Speak out 7/24

Criticizing the president

WHEN THE offspring of Saddam Hussein -- who tortured, murdered and raped -- were eliminated, I can't believe some of the Democrats criticized the president, the military and our mission while most Iraqis celebrated.

Another slogan

I THOUGHT of a great slogan to identify Cape Girardeau. We hear it daily out of the city engineer's department: "It's not up to code."

Insurance reasons

IN ALL the discussion about banning fireworks, no one has mentioned some other good reasons why we should ban them. Your homeowner's insurance is going to be raised as long as we allow these dangerous things in our community. It's time not to have any more firecrackers. Let us be able to lay our heads on our pillows at night and not worry that our home is going to burn next.

Don't gripe about steps

I'M CALLING about the complaint regarding the steps at the Family Resource Center to pick up commodities. There are several steps, but they are wide and not far apart. Yes, it's difficult for some of us get up and down, but why pick on the Family Resource Center? Other places that give out commodities have steps. Why do some people always find something to gripe about?

She's seen the light

I COMMEND U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's stand against the drug companies for holding senior citizens hostage. I'm a Democrat, but I say congratulations to her reformed way of thinking. I think maybe Emerson has seen the light.

Power over safety

FOR DECADES terrorists have killed and injured our citizens as well as other nations' citizens. Finally, we have a president who has the determination to rid our world of these fanatic menaces. Yet the Democrats wage a war against the president on every issue. To the Democrats, America's safety isn't first. It's their party's power.

Parking on the street

THERE WAS time in Cape Girardeau where street parking in residential areas was a rarity. Now it's commonplace. It's so common that you can't even have two cars pass each other on side streets. I wish people who have empty garages and empty carports would park their cars off the street.

The right decision

SENSITIVITY TO cultural diversity is a clear sign that Southeast Missouri State University is fulfilling its mission as an educational institution in the community. Whether someone is offended or not -- or whether some people can accept the inevitability of change -- should not be the basis of decisions about school mascots such as the Indians. I applaud the Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association for making the right decision rather than the popular one in our community.

Not a good idea

PUT AN observation deck on the floodwall? That is totally insane. There is a reason the floodwall is closed when the water is high. It's because it's unsafe. Why don't we just build a swimming beach while were at it?

Plenty for tourists

WHY IS it that everyone thinks Cape Girardeau has nothing to offer to tourists? Cape is the only large town within 1 1/2 hours in any direction. So where will people stay if they want to visit the local attractions? There are numerous state parks in this area: Trail of Tears, Sam A. Baker, Johnson Shut-ins, Elephant Rocks, Big Oak, Lake Wappapello, Missouri Mines. The Lewis and Clark expedition started south of here, and Missouri expects thousands of visitors for the bicentennial of this event. I guess those of you who have never worked at a tourist attraction in Southeast Missouri don't understand.

The River Eagles

I AM glad to read about SEMO finally tackling the Indian mascot issue. The university has skirted the issue for many years. I saw on the ESPN Web page that someone suggested the River Eagles. I like that idea. It is unique, fits the school's location and identity, ties in the marching band and won't cost $40,000 in consulting fees. Think about it.