Speak Out 6/23/08

Drilling for oil

I WANT to thank Jonah Goldberg on his column explaining the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the difference between the general opinion that it's pristine mountains and streams, which we would not want to destroy with oil drill wells, and the coastal plains, which are virtually uninhabited and have no wildlife potential. That's where the oil is. I think this is a similar situation in the Gulf of Mexico. I know in Texas, the oil wells are 20 to 40 miles out in the gulf. So far as I know they've not caused any problem, and there's lots of oil out there. In fact, I've been fishing out there and sometimes the fishing was even better around the oil rigs.

Some real problems

ENOUGH OF the city council already. In one action, the council eliminated not only a valuable, inexpensive way for small businesses to advertise, but it also took away the opportunity to earn $8 an hour from people who perhaps counted on that job in order to eat. We all know the real problems: crime, poverty, gas and food prices. We need a city council that is close enough to the streets to see what's really happening.

Oil-drilling ethics

A COMMENT to those complaining about our failure to drill every square inch of the U.S. landscape for oil: You are suffering an ethical lapse. When we argue for the rape, pillage and plunder of our planet for short-term profits, we are not fighting the environmentalists. We are stealing a healthy planet from future generations. That means our children and grandchildren. Most of us have a stronger sense, for some maybe a Christian sense, of ethics and morality.

Money in the economy

I WAS reading about the casino plan in Cape Girardeau. I think a casino would be a good thing because everybody around here has to go elsewhere to gamble. A casino here would put money back into our economy. It's a good idea.

Repeat offenders

I'VE BEEN reading about drunken driving repeat offenders. Why are these drunks put back on the streets with law-abiding citizens and our children?

Better location

I THINK having the Libertyfest at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport is a fantastic idea. I and many of my friends and neighbors have stopped going downtown because of the congestion and parking. For the first time in years, we will be attending. Thank you, Old Town Cape.

Go, Neal

TO NEAL Boyd: Go get 'em. You are amazing, and we all know you will represent Southeast Missouri well.

Dogfighting charges

AS A longtime fancier and rescuer of American pit bull terriers, I was appalled at the news that Stoddard County prosecutor Briney Welborn dropped the dogfighting charges against Curtis Pickering. Pickering is the same individual who surrendered a 7-year-old blind pit bull shown in a home movie fighting one of the dogs confiscated in Stoddard County. How much stronger does the evidence need to be? All three of the men involved need to be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law in whatever state or states their crime was committed.

Sky's the limit

MATT SANDERS' glowing online review of Neal Boyd's performance on "America's Got Talent" was right on the money. What you see with Neal is what you get. He is a lovable, affable, emotional and sincere young man with singing talent that puts him in the "sky's the limit" category as to how far he can go, personally and professionally.