OpinionAugust 31, 2007
Speak Out 8/31/07
Can't get appointment; Obstructed view; Our obligation; Cost-saving blend; Balancing act; Keep us informed; Let them walk; More discipline; Punish to the max; Waiting at stoplights; He needs help; Better comparison
Can't get appointment
I AM an elderly woman who has just been diagnosed with brain damage, and I am losing my memory. My physician cannot get an appointment for me with a neurologist. Could the reason be because I am on Social Security? There are five neurologists in Cape Girardeau. Could it be possible that each one takes some patients who desperately need help? I work part time to help support myself. How will I be able to do to this when my memory is already a handicap?
Obstructed view
AN ACCIDENT is waiting to happen at the corner of Legion Drive and Corrine Street in Jackson. You can't see the oncoming traffic because of bushes, and a parked car has been on the street in the same place for months without a license plate. I thought this was against the law.
Our obligation
AFTER READING the story about the couple in St. Louis and the death of their 7-month-old daughter, I put myself in their position and see that the loss of a child is punishment enough. But also understand that the protection of my helpless child is my main responsibility, and if I fail to do that, our society has the obligation to step in and see that the rights of the child are upheld. Additional punishment by the full application of our laws is the only way that we, as a state, can see that this is done. Any hesitation on the part of the authorities to do so supports the feeling in this country that we care more about animals than we do the safety of our children. In the case of Michael Vick, there has been no hesitation. No matter how you feel, you could conclude that we would rather be an animal than a child in this world.
Cost-saving blend
SOMEONE COMPLAINED because a university study said food costs would go up $47 for the whole year because of ethanol. I wish my gasoline expense would only go up $47 a year. What would gas cost if we did not have ethanol to blend in with the gasoline? Most gas in the United States has 10 percent ethanol blended in.
Balancing act
THERE'S A talented man who rides his bike on the Cape La­Croix Trail. He can ride his bike on the back wheel for a mile or better. If there's other walkers or runners around, he puts his bike down on two wheels. But once he gets back out by himself again, he'll pull the bike up on one wheel and balance it on one wheel for a long way. He'd make a great story.
Keep us informed
THANK YOU, Sam Blackwell, for the article concerning the rescued dogs from Essex, Mo. Please follow the trial of the Hytens. We often see the abuse of animals but never hear about the punishment.
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Let them walk
I HAVE the solution for the Southeast Missouri State University parking problems. Southeast must go carless. Administrators, faculty, support staff and students should all have to hoof it.
More discipline
OH, BOO-HOO. Some schools haven't made adequate yearly progress. Many of those schools on the list are in serious need of enforcing discipline. Taxpayers should be aware of how much money is spent by schools to send teachers to workshops to "understand" various groups. Administrators try to find all kinds of excuses as to why their schools are failing. Ask most substitute teachers, and they will tell you to enforce discipline (classroom teachers often are not allowed to adequately discipline students, depending on the situation and demographics). Principals, if substitute teachers refer to your school as "a zoo" it might be time for you to do a better job and help the teachers.
Punish to the max
I HEARD Mike Vick say in his public apology that he found God and is turning his life over to God. That is one of those comments that all criminals make in hopes of getting some sympathy from the public. I hope that he is punished to the max and that the NFL puts a lifetime ban on this thug. The court systems need to take a stand and give back our safety.
Waiting at stoplights
IT IS no wonder people in this town have road rage. Have any of our town officials sat at one of Cape Girardeau's stoplights when there is no traffic? A person can sit at some lights for up to three minutes. This is annoying when there is not another car in sight. Please fix the timing of the lights so people can get on with their days.
He needs help
I AM appalled at this society's response to Michael Vick's problems. This is a man in need of support, not to get him out of trouble with the law, but to make him a better person. Shame on those who mock him and spew their venomous hatred. The man made some mistakes. So have all of you.
Better comparison
CONGRATULATIONS TO columnist Paul Greenberg for echoing the Bush plea to compare Iraq with Japan. Bringing democracy to Iraq is just like Japan, unless we remember that there was no civil war in Japan and also that Japan's recovery followed our dropping atomic bombs on it. Ah, that's the solution: Let's drop an atomic bomb on Baghdad and enhance the parallel. More death. More destruction. And the comparison will really work well.
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