Speak Out 7/9/05

Critical column

I AM absolutely amazed that the Southeast Missourian had the nerve to print the column by Gene Lyons in Sunday's paper on "Desperate White House seeking to distract attention." I can't believe that the paper actually printed a column that was critical and factual about how President Bush and Karl Rove have distorted information about the Iraq war and what led up to it.

Reasonable cost

I WISH Three Rivers Community College much success in the fight for academic excellence at a reasonable fee. We little people appreciate the effort.

The SEMO boost

THE ONLY way to catch attention of the Missouri Department of Transportation to redesign the dangerous Scott City off ramp is to add a sign saying "SEMO campus" at the exit. Projects endorsed by Southeast Missouri State University seem to fly, while badly needed projects remain unaddressed. By the way, when the was last time Cape Girardeau residents were allowed to vote on a Southeast project involving city funding? How much was that fountain? The new entrance? Relocation of the radio tower? Demolition of two existing swimming pools? Construction of a state-of-the-art pool?

Moral stain

THE GREATEST moral stain ever perpetrated on our nation was committed by the U.S. Supreme Court when it approved the murder of the unborn, unwanted children of irresponsible women who wanted no accountability for their loose actions. This Supreme Court decree broadcast to the world that the United States had become an immoral nation. The United States then became vulnerable for attack. After Bill Clinton desecrated the highest office of our country, the terrorists put into action their planned attack on America on Sept. 11, 2001. Our country reaped and suffered what the Supreme Court and Clinton caused. They should be held accountable.

Unruly behavior

THE MAYOR and council members of Cape Girardeau should listen to the recording between the Cape police and headquarters on the night of July 4. It would give them an exact idea of the kind of chaos that was happening on the streets of south Cape. The fireworks wars and unruly behavior in neighborhoods must be stopped. I agree that to get to the root of the problem, Cape needs a law to require landlords to get references from prospective renters and to accept some responsibility for the actions of their renters. You should be able to feel safe no matter what part of Cape you live in.

Loving experience

THE SCENE is 45 years ago, at a department store in downtown St. Louis where two families are shopping. One family is brown and from the city. One family is white and from the country. A little brown boy inquisitively approaches a little white girl who appears frightened as she backs up against her mother. He gently pats her on top of the head and says, "Mommy, come feel her. She's all soft." The brown mother apologizes while other shoppers all have a hearty laugh. It was a wonderful, loving experience for all. No one was offended. Thanks for this chance to recall happy memories of a little blonde girl who died of cancer at the age of 49 years. I'm her mother.

Police issues

I DISAGREE with the mayor's statement that some people think that they don't have to abide by the law. I agree with the people who say the police use excessive force. The police know the mayor and city council are going to stand beside them regardless of what they do.

Backing the officer

THIS IS in response to the altercation on the Fourth of July. I want to commend chief Steve Strong and the mayor for backing the police officer. Good job, Cape Girardeau Police Department and all the departments that responded.