Speak Out 5/6/07

Truly discouraging

"WHAT KIND of message does it send to the troops?" is a question posed by Republicans whenever someone questions the Iraq War. The real question is: What message does it send to the troops when the president's reasons for going to war were untrue, the planning and execution of the occupation of Iraq has not worked, soldiers are subjected to repeated and extended tours of duty and wounded soldiers are forced to live in the humiliation of Walter Reed Army Medical Center. These failings, unchecked by Congress, are truly discouraging.

Mankind's vanity

IRONICALLY, someone suggested the wooded area around Lexington, Sprigg and Bertling be made into a sanctuary for deer and other wildlife. It's too late. It used to be, but now it is, in large part, a sanctuary for human beings. What has happened is an excellent example of the vanity of mankind.

Humane treatment

I THINK it is great that the local humane society is mandating that pet owners become more responsible. I would be grateful if my dog got off its chain that it be held safely at the humane society. Ten dollars a day is barely enough money to pay the help to clean, feed and care for your pet per day. As far as the alteration issue is concerned, this cuts down on the numerous health-related issues, as well as helps with this country's pet over-population problem. Thirty-five dollars for alteration is ridiculously cheap, basically a 75 percent discount compared to what everyone else has to pay. Participating veterinarians are doing this out of kindness and make nothing off of those cases. I would rather the humane society hold my animal hostage than euthanize or have it hit by a car. I support the humane society.

Sharing the road

ALL CYCLISTS need to follow the rules of the road. I agree. However, drivers need to pay attention to everything on the road, not just other cars. Too many times I hear the excuse that drivers don't see people on bikes, and for that reason bikes shouldn't be on the road. What about people walking? Should they not be allowed to cross the street because a driver might not see them? What happens when a cyclist gets hit and injured and the excuse the driver gives the police is that they "just didn't see him?" Will that excuse work when I run a stop sign and tell the officer "I just didn't see it"? I don't think so. Cyclists have the same rights and, therefore, the same responsibilities as drivers.

Best government

CONTRARY TO some candidates, America isn't great because of our people but because of our form of government. The world is full of wonderful people, but only American government is based on principles that set the people's best characteristics free to bless us all.

City surveillance

GREAT STORY by TJ Greaney. For heaven's sake, why hasn't Cape Girardeau started a safe streets security camera surveillance system like Sikeston's?

Let government pay

I DISAGREE with a recent comment saying it would require more taxes to provide free college tuition and health care for all citizens. We need to stop wasting tax money on bridges to nowhere, fat-cat defense contractors and other pet projects. Just as we have to be good stewards with our personal incomes, Congress must do better with the tax revenue. Providing free college tuition would generate higher salaries for all and increase the tax base. We give billions in foreign aid to other countries with little benefit to us. How much better would it be for us to get a return on our investment when we help our own.

Teach a lesson

I AGREE with the comments about blowing trash and believe the owner of the garbage transfer company should be charged and publicly sanctioned with community service for disrespecting and fouling the beauty of Missouri for personal gain. The cost of a tight tarp confining loose garbage is so tiny, while the damage done by the shortcut of not having one on every transfer truck leaves the cost of cleanup to be borne by all the rest of us. It's not the driver. He's not in control. He can only do what he's told. Teach the garbage transfer company owner some manners.

Come to a stop

I AM not sure I understand these bus drivers and their supporters when they tell us it's often safer to roll through a stop sign. I am a licensed driver. I have taken the written and driving exams in Missouri. So have all these bus drivers. What part of "Come to a complete stop at a stop sign before proceeding" don't they understand?