Speak out 6/17/08

Dangerous drivers

NINE DWIs? It's sad, but it doesn't surprise me. I know someone who has five and is still driving. These people are a danger to everyone, including themselves, their passengers and their children.

Dirty politics

I AM 83 years old and have lived in Missouri all my life. I do not remember when politics wasn't dirty.

Excellent column

KUDOS TO Sam Blackwell for a well-written column on June 12. His closing sentence, "In our backyard the musicians squawk and screech and the underbrush dances," is well put. Excellent. Thank you.

Invisible wall

THIS IS in regards to the comments that the Founding Fathers were atheists and that separation of church and state was to keep church out of the state: You couldn't be more wrong. In Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, he wrote of "an invisible wall between Church and the State" so as to prevent either entity from exerting rule over the other. Thus we do not have a theocracy, nor any other dictatorship.

Wonderful neighbors

MANY THANKS go to Paul Fliege, Chris Crawford, Joshua LaMar and Jason St. John. These nice young men helped my mother remove her fallen tree from her yard. They did it without asking and without reward. Their generosity proved to my 81-year-old mother that there are real life angels here on Earth. Thank you, gentlemen, for being such wonderful neighbors.

Helping the homeless

WHY SHOULD anyone in Cape Girardeau put up a shelter for the homeless? Who wants homeless people in your city? Some may think that's brutal, but the homeless, for the most part, are that way due to bad choices. If you want to help them, invite the homeless into your homes and help get them back on their feet.

Air show at airport

I AM disappointed the air show is not going to be held at the airport this year. Why in the world would anyone think they could have this downtown? Might as well schedule Riverfest at the airport. It makes about as much sense.

First Amendment

THERE WAS a comment about keeping the church out of the government. You need to read the First Amendment. Neither Congress nor the president nor any judge of any court can tell a church how to conduct its services.

Driving is necessity

IN MY opinion, driving has joined food, clothing and shelter as a basic human need. As a result, it is the responsibility of the government to see that all of these needs are met. It is be a virtual crime against humanity to force people to choose between eating and driving.

No bipartisanship

PRESIDENT RONALD Reagan was known as the Great Communicator but he was also a great compromiser. Recall the bipartisan tax reform bill and immigration and trade deals. A true spirit of bipartisanship means give and take and often requires members of both major parties to put the best interest of the country above that of their respective political party. Frankly, I don't think either party is capable of doing that any more. This reinforces the view that as a great nation we are doomed.

Frustrated by bikers

I AM frustrated by bicyclists who use the middle of a road lane. It blocks traffic. Do us a favor. At least ride closer to the edge or bike somewhere else.

Too much democracy

THE PROBLEM is that we have too much democracy. Politicians pander to the polls. We're a republic, and elected politicians should do the right thing rather than continuing to try to appease the masses.

Economic destiny

WE ARE going to have to realize that the United States is no longer in charge of its economic destiny. It likely never again will be.

Doing good

I READ on a church billboard: "Kind words make good echoes." I wanted to let Cape Girardeau know how grateful I am that police officer Brad Smith helped me on Kingshighway when I had trouble with my car. Not only was he helpful and patient, he was kind as well, characteristics that are sometimes lacking in today's busy world. He told me he was only doing his job, but I think he went above and beyond. I want to thank him and let the community know how much I appreciate him. Keep doing what you're doing, because everything you do comes back to you.