Speak Out 8/20/08

Winning tactic

CAPE GIRARDEAU County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said 1st District Commissioner Jay Purcell is trying his beef with the county commission in the court of public opinion. Swingle is correct. Though he might not admit it, he also knows that by doing so Purcell is winning.

A paper tiger

BECAUSE OF his shoot-from-the-hip invasion of Iraq, President Bush has come to be perceived as a bully even though he has gone the diplomatic route with success in North Korea and Iran. However, the U.S. decision to avoid war at all costs with Russia at the apparent expense of Georgia will have many, neoconservatives mainly, portraying the president and our nation as a paper tiger.

Running red lights

EVERY DAY I have to go through the William Street-Mount Auburn Road intersection. And every day I see multiple cars running red lights through that intersection. I am sitting there with a green light waiting for three or four cars to finish running red lights before I can go. What can be done about this?

School supplies

I HAVE two children, one at Jackson Junior High School and the other at the high school. My daughters are required to purchase supplies for the classroom: tissues, sticky notes, wet wipes, particular types of markers. Some teachers require the supplies and count it as an assignment. The supplies are used by everyone in the class. The children have seen unused supplies and asked about them, and the teacher says they're keeping them for next year. Last year, while waiting for my daughter in the parking lot, I saw a teacher carrying two boxes of tissues to her car. Isn't this stealing? I asked the principal about it, and he assured me none of his teachers would do this.

Evacuating in Florida

IT WAS great to see the people of Florida taking responsibility for their own well-being by evacuating ahead of the hurricane instead of staying put and looking for the government to hold their hands.

National treasure

IF ANYONE is interested in saving the Delta Queen for future generations, please write to or e-mail both of your U.S. senators and your U.S. representative. The only time they listen is when they receive a large amount of mail on a certain issue. Here is your chance to save a national treasure.

Costly crossing

IN REGARD to the railroad tracks in Jackson: I once enjoyed a ride on the rails as a child but do not feel the lives of my children will be affected by never riding that train. I do, however, feel that my vehicles receive unnecessary wear and tear going across those tracks, no matter how slowly you go. I think Jackson would receive much more support if it gave a tax credit to all residents for the repair costs to our vehicles.

Civil conversation

I LIKE Pastor Rick Warren. He wants the citizenry and the presidential contenders to have a civil conversation about the issues. Basically, he wants us to communicate in ways David Limbaugh (through his columns) doesn't.

Contest morality

THE PRESIDENTIAL contest is in large part a battle between moral absolutism and moral relativism.

Basket case

I WANT to comment about the closing of the clinic in Cairo, Ill. This was done by the Chicago and Springfield politicians. They've raised taxes in Southern Illinois. There's no industry. They've driven out all the jobs. Illinois is a basket case.

Recreation path rules

IF YOU'RE going to use the beautiful recreation path in Cape Girardeau, please read the rules. Whether walking, jogging, biking or roller blading the rules instruct you to stay to the right. That way those passing should always be able to pass you on your left. Adhering to these rules keeps everyone safe. Twice tonight I was almost in an accident because people are not following these guidelines. If I had been coming around a blind curve, both parties would have been seriously hurt. It's a wonderful thing the city has provided for us. Let's keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone.

No backing down

CONCERNING THE Russia/Georgia issue: This is getting scary. George Bush is making threats that he cannot back up. Could this be his Bay of Pigs? He is no JFK. Russia is no tiny country like Iraq, and it will not back down. This could be the beginning of the end if we don't restrain Bush.

A few bad apples

TO CONDEMN all of us who work for Procter & Gamble peacefully and harmoniously each and every day of the year because of the actions of a few bigots -- of any color -- is plain ignorant. P&G goes out of its way to see that minorities are treated well. Those who would try to gain financially by bullying and threatening are the real issue here. A calm, cool look at the entire situation is needed, and the end result might just be the discovery that there are a few bad apples in any and every barrel.

Beautiful yard

KEN GRIGSBY'S yard on the corner of Cambridge and Valley Forge Lane is really beautiful. I enjoy the lovely yard. He works in it all the time. Thanks, Ken, for all your hard work for our pleasure. You deserve some recognition for your efforts. Thanks a million.

County accountability

REGARDING THE Southeast Missourian's coverage of county accountability, it's sad to say that most officers do not show up for work. If the Missourian would watch, it would notice that most of the time the elected officials are not in their office although the women who work in those offices can't say anything. They cover for those officials. Just ask and you'll find out.

Progressive city

NOW THAT Marble Hill is being progressive enough to allow golf carts on the street, Cape Girardeau needs to step up its game. It needs to be even more progressive not only by allowing electric golf carts on the street, but also requiring a solar recharger on the roof of the golf carts. That way when you drive to the grocery store, the golf cart can recharge itself while you're shopping. Now that's progressive.

Courthouse security

THE OTHER day there was a story about security at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson. One way you could accomplish this would be to make the doors at the south and west side of the courthouse exit-only doors.