Speak Out A 10/04/01

Wisdom of experience

TERRORISTS HAVE declared war on the United States, and now we are at war with a hidden enemy. This is far worse than Pearl Harbor was. We cannot go back to where we were before. We are now in a struggle for our very existence. The only people who seem to realize this are the veterans of Vietnam, Korea and World War II who know too well what conflicts we are in for. We have always fought on foreign soil to keep our country safe. But now the war is right here at home with an unseen enemy. We understand what war and bombing are all about. But today's generation does not seem to. We are in a war that threatens our country. Iran, Iraq, North Korea, China and Russia all have atom bombs, and any one of them can turn on us at any time. Another real threat is bombs carrying gas and diseases that could easily wipe out one-fourth of the U.S. population at a time. We should go back to that old slogan of World War II -- "Is this trip really necessary?" -- and start saving fuel.

Strong commissioners

I JUST read a very interesting article in your newspaper. It concerned the Scott County sheriff and Scott County commissioners. It appears the sheriff has overstepped his authority again. This time, it has to do with replacing the cooling system in the jail without going through the proper channels. It seems for the very first time we have a panel of commissioners who will stand up for what's right, not what's popular. More power to them. Keep up the good work. These things will be remembered on Election Day.

Enjoy the flag

THISISto the person who stole the magnetic flag from my car. Shame on you. If you are so patriotic and wanted my flag, I would have given it to you. Hope you enjoy my flag.

Firefighting needs

IT'S HARD for me to understand Cape Girardeau. After all that has happened at the World Trade Center, the city here wants to pay millions of dollars to the university rather than spend it on our firefighters. The other day I saw the firefighters working out of a truck that had water coming out of the bottom of it. What is the city thinking?

College quarters

I'D LIKE someone from SEMO to tell people publicly what they're trying to pull. Several friends of mine who have children going to SEMO have received letters saying their children must either live on campus or at home. Well, several have apartments in Cape for their children as most of them have part-time jobs to help pay for a car and other expenses. Not everyone can afford what SEMO charges to live on campus. What are you supposed to do if you want your child to go to college?

Not that smart

SO THE River Campus has gone to the highest court in Missouri. Folks, the city and college want to tack this tax onto us for the next 32 years. During this time I'm sure there will be a couple of dozen other taxes added on for one cause or another. This River Campus was a bad idea from the get-go. It failed at the polls. Only the tax passed, and that only because of the misunderstanding of the voters. If the city and university thought they were so sure of their standing on this issue, why didn't they put it back on the ballot? That is an action they dare not do. This self-professed intellectual community is just not that smart. Thank God for a few caring, concerned and honest citizens like Jim Drury.

Smoke and beers

I JUST read a cute little thing that I'd like to share. "We thank you for not smoking. Cigarette smoke is the residue of your pleasure. It contaminates the air and pollutes my hair and clothes, not to mention my lungs. And this takes place without my consent. I have a pleasure also. I like beer, now and again. The residue from my pleasure is pee-pee. Would you be annoyed if I stood on a chair and peed on your head and clothes without your consent?"