Speak Out 6/7/08

Converter issues

I RECENTLY installed a digital converter on one of my television sets in my home. The day was rainy, and I was disappointed with the results. I removed the converter after getting frustrated and went back to analog. The digital receivers are easy to install, and the picture -- when the signal is good -- is clear but the signal strength is so weak. After the conversion to digital next year, unless something is done to the signal strength, we most likely won't be able to see the weather alerts when they are broadcast. I called a couple of TV repair shops and was told I was not the only person having issues with the digital converters.

Setting an example

I FIND it funny that part of the job of police officers is to enforce the law, yet I consistently see police driving 10 mph over the speed limit and rolling through stop signs in nonemergency situations.

Patriotic singing

THE ARTICLE about the patriotic program at the Osage Community Centre failed to mention Marlene Glenn, who sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America." It was very beautiful.

Great photographers

I WANT to compliment the photographers on your pictures. They are outstanding. I even read the sports pages because of the wonderful pictures. You just have expert photographers. They are wonderful.

Living on less

I LIVE on $12,000 a year. I drive an eight-year-old car that has bad brakes. I have no money to fix the car. As far as a vacation goes, I haven't gone anywhere since I moved here in 19 years ago.

Turning the cheek

I'M HAVING a hard time learning to turn the other cheek when people are ugly. What I need is spiritual guidance on what to do. I'm trying to be passive. All I want is peace and to be left alone. What is it going to take for people who don't like me to go away?

Higher rates

I AM peeved. Not only is AmerenUE raising electric rates, the but city is raising water rates. How are we supposed to have enough gas to get to work?

Holding signs

REGARDING THE proposed ban on people hired to hold signs: What would you rather have, a sign or people standing there? Give us a break. We have to have some way to advertise our businesses.

Hole in pavement

WHY CAN'T the Missouri Department of Transportation fix the hole that is a foot deep in the main lane going from Center Junction toward Jackson? It's been there over a month, and it's getting deeper by the day. If you hit it with a tire, your alignment goes out. You could even blow a tire. Throw a little asphalt or something in the hole. You can't miss it, especially if you hit it.

Pet sense

GOD GAVE us dominion over pets. That means we should care for them to the best of our ability. But if you're starving, you should have enough sense to eat a cat or dog.

Can't afford house

I AM educated, work three jobs and have two children. One of them is a registered nurse. It's still more than I can do to purchase a home. There should be something to help people who are working themselves to death and still cannot purchase a home. Everything is so out of reach. You either have junk piles or homes that you can't afford.

City of roses

CAPE GIRARDEAU is the city of roses. If you don't believe it, please drive by the 1300 block of Perry Avenue. You have never seen beautiful roses until you've seen these. Beautiful.

Cemetery theft

To the person who stole the shepherd's hook at Whitener Cemetery: Anyone who steals from a cemetery is lower than low. You will be punished.

Bad decisions

I SEE our government has found another frivolous way to spend our money. First, you think officials are helping the children in Texas get out of a bad situation. They keep the children in foster care for quite a while. How much did that cost? And now a judge has decided to send these children back. So taxpayers paid for these children to go away for nothing. I just can't believe our government can't get it straight before deciding taxpayers have to pay the repercussions of stupidity.

Bashing the Limbaughs

REGARDING ALL the bashing of Rush Limbaugh and David Limbaugh in Speak Out: It's still a free country, and they have their right to their opinions. I like both of them, and I think you should leave them alone.

Professional hypocrisy

I LOVE the hypocrisy of the Cape Girardeau City Council. Six people complained to the mayor about safety issues concerning people holding commercial signs. He said this is unprofessional. Is being professional putting your face on an unrealistic cartoon body to advertise your place of employment? And the mayor is worried about our town looking like a flea market? Follow the example of Columbia, Mo. Get rid of all the distracting signs, and not just from businesses.

Running red lights

IF THE city council is so worried about safety issues regarding traffic, please have police officers monitor intersections such as Cape Rock Road and Kingshighway or William Street and Kingshighway. Someone always runs a red light every time I go through these intersections. And I have seen police officers at the same intersection do nothing when this happens.

Rebates are helping

I AM grateful to the government for putting some money back in our pockets with the tax-rebate checks. It's coming in handy for our family. Republicans realize people need the money, and they try to make sure we get it and try to keep taxes low.