempts to collect only cause guilt and anger? I have helped out in the past. Now I am burnt out. No more phone calls. No more second notices. No more solicitations. Give me a break. I'll help again in the future when I can.