Speak Out 9/30/09

Hate speech

THE Southeast Missourian recently printed an online user's comment. It read, "The presedent [sic] needs to be called more than a liar. He needs to be called every four-letter word under the sun." Decisions to publish such ignorant but insidious hate speech sadly illustrates the depths to which a once deservedly proud and newsworthy paper has plummeted.

ATV permits

I would like to submit a request to the Cape Girardeau County Commission to consider issuing a permit for ATV riders to operate their ATVs on county-maintained roads. It is my understanding that Perry and Bollinger counties offer these permits. Shannon County also offers these permits. All these counties require is that you display a slow-moving vehicle emblem and an orange flag on the rear of the ATV. I know of at least two large groups of riders who go to Shannon County to ride every year. If the county commissioners would consider issuing permits, I think it would be justified that a permit fee be implemented if necessary. If all you fellow ATV riders agree with my request, let our commissioners hear your voices.

Iran sanctions

DAYS after President Obama and the leaders of Russia, Britain, France and others made an unprecedented united diplomatic statement on the necessity of increasing sanctions on Iran, Jim Talent belatedly calls for the same thing on the pages of the Southeast Missourian: sanctions against Iran. President Obama is to be complimented for forging this heretofore unachievable consensus. Johnny-come-lately Talent deserves no credit.

Sincere thanks

OUR family laid our grandma to rest on Sept. 26. As we were coming from Tamms, Ill., to Thebes, Ill., many of you pulled over as we passed. We want to thank each of you. Your gesture of respect did not go unnoticed. May God bless each of you.

Fat tax

I call upon the Cape Girardeau City Council to levy a fat tax. This would much-needed raise revenue and have the effect of eventually steering people in the direction of making more healthy choices for themselves and their families.

Nader's novel

RALPH Nader has written a novel. It is about how a bunch of rich businessmen got together to save the planet from political and environmental disaster. As far as the genre goes, I would guess that it is classified as science fiction.

Bus danger

AS I looked into a school bus I was following, several students were standing up and one was walking around. They were playing and having a good time. While the bus is in motion, passengers are supposed to be seated. I drove school bus for eight years and know how dangerous it is for students to be out of their seats while the bus is moving.