Speak Out A 05/23/02

Religious concerns

REQUIRING STUDENTS to say the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools is very poor policy because, among other things, it is in direct conflict with the religious beliefs of those who interpret the biblical scripture prohibiting bowing down to graven images to mean no homage should be paid anything or anyone but God. Even if the policy were voluntary, it would stigmatize those who object and don't take part, even for religious reasons.

Like the big city

I'VE ALWAYS yearned for the feeling of living in a gigantic metropolitan area like Los Angeles, Chicago or New York. Thus, I may be one of the few who feel all tingly about things transpiring on I-55.

Just a PR trick

FIRST, LET me say that I really appreciate the brave efforts of our fire department personnel and think they should have state-of-the-art firefighting and safety equipment. However, I do not agree that a torn seat in one of the fire trucks justifies a tax increase to replace the entire truck. I feel sorry for the fireman in the photo who, I feel, was made to look foolish by this silly PR trick.

Get new seat covers

THE PICTURE of the poor fireman staring at the torn seat in the fire truck did not convince me we need a sales-tax increase. I just had seat covers installed on my old jalopy. Try it. You'll like it.

Pay his own way

THE EFFORT by some businessman to obtain tax incentives to develop a subdivision around the new Dalhousie golf course is understandable. But, if effective, it will simply prove divisive to the community. The purpose of such tax incentives is to spur development in less -desirable areas, not to give breaks to those who can better afford it. All over town (Melody Lane, Lexington, North Sprigg Street) residents have had to pay their way.

They can do it

Other cities the size of Cape aren't having financial problems. Everyone needs to ask one question: Why?