Speak Out A 01/15/03

A pro-life decision

HERE'S TO Gov. George Ryan of Illinois, the first real pro-lifer. He realized how screwed up the American judicial system is and put a stop to state-sponsored killing after 13 men were exonerated post-mortem in Illinois. He knew he'd take a lot of flak for his decision, but he did what he knew to be right. Anyone out there claiming to be pro-life should support his decision.

High-income complaint

I AM tired of Speak Out callers complaining about taxes. If I had a dollar for every tax complaint printed in Speak Out, I would be in the highest tax bracket possible.

No-growth attitudes

THESE WINNERS need to realize that Cape Girardeau's and Missouri's tax burdens are far lower than they are in California or any northeastern state. Missouri also offers greater bang for the taxpayer dollar than these states. As for Cape Girardeau, those against the water park and the River Campus need to take a look at the city's population figures for the last 20 years. The city is not growing. And with the current attitudes espoused by many, it may never grow.

Not enough officers

THIS IS in response to the caller who thinks we have enough police officers in Cape Girardeau. I disagree. I do not see enough of them. I can name many towns smaller that have more officers than we do.

They are our leaders

I'M AMAZED at many Speak Out callers. I read about people complaining about city taxes and how they don't trust the people leading our city. The last time I checked, we voted the leaders into their positions. They aren't given the spot. Come on, people. If we don't like the way things are done, do something about it. I'm amazed at how few people are at city council meetings in this city. Perhaps this city does need to raise taxes, but maybe not as high as the city has proposed. Cape Girardeau residents pay very little when it comes to taxes. People say the city just needs to bring in more business to generate more tax dollars. You have to be able to attract the business. The leaders need to spend money to make this town attractive.

Skimpy protection

THIS IS to the caller who believes we have enough police officers. On average, Cape Girardeau has one officer working at any given time for every 7,000 people. Is this adequate? How protected do you feel now?

Beatles memories

HOW NICE it was to see the Beatles on the front page Saturday. I saw them in concert in 1966. Although I was very young, I will never forget it. I cannot imagine that there will ever be another group like them in my lifetime.

Cold blast

WHO LEFT the refrigerator door open? Just as you thought spring was in the air, the frost is back. I wonder what the groundhog thinks.

Abortion needed

TWENTY-SOME years ago, I worked in a business that was in the same building as an abortion clinic. Several times a month, while trying to enter the building to go to work, I was practically attacked by abortion protesters trying to persuade me to keep my baby. I always replied that I was going to lose my job if they did not let me through. I agree that abortion cheapens life. However, I strongly believe that there are many circumstances where abortion is the best choice for both the parents and the child. I respect that this is a very sensitive topic that goes deeply not only into our values, but into our religious beliefs. It's not a perfect world. We are a country that needs to have abortion remain legal.

Be a citizen

QUIT WHINING about taxes for the police and fire department. If there were not a true need, I'm sure they would not be proposed. I fully support those who put their life on the line every day to keep me safe. I am a single homeowner with no children and pay a considerable amount of taxes to support our schools. It's called being a citizen.

WE READ a lot of opinions from non-smokers. We read a lot of opinions from smokers. I'd like to read some comments from smokers who have quit.

Policy botch

THOUGH I would call it the biggest mistake in American diplomatic history, The New Yorker claims President Bush's Korea policy is only a "fairly comprehensive botch."

Abuse of power

WHY DID Gov. George Ryan of Illinois wait until a few days before he leaves office to issue pardons to death row inmates? This is an absolute abuse of power. I feel sorry for the families of the victims.

Raising children

ARE WE ready for the changes our town is going to see over the next year or so? We still have an opportunity to keep life simple. This is the greatest town for raising children to be healthy, normal adults. Cape Girardeau has not felt the effects of East and West coast influences yet.

Destroy the starlings

THIS BIRD problem is out of hand. Just like any other pest, it is in our best interest to permanently destroy the starlings. It's not like they're on the brink of extinction.