Speak Out 6/20/10

Honest debate

STRIPPING the EPA of the ability to regulate greenhouse gases is not the same as stripping them of the ability to regulate air quality and, thus, to promote dirty air. They would still retain their traditional role as monitors of such things as airborne particulates. The EPA assumed upon itself the regulation of greenhouse gases when it perceived Congress was not going to extend that power to them through legislation. The legislation merely upheld the Congress' traditional view that greenhouse gases were beyond the scope of the EPA's power. The beginning of rational debate requires a thorough understanding of what is being debated. To mischaracterize the nature of the bill being voted upon to tar its opponents as enemies of the environment is intellectually dishonest.

SB40 concerns

I have a child with a disability and know about the problems with the SB40 Board. Why do we allow Gerald Jones, Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner, to have so much power? There have been a lot of shady dealings going on for the past 20 or more years, and they will continue if we let Jones choose the board members. Tuesday's article said Paul Koeper, 1st District commissioner, received threatening letters that said would not be re-elected if he did not side with Jones on everything. It also stated that the board members are being pressured by Jones to drop efforts to make changes. Why? Because we have given Jones and Hillary Schmittzehe of VIP Industries complete control over our SB40 tax money, and it is not helping the disabled residents of Cape Girardeau County. Why does Jones get to choose who serves on this board by threatening the others? Please help the disabled residents and let Jones know he cannot bully the people of Cape County any longer.

Important discussions

I appreciate how the Southeast Missourian provides a forum to the community through Speak Out, guest columns and letters. I feel I have a better understanding of the community and what's important. Maybe some town leaders don't like that others can speak out, but your forums keep more people engaged in important discussions, and that's good for progress.

Lacking leadership

THE problem with President Obama is that he's not a leader. Some people enter politics to do something. Others enter to be something. It's clear that Obama enjoys the trappings of the office: being fawned over by celebrities, making himself available to be on magazine covers of all kinds or as a guest on any kind of TV show. He's the Paris Hilton of presidents. He loves the celebrity life. But what leadership role has he taken that involved more than talking behind a teleprompter? Where is original thinking? Where is his leadership?

We want our say

THE original casino votes were held 17 years ago. I was not of voting age then, as well as 17 years' worth of other Cape Girardeans, not to mention 17 years' worth of people who have moved into our community from elsewhere. We deserve our say. Furthermore, as demographics and personal mores have shifted, surely some people who voted back in 1993 have changed their minds. We've had time to see the effect of casinos in other communities. Both Cape Girardeau votes were incredibly close, and it took two attempts to pass it. Come on, Cape, give the rest of us a chance to have our say.

Great air show

THE air show is truly marvelous. Thank you to everyone who helped organize it or will be volunteering. To have the Blue Angels here is exciting.

Free letters

I want to thank and commend the newspaper for its Paid Election Letter policy. In prior years it was difficult for non-incumbents and independent candidates to gain attention. Your new policy allows more voices to be heard. I don't believe you need to charge for such letters, though. I'm sure everyone would be restrained in using free space. If you are going to make any changes to the policy, I think it should be to let anyone write anything about any candidate free.