OpinionMay 6, 2009
Speak Out 5/6/09
Turn off the lights; Another party; Give me my money; We need a riverboat; City embarrassment; Violent behavior; City's budget; Driving issues; Dogs in Delta; Just watching; Automobile irony; It's a tool; Keep the plan; Teach flexibility; Jolt for Republicans; Write more tickets
Turn off the lights
I'VE been reading in the paper about all of the cost-saving measures (some small, some large) that the city is taking. Why doesn't the city consider shutting off the street lights? They could be shut off all night or leave them on until 2 a.m. Some lights are needed for security reason. But let's be honest, most are not. For example, the street lights on North Kingshighway by County Park are not essential. It seems prudent to me that the city should look into this option.
Another party
I just heard that the city has decided it's going to raise rates and the police officers aren't going to get raises. That is horrible. Let's all get together and have a tea party.
Give me my money
"OBAMA backs Chrysler bankruptcy as a wise move": Bankruptcy was a wise move six months ago when President Bush gave Chrysler the first round of my money. It was a wise move two months ago when Chrysler got more of my money. So when am I going to get my money back? You know, the money I didn't want to give them in the first place?
We need a riverboat
I feel Cape Girardeau would benefit from a riverboat casino. It doesn't have to be docked directly downtown. If people are going to gamble, they will whether or not there's a riverboat here or in a neighboring city. People will travel to have a good time. There are plenty of responsible people who don't have gambling problems. We should do something about our own economy here and build a riverboat. This will bring more jobs to the area, revenue and a good time for all.
City embarrassment
THE story about the aircraft manufacturing company leasing the airport building is embarrassing for our mayor and city council. The officials who authorized the initial bond issue of $2.8 million should apologize and resign. Then they lease to another company that has paid eight lease payments out of 40 -- and nothing has been done. There is no excuse. The city is not getting any money from the aircraft company, but it is still occupying the space and the city is still making the bond payments. There is something wrong here. I don't know of any landlord who would take eight payments out of 40. This is an unbelievable story.
Violent behavior
I support the anti-hate bill now heading to the U.S. Senate. Why? The bill makes it a crime to inflict violence on several categories of people that include or affect me. I am a woman, and this bill makes it a crime to target women -- or men -- based on gender. I have a Hispanic grandchild, and this bill makes it a crime to target people based on race or national origin. I am a professing believer, and this bill makes it a crime to target anyone based on their religion. I have two gay cousins, and this bill makes it a crime to target people based on sexual orientation. I work with people who have disabilities, and this bill makes it a crime to target people based on their disabilities. Make no mistake, there is at least one violent hate group in residence here in Southeast Missouri. They held a rally recently. Hate hurts us all, even those who do the hating. We cannot control people's minds, but we can punish violent behavior.
City's budget
THE city of Cape Girardeau says it is broke. So tell me why there's a street sweeper cleaning my street first time in seven years. That should be one thing to cut first from the budget, not raise my water and sewer bill.
Driving issues
CAN anyone drive around here? School buses pull out in front of traffic in lines of three or more while we all wait. Nobody stops at stop signs. Motorists hardly even do a rolling stop anymore. Drivers routinely go 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. They drive halfway through Jackson in the turn lane. They nearly kill someone while talking on their cell phone and then cuss you out for honking at them. A lot of people need to learn how to drive.
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Dogs in Delta
REGARDING dogs in Delta: I keep my dog in a pen so he does not bother anyone, but I have dogs running in my yard all the time, doing their duty in my yard and on my flowers. I feel the owners of these dogs need to keep their dog on their property or take them for a walk and clean up after them.
Just watching
I live in an apartment complex. I also am a bird watcher and weather watcher, and the view from my apartment is beautiful. There are several feral cats, wild animals and birds that I enjoy watching. Apparently when I get my binoculars out to watch birds, the neighbors think I'm watching them. And they thing when I take notes that I am making notes about them. Really, folks, you aren't that interesting.
Automobile irony
DOES anyone else think it odd that car companies tout the high quality of their vehicles on the one hand, while their business models evidently rely on the steady purchase of new cars? It seems ironic to me that the domestic vehicle resale value falls off dramatically once they are off warranty, which tends to refute their claims of class-leading quality. I don't believe that all domestic cars are junk, especially when they are new. But I can't see spending more for a domestic auto that is not going to hold its value.
It's a tool
THIS may be a philosophical, technical point, but ParentLink in and of itself is not a "joke," as someone characterized it in Speak Out. It is an inanimate object, a technological tool if you will. Whether it is used appropriately or not may be subject to debate, but please do not blame ParentLink. An analogy might be when you put the wrong information in a computer, get mad, and blame the computer for the result. Garbage in, garbage out. Please don't blame ParentLink for the apparent lack of data entered.
Keep the plan
I support keeping Missouri's Non-Partisan Court Plan. As implied by James Harris in a May 1 op-ed piece, changing things around might have the effect of packing the court with right-wing fanatics, erode further already desperately needed unemployment benefits, stop many people from bringing heretofore legitimate lawsuits and destroy workers' compensation for job-related injuries.
Teach flexibility
SCHOOLS need a class that teaches what is going to be important in the long run: not strength, but flexibility. I saw a report that said the most important thing is for people to stay flexible. Flexibility can last a lifetime and help you keep your balance in old age.
Jolt for Republicans
SINCE the 2008 elections the so-called conservative Republican Party has lost many elected seats, and now Sen. Arlen Specter is switching to the Democratic Party. The Republican Party is out of touch with the mainstream Americans. Republicans do not need a tea party. They need a double espresso.
Write more tickets
IF the police want a raise, they need to do their job. The city wouldn't have financial problems if police would issue tickets for motorists running stop signs and red lights.
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