Speak Out 6/27/05

Personal choices

THIS IS in regarding the strip bar in Cape Girardeau. I have never been there, but I have heard a lot about it. I see nothing wrong with it. If you want to go and spend your money on that sort of thing, go right ahead. If you don't want to, don't. People in this area need to get off their soapbox with their Bible thumping. There are too many rules and regulations as it is. A lot of cities have these kinds of places. There seems to be no trouble around them.

More paint, please

THE FLOODWALL should be painted like the new mural from beginning to end, not just here and there. That Wall of Fame part of the floodwall needs to be redone. It is awful. Get the painters back from Chicago and let them redo the whole floodwall.

Making a distinction

COUNT ME among those who support the troops in Iraq but oppose the policy that sent them there. We believe that mistaken and now largely discredited policy has produced primarily corpses and enemies for the United States and has not advanced our national interest. We believe that while our troops are there, they should be given everything they need for their safety and protection. We believe the best way to support the troops and national interest is to bring the troops home to their families. If you cannot distinguish between the wrongs of the war and the welfare of the troops, that is indeed sad. Don't question those of us that are capable of making that distinction.

A future risk

I MUST be talking to deaf ears. Some federal legislators think they are hearing that we don't want to control our own money. What are they thinking? That they are doing such a fine job that we want them to control it all? I don't think so. I don't trust them with my future retirement any more then I would trust most of them with my checkbook. Their concern only goes as far as the ballot box. My concern is how I will be able to survive as a single woman on minimal income. Let me take a risk for my future instead of telling me I am incapable and they know what is best.

Enforce dress code

WE RECENTLY received a letter addressing the dress code at Central High School in Cape Girardeau which was no different from last year. My question to school officials is simply this: Why have a dress code if it is not enforced for all students? It appears that in some instances it does not matter how you dress. This year my child was inducted into the National Honor Society. Girls were told, "If you wear a short skirt or spaghetti straps you will be sent home and will not be inducted." Several girls wore spaghetti strap dresses. Nothing was said, and they were all inducted. I've seen girls wear low-cut jeans and shirts that didn't reach the waistband, much less tuck in as required. The principal needs to enforce the dress code completely or not at all. It should not matter who you are or who your parents are. It should not matter whether you are a good or fair student or a favorite of the faculty. Rules should be enforced fairly and impartially, the same for everyone.

Protect life

THE FUTURE of our country should not be based upon the destruction of a new generation to save an older one. When stem-cell research has been accomplished using adult stem cells and cord blood, we should not be taking a future life nor should we be creating life just to destroy it. Ask anyone who is dying. They will tell you life is too precious, but that still does not give license to destroy a new one.

Not around here

I'VE JUST read that liberals on the U.S. Supreme Court voted in the majority to allow government seizure of private property so that it can be turned over to developers. I would like to see impeachment proceedings started against these justices, and I'd also like to put local politicians and developers on notice. Don't even think about trying to pull something like that around here.

Color isn't the issue

I HAVE a 7-year-old biracial son. We live in Jackson. While he was standing in line to swim at the pool, a young boy came by and said, "Oh, look. A brown boy." What are the parents teaching this kid? Why should my child be made fun of because of some other child's ignorance? It all begins at home. My son is a beautiful, smart, funny boy. It's time that people get over the color of someone's skin. There are way more important issues going on in the world.

Speed safety

IT IS time for Cape Girardeau police to enforce the posted speed limits in school zones. If the sign says 20 mph between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., that's what it means. It does not say only when school is in session. I am fed up with the people who tailgate and honk their horns at me for following the posted limits. I want to make sure that the children who attend these schools don't have to be afraid that I will hit them when school is in session because I practice keeping safe all year long.

Tuition inflation

WHEN MY husband graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1980, the cost for tuition, books and fees per semester was about $200. Now it costs $2,382 per semester for tuition (no books or other fees). That's more than a 1,000 percent increase. Has your grocery bill gone up 1,000 percent since 1980? Have your wages gone up 1,000 percent since 1980? What's sad is that most of these poor kids find themselves in debt at least $50,000 at the end of four years, and it takes them 20 years to get it paid off. There always seems to be money from grants and the general fund for beautification and supplies for every office, but the students have to pay for it. It is time to re-evaluate and redirect grant applications and cut some costs.

Revolutionary rationing

ARE YOU kidding me? We have become such a "We want to have our cake and eat it too" society that an attempt to ration gas on the part of the government would be met with a second American Revolution.

Changing behavior

CAL THOMAS is correct in writing that the state cannot change our most inner beliefs, at least in the short run. However, it can change behavior. Witness the effect of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965. In addition, there is solid evidence that over the long run changes in behavior can bring about changes in belief. Recent events in Philadelphia, Miss., should prove that point.