Speak Out 9/26/11

Streamline programs

IN response to the article in the Missourian regarding the fears that cutting money from defense spending will "gut" our national defense, I would like to say that almost any government program can be streamlined to make it more efficient. For example, it was recently revealed that the Department of Defense spent more than $750 million on late fees for storage containers. That's pretty stupid and shouldn't have happened. Also, how's that audit of the DOD coming? And just in case you're wondering, I am a strong supporter of our soldiers serving in the military and feel our national defense is very important.

Renter with pets

I have been looking for a house to rent in the Cape Girardeau area for a while now. Everything I see says no pets, and some of these homes have been up for rent for a long time. I wish people would realize that some of us that have pets could never get rid of them simply for the sake of a home. That is like asking me to get rid of one of my children.

Fair photos

I am very disappointed with the SEMO District Fair photos from the Southeast Missourian this year. I have children that show livestock at the fair. All the children and young adults work hard all week to take care of their animals and all the photos online you see are people walking in the rain and the grandstand event that took place that night. I believe the children need to be pointed out also. They're more important than people walking in the rain.

Boyd interview

THANK you for publishing an interview with America's Got Talent winner and now aspirant for the Missouri Legislature, Neal E. Boyd. Boyd, who has long been interested and active in politics, is truly one of those rare people with an uncanny ability to unite rather than polarize people, something sorely needed in today's political climate. I don't agree with him on all the issues, but I sure as heck would vote for him and have every confidence that he would work hard to improve the lot of all.

Disregard for rules

IT seems that there is a race every year about this time, and while I'm sure it's for a good cause, I am concerned about the blatant disregard for common rules of the road. For instance, I traveled down Lombardo Street and there was someone associated with the race sitting in the road. He did not appear to be injured and there was a perfectly good sidewalk inches away from where he was sitting. I get to the light at Broadway and Clark Avenue, and there are two young women dancing in the road. I have no problem with taking a little extra care on race day, but shouldn't those participating in the race be expected to obey basic laws of safety?

Re-election chances

AFTER listening to the entire political spectrum of punditry for several weeks, I am now convinced that President Obama has no chance at re-election. His opponents have successfully been able to poison anything and everything he suggests to the point that even previously Republican proposals are rejected out of hand by Republicans if now proposed by President Obama.