Speak Out A 07/17/03

MoDOT isn't listening

MODOT SAYS it wants the people's input on repairs on Highway 72. What a joke. MoDOT is required to hold these meetings, but the people's input means nothing, Those living along West Jackson Boulevard did everything they could think of to get MoDOT to do the sensible thing and put in a regular five-lane highway. It's a shame MoDOT can get away with this.

Getting to the money

IF DEMOCRATS are tax-and-spenders, then why did the late governor, Mel Carnahan, support the amendment passed in 1996 that stripped legislators of their ability to raise taxes without voters' approval? Now both parties are saying we may need to tinker with our constitution so they can have that power back. It's an election year, so I guess it's time to open up the waffle house.

He did the right thing

GOV. BOB Holden finally did something right. Tort reform is another attempt by Republicans to put limitations on what the average person can do if a doctor is negligent. Our governor did the right thing by vetoing this bill. If our legislators representing the Cape Girardeau area vote to override that veto, they will not get my vote next fall. These laws will only put more money in the pockets of the politicians who are trying to help the special-interest groups. How about passing a bill that will help all the people in the state get adequate and affordable health care? If you want that, you better vote for a Democrat.

Power to progressives

SO-CALLED CONSERVATIVES rose to power on the theme that government is part of the problem and not part of the solution. As citizens become more cognizant of the fact that they have gutted much needed government services at all levels and are determined to do even more damage, the conservative movement will soon be moribund. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, old-fashioned progressivism will once again become the dominant political philosophy.

Weeds and trash remain

I LIVE in the area near New Hopper Road. Some time ago signs went up notifying owners to mow their property by a certain date. Evidently there are no teeth in city ordinances governing this, because most of the property is still overgrown There is also a lot of trash on the city right of way. Why do these conditions persist? Is it that there are more pressing issues -- like spending money on some sort of feasibility study?

How high they fly

I MUST join the chorus of those calling for limitations on fireworks. They certainly pose too many risks for harm to self and to property. Banning all fireworks would be extreme and cause an enormous outcry. Could fireworks that fly over a certain height be banned?

Slogan won't work

I THINK Heidi Hall's suggestion that we use "We Dare You to Find Nicer People" as our Cape Girardeau publicity theme is exactly on target. Say we're nice or we'll hurt you. Angry powers that be are always intimidating people into saying what a fine place this is to live whether they believe it is true or not. It also explains why Hall is wrong to say that Cape Girardeau is a "live and let live" town. We leave you alone if you agree with our prejudices. It's not a particularly nice place unless you are not poor, black, young and concerned.

Trickling on

AS WE approach what promises to be a hot election year, I hope middle-class people who believe Republicans in control of government have their best interest in mind will realize that is a myth. Trickle-down economics does not work. It should be called trickle-on economics, because that is what's happening to the working class. Harry Truman was right when he said, "If you want to live like a Republican, you better vote for Democrats."