Speak Out A 10/22/03

LET'S DO the SEMO budget math. The budget shortfall is $2.4 million. Intercollegiate athletics costs some $3.5 million and brings in just $1 million from boosters. Eliminating intercollegiate athletics would lead to a budget surplus. As a local booster has said about SEMO threatening academic programs first, the university's approach to budget problems is like "eating your children to save grocery money."

Recovery wishes

THANK YOU for your thoughtful commentary about Rush and his problems. I do wish him the best for a full recovery in hopes that he will be back on the air in full form once again.

'Under God'

IF YOU want the United States to be a nation of religious fanaticism such as Iran, then you probably approve of "One nation under God." But if you think the United States should be a civilized free society, you must be against it.

The mayor's comments

REGARDING THE mayor's comments in Newsweek about Cape Girardeau's attitude toward the Limbaughs: What a crock: The mayor has not lived here very long, and the time he has been here has been spent mostly with the so-called elite who are very eager to impress and very easily impressed. If he had spent more time with the average person, he would know that the Limbaughs are not highly regarded here by the majority. As a history lesson to the mayor, George Washington refused the crown when our nation began. Therefore, we have no royalty. The people of this town are smart enough to know a blowhard when we hear one. Unfortunately, we didn't see that side of the mayor until it was too late. Now that we know, he won't have to worry about getting re-elected. He should keep his day job.

America first

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE or no official language, we Americans speak English. I don't understand why the government is so tolerant of foreigners, especially the ones who are here illegally. We need to start taking better care of our own people and quit trying to save the entire planet. People have come to America and flourished. They built this country with hard work and dedication, not from letting another country come and do it all for them. We need a president who has those similar views, not one who takes money out of American citizens' pockets and ships it to good-for-nothing countries.

No tax on alimony

I PAY child support to two different mothers. It takes a big chunk of my income and affects my lifestyle. However, it is a bargain. My children also affect my lifestyle, but in a positive way. The only taxing difference I would recommend on child support is make it like alimony. I believe neither the payer nor the payee should have to pay income tax on alimony.

Emphasis on DWI

THE VANDALS are taking over the neighborhoods again. As long as the Cape Girardeau Police Department feels that the only thing to do is alcohol traffic stops and watching the bars, the vandals keep winning. While traffic patterns go down the tubes and our neighborhoods are being destroyed, the police keep worshiping the DWI revenue god.

Enforce sign law

HURRAY FOR Cape Girardeau for finally attempting to enforce its ordinances. The trashy signs around Cape make it look like a hick town in the middle of nowhere. Many cities and states regulate the placement of signs, and many have far better economies than Cape Girardeau or Missouri. It is certainly possible to operate a small business in this city and comply with the signs for your property. Get rid of those trashy signs.

Good cab service

I WOULD like to tell you about how great the cab company is in Cape Girardeau. Kelley Taxi takes good care of me. The drivers help me get in and out of the cab. They help me up to my door. And they make sure to wait till I get my home. I think that is very nice.

Big hole on I-55

ON THE north side of I-55 near the 97-mile marker there is a hole that is getting bigger by the day. Someone is going to have a bad accident someday. It has been like this all summer long. Please get this thing fixed.

Concern for deer

CONCERNING THE albino deer spotted north of Jackson: I hope it is the same one we have seen in the woods and while horseback riding. I hope it is staying clear of the hunters.

Adult responsibility

I READ the story about the car being burned at Jackson High School. I agree with the school officials that the responsible students should have been punished. But what about the adult who was in charge of the event?

Disappointing editorial

AFTER READING the editorial on the addiction of Rush Limbaugh, I am so disappointed. Nowhere in the editorial did I see the words "criminal," "felony" or "illegal." Can you imagine if it had been Bill Clinton or any Democrat?