Speak Out 9/28/05

Idealistic cause

SUE NIEDERER demanded of readers to identify a noble cause justifying the American presence in Iraq. Here's one: We are attempting to assist the Iraqis in developing a constitutional, democratic republic so they will be free from oppression. Is that idealistic enough? In reality, some think it's too idealistic and, for that reason, the U.S. does not need to be involved in these idealistic crusades. Just don't tell me our cause isn't idealistic.

Bad behavior

TEENAGERS AREN'T the only ones who act rudely. At a recent high school baseball game I sat in front of a small group of men and women who appeared to be in their mid-40s. They were booing the other team and using foul language toward the refs. It's so easy to point the finger of blame at teens and accuse them of wrong-doing. We're all human, and none of us is perfect.

It's not baby sitting

SCHOOL IS not a daycare. As a high school student, I would much rather get out at 2:15 p.m. and have the rest of the day to work or participate in a sport. Some kids have other things to do than sit in school longer just so the parents of younger kids can have a free baby-sitter.

Private responsibility

DOES THE person living on Jefferson Street really believe block grant money should be used to upgrade private homes? Tax dollars should not be used to remodel private homes. Improve sidewalks, streets and street lights but stay out of people's homes. That is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord.

A little upkeep

I WOULD like to encourage landlords in the less affluent parts of town to take more interest in how their property looks. Paint, siding and keeping the yard and area around the sidewalks mowed and trimmed will raise the value of the property. It will also show tenants that landlords care about their property and tenants should to.

Highway improvements

I WOULD like to praise the Missouri Department of Transportation for the surfacing of Interstate 55 north of Fruitland. Awesome. What a wonderful drive this will eventually be. I would suggest that Highway 72 needs that same attention even more than the interstate.

Paying for sports

THE FEE kids pay to play sports in the Cape Girardeau School District does not go into athletic fund. It goes into the general fund. Does this seem right to you? That needs to be looked into or stop the fee.

Arrogant government

I WANT to thank U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson for trying to get our post office in the center of town. In spite of her valiant effort, it appears the U.S. Postal Service has once again thumbed its nose at the people who have common sense and have decided to spend $700,000 on renovating the old Frederick Street location. At least we get a substation more in the center of town. It just goes to show you how the government is so out of touch with the people it serves and how arrogant the government has become.

Merging issue

I AM a concerned member of our community. Last week I was getting onto Interstate 55 and had nowhere to go. I had a semi and a van side by side that wouldn't allow me onto the interstate. This is not the first time I have witnessed this. I thought the exit ramps onto and off the interstate were so that a person could do just that. Could the drivers of these enormous rigs allow the little cars and truck access to merge onto the interstate?

Where's the money?

WOULD SOMEONE tell me where I could find one of those jobs that pays around $38,000? I am a manager within my company and make a lot less than that. I also know others who are expected to live on less than $20,000. We'd all like to be on better financial grounds.

Tax alcohol

ALL THIS talk about increasing taxes on tobacco. How about an increase in taxes on alcohol products? There are more alcohol users today than there are tobacco users, not to mention the deaths and health problems related to alcohol. People seem to forget there are other self-damaging forms of addiction besides tobacco.

Power of meditation

I ATTEND church at least once a week. I know keeping God in the center of my life is my purpose and the foundation of all that is good. His son, Jesus, represents to me the greatest love affair, and I am humbled by it. I also meditate, counting my breaths, seeking to quiet my mind and learning how to focus better. Then I pray to God for wisdom and guidance. Meditation can be a wonderful tool in Christian life. It is not a replacement, but practiced well it is healthy and good. I am concerned that those who fear meditation do so because they don't understand it. Like everything, meditation can be misused. But used well, it can be a powerful part of a Christian life.

Ignoring the sidewalks

WHY DO we even have sidewalks when so many people still walk in the street?

Activity week

"AWESOME" IS only one of an infinite number of accolades applicable to Notre Dame Regional High School's just completed activity week.

Compound fracture

CONSERVATIVE columnist Kathleen Parker's endorsement of John McCain for president will further fracture an already badly divided GOP.

Religious meditation

I'M ALL for the Peace Palace. Anything that brings people closer to God and spirituality is a good thing. Meditation is not about any one religion. Every religion speaks of it in its own way.

Driving guide

HERE'S AN excerpt from the Missouri Driver's Guide, Chapter 6: " On highways with a total of four or more lanes (two or more lanes in each direction), always keep to the right unless you are passing slower traffic, letting another driver have room to enter safely, or getting ready to make a legal left turn."