Speak Out 9/22/2013

The debate

I am retired military and a former Sgt. of a police department. Every time we have a mass shooting, we start the debating with a two-headed coin. One side sparks gun control and the other mental illness. Both need to be seriously looked at. First, I do believe in the right to be armed. However, I also believe assault weapons do not need to be in the hands of the everyday "Joe Citizen." These types of guns are not made for target shooting or hunting; they are made to kill and on a high scale. These should be only in the hands of police and military. Pistols, shotguns and rifles satisfy the public need for the Second Amendment. Second, in every mass shooting the suspect has had a history of mental illness. I think we need to rework the mental health care system to make it better and more effective.

Obama and Syria

Those who don't understand diplomacy were hoping for a U.S. war with Syria specifically or the Middle East in general (neoconservatives) or who simply oppose anything the president does (the vast majority of the readership of this newspaper) simply can't stand it when President Obama pulls yet another one out of the fire and achieves a meaningful foreign policy triumph without resorting to military force, while wisely keeping the threat of a strike against Syria on the table.

'Apology tour'

It is no secret that Obama thinks the U.S. is a bully. Just look back at his "apology tour" he took at our expense several years ago. His feelings were, and still are, that the U.S. needs to be just "one of the guys," to fit in and not seem so strong. This way all the countries can get together for group hugs. Well, Mr. President, it doesn't work that way! It seems accidental, but he has really got his way as this administration has handed the "leader" role to Russia, so we have taken a back-seat role.

Graham, McCain

This forum's prestige grows daily. A Speak Out commentator seemed upset that President Obama did not bomb Syria and that the rug was pulled out from under him by Vladimir Putin. This can only lead to the conclusion that Speak Out is being graced with commentary from either or both Lindsey Graham and John McCain.

Postal Service

The Postal Service in Cape Girardeau does not stand for service. If you need something postmarked on a specific date, you should take it directly to the Post Office and hand it to an employee and request it is hand stamped. I put my mail in a box at the Post Office, and it was not stamped until two days later. I had to pay late fines.

Arming terrorists

Now the Obama administration has "suspended" law so it may provide weapons to self-avowed terrorists. Obama is actively supporting al-Qaida. I believe actively aiding enemies of the U.S. used to be called treason. This is your wake-up call. Impeach Obama now!

Bridge problem

Of all the old bridges that have been replaced or repaired, why not the much-used bridge next to the Pilot House in Cape Girardeau? It's in terrible shape and the three-way entrance should be changed like the intersection at Highway 72 and 34.

Obama, Iran

It will cinch his place in the heady category of greatest presidents in U.S. history if a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran as pertains to nuclear weapons can be achieved by President Obama.