Speak Out 8/3/10

Not a big deal

A caller asked for God to bless America after decrying the fact that a product is being sold in a 15-ounce container instead of 16 ounces. I hardly think that signals the ruin of a country, nor is it all that big of a deal. Companies are going to change things. It's your job as a consumer to pay attention to the price per ounce, which at most grocery stores is clearly displayed.

Corporate welfare

GOD only knows. Why does columnist Mike Jensen consistently pick on the poor who need assistance but remain silent on the issue of undeserved corporate welfare?

Change?

YES, it's all about change. President Obama brought on change with his deals that helped pass ObamaCare, which will raise taxes and reduce Medicaid/Medicare benefits for all of the disabled. Anything that was fair or ethical was changed as well with the ObamaCare. I urge all disabled people to get what they can while they can.

Homeless donations

If the homeless shelter fails, as seems possible now, what happens to the $15,000 that has been raised? Would the money go into the Larry Rice effort? Into another charitable outreach like the Salvation Army? It seems to me the money should go to a charity in Cape Girardeau, whose citizens donated money to the Shelter of Hope.

Pay for carts

I wish other retail stores would require you to pay to use their shopping carts like Aldi's does. At least when you try to find a parking space you wouldn't have to dodge the carts. This would also eliminate damage to your vehicle because someone was too lazy to return a cart to the assigned area.

Guard expense

WORD has it that several high-up politicians are visiting Afghanistan in August. The shocker is that the National Guard is footing the bill. With their income, why don't the politicians pay their own way? The National Guard could use the money for troop families' bonuses. I think the National Guard's books need to be looked at.

Finding peace

AFTER researching the subject of our military bases, I was surprised to learn that there are 761 American military bases in 147 countries. The size of American armed forces is roughly 1.5 million. Direct and indirect military budgetary outlay accounts for 54 percent of federal expenditures. If we would get serious about establishing a balanced budget and peace and stability for ourselves and the world through means other than military buildup, we would be certainly a better nation. Shock and awe hasn't worked and isn't working. Are we, as Christians, creative enough to take the lead in finding some effective way? Or do we somehow believe that the peacemaking teachings of Jesus are for somebody else only?

Jobless benefits

THIS is in regard to unemployment benefits being extended. It's absolutely ridiculous. I know people who have been drawing unemployment and haven't looked for a job. Or they've been working and getting paid under the table while drawing unemployment. There are jobs out there. Some people are being too particular about what they want to do. There's a bunch of lazy people out there, in my opinion.

Park diversity

IT is heartwarming to witness. Many thanks to Cape Girardeau's Parks and Recreation Department for helping to turn the A.C. Brase Arena Building and the surrounding park into a mecca of multicultural diversity.

Pool delays

REGARDING what's going on with the renovations to the Cape Central Pool and bubble: The city has poured manpower and money into the new water park, and other projects are being ignored. Cape Girardeau has a habit of not taking care of things once a new toy has been purchased. The soccer park is one example. I think the situation at the pool is going to get worse. And unless you have some clout with the new mayor, nothing is going to change.

Council's role

I don't believe we elect the city council to lead us. We elect the council to carry out the business of this community because we work and pay the taxes for them to do so. Oversight of the city council belongs to the citizens. Citizens of the city may go to any city council meeting and voice an opinion. It is not the council's place to advocate one way or the other for something that will be on the ballot for the community to decide.