Speak Out 9/29/07

Revenue idea

IF THE city needs funds for police department equipment upgrades and purchases, ticket all the speeders traveling Gordonville Road. That should easily generate $1,000 a day.

Hats off to band

CONGRATULATIONS TO the Central High School Marching Tigers on winning first place in their category in both competitions in Murphysboro and Farmington. Good luck for the upcoming competitions in October. It is awesome to watch this group of 100 teens working hard and disciplined toward a common goal. Hats off to their directors.

Bursting bubble

TO THE person who got all philosophical about a permanent cover for the Central Pool: Pay a visit to the pool and let us all know if that ugly, nonpermanent plastic structure is "the essence to all living and non-living entities." It has duct tape and mold marks all over it. Who is responsible for that thing?

An easy out

I AGREE the community seems to be in conflict with education institutions within Cape Girardeau. There's daily negativity in Speak Out about teachers and schools. Teachers are working with what they are given: spoiled, abused or unwanted kids. I don't think teachers are in education for the money, accolades or job security. I work in higher education. My job is easier because the students I work with want to be educated and their parents are supportive. I will never use my high school teaching degree, even if it means I would have three months off. The plight of the elementary and secondary schools stems from lack of parental support. Many children have become uneducable before they reach school due to a lack of nurture at home. It doesn't help matters when Speak Out comments from community members attack teachers and the school system, giving these subpar parents an easy out.

Appears healthy

RECENTLY SOMEONE commented about misuse of handicapped parking spaces by the "obviously young and healthy." I encourage that person to think about those people who have disabilities that are not so visible. I am in my 30s and have severe rheumatoid arthritis. I have a disabled tag. I look young and appear healthy. There are some days I can barely walk from my bed to the bathroom. On days when I am not having difficulty, I do not use my handicapped tag.

Cigarette litter

TO THE smoker who objects to being called trashy: Cigarette butts are litter, and smokers routinely use our public highways and spaces as giant ashtrays. Walk across any parking lot with a toddler if you want evidence. I don't tell people not to smoke, but if you litter you're trashy.

Educated dogs

WHEN IS Southeast State Missouri University going to do something about the dog problem on campus? I'm not talking about outside the buildings. Professors and staff are bringing their dogs to work with them.

Tolerating addiction

TO THE smoker who wants respect and tolerance because "smoke is an addiction": do you tolerate pot-addicted people? How is marijuana addiction different from cigarette addiction?

Public ban

SMOKERS AS a whole are regarded as litterers and as being disrespectful of those who do not smoke. Smokers created this bad image themselves by blowing their smoke on everyone and throwing their trash in the streets and yards of our fair city. Smoking should be banned in public.