OpinionJune 14, 2007
Speak Out 6/14/07
Our rights; More secrecy; Judicial accord; Running stoplights; Parents: Be straight; Spreading diseases?; Sounds familiar; Vocational schools; Up-or-down votes; Equal discipline; Apartment code?; Political punch; Love to learn; Illegal immigrant; Let them know; Uncomfortable ads
Our rights
A MEXICAN disc jockey will arrive in Washington, D.C., on Flag Day, June 14 -- he claims with a million letters in support of immigrant "rights." We can do no less, with calls, faxes, e-mail, letters, postcards, petitions to lobby for national sovereignty, rule of law and citizens' rights. Who wants America more, you or the invaders?
More secrecy
MISSOURI'S Republican-controlled legislature has passed so many laws trying to keep secret from the public various and sundry things, citizens could be less aware of what is going on in Missouri than residents of the country were during the reign of Richard Nixon.
Judicial accord
I ALSO thank Morley Swingle, Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney, for interpreting Missouri's minor-in-possession law. I hope the judicial branch, whose job it is to interpret the law, agrees with Swingle, a capable member of the executive branch.
Running stoplights
IF THE Cape Girardeau Police Department is looking for a way to generate revenue, forget targeting teenagers. Why not set up cameras or station an officer at the stop lights at the intersection of William Street and Mount Auburn Road? I drive through that intersection at least four times a day, and each time someone will run the light in any direction.
Parents: Be straight
THE TEENAGERS who got in trouble for underage drinking happened weeks ago, and it is still under discussion. This brings up a good point: There are too many bad parents. If you haven't heard about this, you are obviously too busy to have kids or you have no control of your kids in the first place. The parents who hosted the party are honorable people. Parents who shelter their kids and are dishonest about things they've done in their past are more than likely to have kids who will make the same stupid decisions. Parents, talk to your kids. I guarantee they are more likely to not go out and drink and drive. Be real with them so they understand that you too were their age once and you too had a good time. They will listen if you are honest. Don't try to make them think you were some kind of angel.
Spreading diseases?
HOW MANY of the estimated 11 million illegal aliens have regular tuberculosis? How many have drug-resistant TB? How many have the blood-transmitted Chagas disease that infects millions in Latin America?
Sounds familiar
"DR. KEN Dobbins said he doesn't see a need to create a community college and establish the tax levy needed to help pay for it." I remember the community saying the same thing about the River Campus.
Vocational schools
CAN SOMEONE explain to me the need for a community college in Cape Girardeau? We have many great vocational schools like the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, Metro Business College, Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and other great schools.
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Up-or-down votes
I CAN remember before the 2006 elections when the Republicans wanted up-or-down votes and said it is only right to know where representatives and senators stood on issues. If they block an up-or-down vote on Gonzales, they don't ever want me to support them again. I supported them on up-or-down votes, and I support the Democrats on the same thing. Enough is enough with this bunch of whiners in Congress.
Equal discipline
WHEN A young man wore the star of David, he was told to remove it. When he refused, he was suspended. When a young man was punched and defended himself, he was suspended. When a young man wore his family kilt to a dance, he was threatened with suspension if he did not change. None of these kids broke the law. The athletic director at Jackson High School must be fired. End of story.
Apartment code?
I RECENTLY visited an invalid living in a low-rent apartment. The door screen was ripped, and the door itself did not latch when closed. Is there some sort of city code by which our landlords are expected to abide?
Political punch
WHETHER OR not Cape Girardeau needs a community college will in large part be determined by a bureaucratic-driven state report on the matter, according to the Southeast Missourian. No, it won't. Whether Cape needs such an institution will be determined by which side of the debate exerts the most political influence over what the bureaucrats conclude. At this point, my money is on Southeast Missouri State University president Dr. Ken Dobbins (he says we don't need one), but it's closer than you might think. Earl Norman and the crowd who want the already existing Career and Technology Center expanded into a community college are a force to reckon with. And, don't think Kathy Swan, chairperson of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education, is a neutral player in this matter. And then there's the chamber of commerce.
Love to learn
A COMMUNITY college would be great (as has been proven in other places). It would give those who cannot afford Southeast Missouri State University tuition a place to obtain higher education, provide a springboard for those who could transfer to Southeast later and give adults a variety of classes such as horticulture, foreign languages and secretarial skills. My experiences at a community college (in a city with a state university) helped me get a better job (at 40 years of age) by learning more computer skills. My brothers both earned their associate degrees there. I hope Cape Girardeau gets a community college. Even in my 60s, there are so many more things I would like to learn without having to drive for an hour or more to Three Rivers Community College.
Illegal immigrant
ABOUT THE illegal immigrant costing the county: This man is illegally in our country. Why try to make things easier for him? Do you honestly think this man is going to pay his hospital bill? Prosecute him and deport him. He doesn't care about our laws. Why should we care about his financial troubles?
Let them know
YOU CAN e-mail the Cape Girardeau City Council members to complain about all the new taxes and fee increases they are forcing down our throat. Go to the city Web site to get their e-mail addresses.
Uncomfortable ads
I ALSO am grossed out by personal-product commercials on TV such as male enhancement and women's toiletries. When your kids are watching TV and these commercials come on, they provoke questions that don't need answered at that age and embarrassment on my part.
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