Speak Out A 02/12/02

Comparing apples

TO SEE if SEMO has too many administrators, we must divide the number of administrators by the number of credit hours taken. Then compare the percentage to other Missouri schools using the same formula. Now we are comparing apples to apples.

Vietnam-era patriotism

TO ANSWER a serious Speak Out question about an alleged absence of an outpouring of patriotic songs during the Vietnam War, the patriotic songs during that era were actually plentiful. They could generally be described as anti-war protest songs and reflected the view that our government had a patriotic duty to withdraw from a war into which lying and manipulative politicians got us mired.

Performing arts

IN A way we already have a performing arts center in Cape. It's called City Hall.

Learned from masters

I WONDER where we Democrats learned to cast stones? For eight years during President Clinton's administration we witnessed how it's done by the Republicans. A sinking economy is one thing. Not knowing what to do about it is something completely different. Were I a Republican, I do not think I would say anything about anything.

Pedestrian etiquette

THIS IS in regard to the student pedestrians on the SEMO campus. I was a commuter student for four years at SEMO. I completely understand that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. However, countless times I have seen students step off of curbs or the sidewalk into the path of an oncoming car, whether or not there was a crosswalk, and then glare at the driver as if daring one to hit them. Students leisurely amble across crosswalks or stop and talk with others, stop and wait on friends to catch up with them and stop to light cigarettes while cars must sit and wait for them to pass through the crosswalks. The degree of inconsideration for oncoming cars exhibited by the student pedestrians is amazing. The right of way in a crosswalk should not also give the pedestrian the right to disregard others using the streets.

Naive writers

FIFTY YEARS ago, U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy made his now historical allegation that the U.S. State Department was infiltrated with communists. After listening to President Bush's assertion of an axis of evil reminiscent of pre-World War II Germany, Italy and Japan, I am now convinced that the president's wordmeister staff is riddled with what some might consider naive, nefarious, national security-threatening neoconservatives.

Forced compliance

IT MAY be true that the left lane is meant for passing slower cars. However, this does not give you the right to use it as your own personal speeding lane. When you are going 20 mph above the speed limit, you have transcended the passing aspect and are simply being a selfish danger to other drivers, especially when they need to get into the left lane to make a turn. I like to drive in the left lane and force the SUV behind me to actually drive the legal speed limit. Watching their head spin in rage is far more entertaining than television.

A good place

EVERYONE here should be grateful for what they have. Cape Girardeau, in my opinion, is the best city in this area. Compared to Paducah, we have to be grateful. This place amazes me after living here for just a short while. Yes, there are some problems such as the River Campus. Just be grateful for what you have.

The rift widens

WALTER WILLIAMS' thesis that anti-terror laws may exceed the threat illustrates the growing gap between the libertarian and conservative gnomes of the GOP. The rift will lead to the Republican Party's demise by 2006.

Spurious statement

MARTY MISHOW'S spurious statement that the better team won the Super Bowl is the most shocking misstatement ever made in the history of sports journalism.