Speak Out 6/29/08

Running a red light

I'M LEAVING the Jackson Wal-Mart and waiting for the stoplight to turn green so I can turn left onto Jackson Boulevard. My light turns green, and a convertible goes barreling through a red light. What is stopped at the red light facing the opposite direction? A highway patrolman in his patrol car. The patrolman did nothing. I was so amazed by the lack of action I had to comment. I am sorry to say I didn't get the plate number of the patrolman or I would call the highway patrol and complain.

Keep your cool

WHEN DINING out, I would much rather don a sweater than have the staff sweat into my food. It's easier to warm yourself in a cool room than cool yourself off in a warm room. Restaurant owners, keep doing what you're doing. This customer appreciates it.

Reporting an accident

TO THE kind person who reported the hit-and-run accident in the Schnucks parking lot: Thank you. It was my car that was hit, and I appreciate your quick thinking and willingness to report it. The world would be a better place if it was filled with people like you.

Firefighters on duty

THE REASON firefighters use firetrucks to run errands is because they are on duty. If they were in a van and got an emergency call, they would have to drive back to the fire station and switch vehicles. I'd rather my tax money be spent on the fuel for those trucks as opposed to having my house burn down because of the extra time spent.

Gov't interference

I DON'T like gambling and think it would siphon money away from the community if a casino came to town. However, Cape Girardeau has long prided itself on opposing all types of planning and zoning. Cape has also championed such liberties as keeping government out of business. Thus, for anyone to try to keep a casino out of town would run contrary to our local values.

Understanding culture

WITH THE political climate changing rapidly in America, I think it is important for people of all cultures to gain a better understanding of the historical and contemporary black experience. As a Caucasian-American, I was particularly enlightened by a piece in Slate (www.slate.com) magazine about why so many black musicians have been preoccupied with outer space in their music. The article traces what might be called the Afronaut tradition back to the 1920s with heavy emphasis on Herman Blount (renamed Sun Ra), George Clinton, Dr. Dre and others. The current Afronautics themes are quite evident in the No. 1 debuting album, "Tha Carter III" (selling over a million copies in the first week), by black rapper Lil' Wayne.

Musical recognition

NEAL E. Boyd's Web site has some beautiful examples of his singing. But I would like to recognize the other local talent featured on almost every song, Tim DePriest. Local classical musicians and many others will recognize Tim's name. For years and years, Tim has recorded tracks for school performances and has accompanied Southeast Missouri State University performances. Great job on your arrangements for Neal, Tim.

Summer school effort

I WANT to commend teachers and administrators who have been involved in the summer school program at Jackson Junior High School. The classes and activities along with the field trips have been a huge benefit to my son. Thank you for the extra effort.