Speak Out

Benefits of education

THANKS FOR the recent comment about family planning abroad. I've always noted that we are quick to spend millions of dollars on food, clothing and shelter for starving children in Africa, but we refuse to make any effort toward education, specifically basic sex education. If women in lesser developed countries knew the options available to them, even basic contraception practices, the growth rates in these countries could be cut exponentially. But the United States refuses on moral grounds. Instead, we allow the birth rates to go unchecked and continue to literally feed the growth with taxpayer charity. Yes, charity in the way of material goods is still needed, but we as Americans need to realize that we are not fixing the root of the problems -- there are just too many people being born.

In good shape now

THE CAPE Girardeau School District is asking for more of our hard-earned money. Did anyone see the article on the Schultz building? It seems the engineer now says that there are 60 to 70 years left in this building. The district admits it's a sound building now that it has our money. Remember when the district said it was falling down around the students?

Disgusting act

MY HUSBAND and I were eating lunch at a buffet restaurant recently. A woman walked up to the dessert bar and wiped the remaining food off her plate, leaving her garbage and napkin on the ice in front of the grapes. That was the most disgusting act I have seen an adult do in a very long time. She should be ashamed of herself. This restaurant is one of the cleanest eating establishments in Cape. If this is that woman's idea of manners, I urge her to refrain from eating out in public.

Criminal neglect

THE FAILURE of the U.S. Senate to come up with a prescription drug benefit for senior citizens borders on criminal neglect. According to statistics, 22 percent to 25 percent of seniors forgo taking potentially lifesaving drugs because of the cost. Assuming some of these seniors die as a result, I think a case can be made to prosecute members of Congress for criminal neglect at least and, perhaps, even manslaughter.

Alas, poor foosball

I'LL BE the first to admit that wiffleball is a great sport, but nothing compares to the foosball phenomenon that swept through Cape in the 1960s and then suddenly disappeared. My theory is that foosball was such a popular sport citizens by the millions would have become preoccupied with playing it to the exclusion of virtually everything else in life. Thus, out of concern for our nation's economy and overall well-being, I am convinced foosball was stamped out due to a government conspiracy. What a terrible mistake.

Speeding catch-22

THE POLICE are in a catch-22 situation in Cape Girardeau. The residents in neighborhoods complain about people speeding, so the police actually start writing tickets. Then the complaining starts about how the police should not be writing so many tickets and do real work. Writing tickets is probably one of the more dangerous positions a police officer can be in, both in dealing with drivers and being struck by traffic. Have some respect for your neighbors and police force, and follow those speed limit signs. They are not there as a mere suggestion.

Raise the temperature

AS SOMEONE who is active on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, I am well aware of the budget crunch that currently exists. I believe that one simple way to conserve money would be to raise the temperature in all campus buildings and give the air conditioners a break. Students, staff and faculty routinely wear jackets and sweaters in July to compensate for the frigid temperatures which are controlled at a location off campus. Raising the temperatures by two degrees would make everyone more productive and comfortable as well as help the financial situation.