Speak Out 7/18/09

Stick to the ban

TO the Jackson aldermen: Stand your ground on your decision to ban fireworks. The people whining about it are the ones who shoot off fireworks irresponsibly. In my neighborhood, bottle rockets were landing on people's cars and houses.

Taking the temp

WEATHER readings should be taken at several places around Cape Girardeau. The official temperature, taken at the airport, is not accurate for most parts of the city.

Recycle bins

SOMEONE took my recycling bins. I live on Bertling Street in Cape Girardeau near West End Boulevard. Every Thursday morning, we put out our recycling items, then I go to work. Today when I came home my recycle bins were gone. Please return them.

Backwater towns

WHEN I first read that Jackson was going to ban fireworks, I had hoped that things were going to improve in the area. My hope seems to be have been premature. It now appears that the ban will not materialize. It seems destined that Cape Girardeau and Jackson will maintain their image as backwater towns of Swampeast Missouri with demolition derbies and tractor pulls as status symbols.

Late doctor

I know all of us have to wait a bit before we are seen at a doctor's office. I always thought if I booked the earliest appointment in the morning I would not have to wait very long. Boy, was I wrong. After being the first one to show up and sign in, I was escorted into an exam room where I waited nearly 20 minutes. A young woman came in to apologize and say that the doctor was on his way. I asked if there was any particular reason he was late. She just smiled. I said if he's not here in a few more minutes I would leave. And I did. Doctors should take pride in their work and fulfill their end by keeping an appointment.

Doesn't fit facts

TRY as he might, William Piercy Sr.'s July 13 article ("Obama's driving record: Where are the cops?") attempting to portray President Obama as a wild-eyed radical simply doesn't fit the facts. It turns out that President Obama is pretty much a small-c conservative, well within the mainstream of the American political tradition. I know Mr. Piercy must have devoted days to his formulating his well-written diatribe. Unfortunately, it does not comport with the facts and must be consigned to the realm of fantasy.

Noisy vehicles

IT is my understanding that there is a noise ordinance in Cape Girardeau. Something needs to be done about all the vehicles being driven around residential neighborhoods with their sound systems echoing and vibrating so loudly that people in their homes and apartments have a hard time sleeping, reading and watching TV. If the police would station a patrol car, for example, at the intersection of Bloomfield and Pacific streets, they could issue enough tickets to fund the city for a substantial period of time.