Speak Out A 03/13/03

Firefighting inspectors

If the city wants to save so much money, why doesn't it follow the lead of other towns and have firefighters fulfill the duties of a building inspector? Not only does it gain skills for the firemen, but it also saves the city a salary.

Temporary repair

Asphalt is not made to pack down. It slowly forms to the hole in the road. Road crews use it mostly for a temporary, inexpensive fix. When you seen a pothole that was just covered with asphalt, drive around it.

Expensive lawsuit

I do not believe that the juvenile detention center issue is as dead as the editorial stated. Which St. Louis attorney will file the lawsuit representing the girls locked up in Mississippi County, or one of the last workers hurt at the center? Let's see who cares when Cape Girardeau County citizens have to pay millions of dollars in court costs and settlement fees.

Those aren't frills

Regarding prison frills: If it weren't for the TV and library, inmates wouldn't have anything to do. And there is no free phone. You have to call collect. Most people who are in prison made a mistake. They are not dogs.

Politically correct

A person said it is a mistake to think that the Founding Fathers did not intend for us have to believe in God to pledge our loyalty to the country. The person followed up by asking if we would feel right saying "One nation under Allah." "Allah" is Arabic for "God." The Islam faith believes in the same God as Christians believe in. So it is politically correct to say "One nation under God."

Parental responsibility

Law enforcement officers are not to blame when it comes to underage drinking. Neither is it the fault of the stores that sell the liquor. The blame starts at home with the parents who do not condemn it and let their kids go to parties where alcohol is served. The kids then think that their parents are OK with the circumstances.

Middle-aged menaces

IN MY job, I'm out on the roads in Cape Girardeau County quite often. I get to observe drivers of all ages at different times of the day. I've noticed the worst drivers are not teenagers or elderly people. The worst drivers -- don't obey the speed limit, don't use their blinkers, get aggravated if they're behind someone going the correct speed limit and zoom by them in an area that's not safe to pass -- are people who look to be in their late 40s or 50s. They act like they own the road and the young and old need to get out of their way.

Mohawk is too much

I THINK mohawk hair styles for school are a bit much. I do not think the ACLU should become involved in the Oak Ridge case. Besides, the student looks better with his mohawk laid down.

Diesel fuel prices

IS THERE anyone who can explain the reason diesel fuel is higher than super-premium unleaded gasoline? Diesel fuel is a byproduct. It should be half the price of the lowest priced unleaded gasoline.

This is childish

THERE IS nothing frivolous about Jim Drury's lawsuit . Our mayor calling him childish is absurd. Drury has repeatedly stated that if the city would hold another election on the River Campus issue, he would abide by the results. If our city and university leaders are so sure they have widespread backing on this issue, why don't they schedule another vote and end this controversy once and for all? On one hand, people hear our city leaders complaining about a lack of revenue and the need for new taxes. On the other hand, they want us to help finance a project for a state-funded institution that already receives our tax money. Now that's what I call childish.

Cats kill wildlife

CAT OWNERS should read this month Missouri Conservationist article about the effect of domesticated cats on our wildlife. Our wildlife is being destroyed by these protected pets. Dogs account for some loss of wildlife, but that's a drop in the bucket compared to the natural hunter, the cat. The average outdoor cat will make 200 kills a year. What a waste of our wildlife.