Speak Out

Perry County Samaritans

I JUST wanted to thank some real nice people from Perry County for stopping to help me out when my vehicle's battery went dead. I really appreciate it, and I'll return the favor some day when I see someone else in trouble.

Older guys too

I'M DELIGHTED to hear about the low-rise men's blue jeans, although I think they're making a mistake targeting them to younger men in the 18-to-34 age group. They should target them to the older guys with the beer guts. The low-rise jeans would be perfect to accommodate a large beer gut.

Tackle weeds, trash

WHAT HAPPENED to Cape Girardeau's pride? The Cape Girardeau maintenance department needs to cut weeds in the medians and intersections, especially along Kingshighway and Independence. Have you ever heard of week killers and weed eaters? Also, MoDOT needs to do its part. It forgot how to take care of roadways. Weeds are growing everywhere, and trash collects at intersections.

Placing the blame

I WAS truly amazed. David Limbaugh was able to write a column about our overly litigious culture without concluding that Bill Clinton or the Democrats or the liberals or the ethical humanists or the moral relativists or the atheists were responsible for the problem. Instead, he placed the blame where it properly belongs: squarely on the shoulders of unprincipled individuals who, after rationalizing the negative results of their own bad choices, seek out an often ethically challenged lawyer whose stock in trade is suing companies on behalf of unprincipled individuals.

Take care of our own

IS IT criminal neglect or manslaughter to not fund prescription-drug programs for seniors? Where are the families of these seniors? They should be taking care of their own instead of asking the government to take care of everyone. America is not yet a socialist country, but we are well on our way.

Feed the starving

REGARDING EDUCATING those residing in Third World countries on contraception: The most effective contraception is abstinence. The money we spend on food in these countries is minute in comparison to how much Americans spend on junk food to get overweight. Have a little compassion for those who have much less. Don't require them to kill their pre-born children. Just feed them.

Slower traffic keep right

IN RESPONSE to the people who complain about drivers who have somewhere to go: I find it very inconsiderate of you to not get over and drive in the far right lane. We don't want all of the roadway, but if we have somewhere to go and you don't, why don't you just move over to the slower lane? If you want to enjoy the scenery, enjoy it, from the right lane. Otherwise, you are causing traffic congestion and, possibly, an accident.

The war plan

AS PRESIDENT Bush prepares to invade Iraq just prior to mid-term elections, it is informative to consider the following quote: "The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country." This statement was made by Hermann Goering, second in command to Adolf Hitler, at the Nuremberg trials.

All drivers not alike

I WOULD like to inform the older generation that not all young adults drive fast and recklessly. I have had my license for almost four years, and I have not received any tickets or caused any accidents. Just because some of us are not the greatest drivers, don't group us all together. I've seen plenty of the older generation cause an accident or two.

Matter of rudeness

IF IT is rude to blow your nose in a crowded restaurant, is it rude to turn to that person and tell him how rude he is?

Build parking garages

I JUST read the story about parking at SEMO. I am a 38-year-old woman who has lived in the Cape area my entire life. I attended SEMO 20 years ago and am attending classes again, mostly at nights. Night parking permits almost doubled from last year. But this is not a new problem. We had these same concerns and predicaments 20 years ago. Several years ago a speech student thought up an excellent plan: Build some parking garages. But, as in all bureaucracies, because it was an idea not thought up by someone at the top, it was hidden. Garages built next to Johnson Hall or behind the Show Me Center or in the Towers lot for the residents would vastly improve the parking situation. Security cameras and keyed gates would aid in the safety of these garages, and the costs for permits could be reduced. SEMO is a beautiful campus. I love driving by the snow-covered terraces in the winter or enjoying the fountain and the beauty of some of the buildings. As a lifelong resident of Cape, I do not feel a few well-placed parking garages would diminish the beauty of the university in any way.