Speak Out A 10/10/01

Tasteless ad

I THOUGHT the cheerleaders burning the effigy before the football game was tasteless. But you know what else is tasteless? It's the radio ad that certain stations are running that begins talking about a mass homicide. It's supposed to be attention-grabbing, I suppose, since the thousands of creatures killed turn out to be forest animals and the weapon is a barbecue pit. The word "homicide" indicates that people, not animals, are the victims. The word play is out of place right now.

Adult responsibility

I AGREE with Ann Parker that the effigy burning was appalling. But I don't blame the newspaper for printing the picture. The blame goes to the adults who approved burning the effigies in the first place. Rivalries should be healthy, and burning anything besides the logs themselves doesn't belong in today's world before and certainly not after Sept. 11.

Disappointing photo

I'M VERY disappointed with the front-page picture of Central High School cheerleaders smiling and laughing as they were preparing to throw an effigy of a Jackson cheerleader into a bonfire. To me that is disturbing. We have seen effigies of Middle East people burning our president, which is disturbing enough. If you are going to report on something, report on something positive.

Third World act

I AM appalled at the actions of the Cape Central cheerleaders at the burning of an effigy of rival Jackson. I am equally appalled that the Missourian would give this any coverage, much less front page. We have come to expect this sort of thing in Third World countries but not the United States.

Very poor taste

I JUST viewed the front-page photo with the cheerleaders burning the Jackson cheerleader effigy. I think that is in very poor taste and should not have been brought to everybody's attention. It was a total mistake on everybody's part, especially with all of the violence going on in the world.

Rough rivalry

I WANT to comment on this rivalry going on for about 100 years between Cape and Jackson. People need to remember this is a football game, not a war. If they want to fight away they can go to Afghanistan. Too many people have gotten hurt over this. One of these days someone is going to pull a gun and get killed.

Where's the pride?

ONTHE years the Tigers have to go to Jackson to play, all the businesses along Jackson Boulevard are filled with signs and posters encouraging the Jackson team. And each year the Indians play Central in Cape, they see nothing. No community support for our Central Tigers. You people on Kingshighway and Broadway should have signs and banners up supporting the high school. The Jackson businesses put up the signs themselves. No one asks them to. Come on, Cape. Start acting like you're proud of your city's high school.

Totally tactless

REGARDING YOUR front-page picture of the cheerleaders burning the effigy of another cheerleader: Totally tactless. Don't you think enough people have been burned lately?

True sportsmanship

I'M APPALLED at the Southeast Missourian's photo on the front page of the Cape Central cheerleaders throwing an effigy of a Jackson cheerleader onto a bonfire. That's not sportsmanship. And if Central has gotten an award for the best school spirit, I'm sorry. That's morbid, unethical and poor sportsmanship. The Jackson kids can't even paint their faces, color their hair, stomp on the bleachers or go on Central's side after the kickoff because our administrators care about our kids and know what true sportsmanship is.

Unfair publicity

I'LL WAGER that most of the Central team and fans resent the front-page picture that was printed in the Missourian. They don't deserve this type of publicity.

Poor judgment

I AM mad. In this day and age of violence and terrorism, we have on the front page a Central cheerleader burning an effigy of a Jackson cheerleader.

Need better attitude

JUST A word of thanks for publishing the apology on the front page of the Missourian about the Jackson effigy that was burned at the Central bonfire. There's long been a history of good-hearted competition between Cape and Jackson, but in recent years the flavor of the competition seems to have changed. There's been personal attacks and mean-spiritedness on both parts. I'd like to see it return to a better attitude and improved sportsmanship.

Take the blame

SHAME ON you, Joe Sullivan. You put in the newspaper that you regret that the picture was published but it was really the kids' fault. You should have been more adult and not put that picture in there in the first place.

Congratulations, Indians

I'D LOVE to congratulate the Jackson tennis team for wining the district title and the football team for beating Central. Congratulations, Indians.

Another bonfire

IF THE area small schools don't get better and more accurate coverage on sports, I might have my own bonfire and burn the sports writers in effigy. Are you listening?