Speak Out A 11/14/01

Behind the scenes

TO THE person who wants to tear down the Marquette Hotel: My husband and several other people have been working very hard to get the old hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, some of them are heading to Jefferson City, Mo., for the nomination hearing. Good things are about to happen for the Marquette. Just because you don't see a difference when you pass the building doesn't mean that something isn't happening behind the scenes.

Support your team

THE CAPE Central Tigers coaches and football team represented their school exceptionally well at the sectional game. Everyone should be very proud of them. I think we all know that the last couple years for them have been a little rough, but we also need to understand that the coaching staff and team are in the middle of a rebuilding process. Not only do they need the support of their faculty, staff, students and fellow classmates, they need it from the community as well. I'd also like to congratulate the Jackson Indians on their win as well. Good luck to all.

More than half a brain

THERE ARE many people with many addictions, legal or not. The majority never seek help. A work camp would be more rehabilitating for first-time offenders than prison. It would also be self-supporting. As it is, I will serve my 10 to 12 years and receive no rehabilitation while the taxpayers sit around feeling sorry for themselves. I take full responsibility for and blame no one for my addiction. The only thing I can thank my lucky stars for is that it is over. Obviously, I have more than half a brain to even want to seek a solution.

Scott City roadwork

BECAUSE OF the I-55 traffic, there are a number of people driving on County Road 228, which changes into Nellie Street in Scott City. I would like to see the county widen this road, as I'm sure a lot of people would. There have already been accidents on this road. When it's dark, the road seems even smaller. It is hard enough to get through the traffic going to work, but to travel on a road that is not kept up or maintained, this is sad. But we never fail to pay our county taxes. I would like to see some of that money stay in Scott City and not just go to Sikeston. It has been two or three years now since the port road was opened and we had another way out of town, and still nothing has been done. Why?

Democrats alive, well

IN TUESDAY'S election there were two races for governor. Democrats won both. There were 36 mayoral races. Democrats won 34. Spending $50 million on his campaign, the Republican mayor-elect of New York declared himself to be a liberal. I would say we Democrats are very much alive and well.

The global economy

A SOUTHEAST Missourian scribe has shown well-deserved sympathy for area workers losing their jobs to Mexico. One can only wonder if the same scrivener is an enthusiastic supporter of the globalized economy some would say cost said workers their jobs.

What about meth?

THIS QUESTION is directed at the SEMO Drug Task Force and the Sikeston Police Department. I applaud your efforts in the fight against drugs on Sikeston's West End. Since 1995, 40 defendants have been convicted in federal court resulting in sentencing totaling 333 years. Is there a meth problem in Southeast Missouri? If so, where are your statistics?

Looking for help

I'M ALSO a recovering addict seeking a solution. I agree no one with half a brain would ever choose to become an addict. Most of us started using drugs or alcohol at a young age and didn't really understand the consequences of our bad actions. For some of us, it is a hereditary disease. Quitting drugs is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It's a challenge every minute of the day. I would also like to say to the other addict seeking help: You should feel blessed. The first step to recovery is admitting you're an addict and want help.

Solve the lynching

ONE OF the ways to remedy lingering racial ills in Sikeston is to reopen the investigation into the 1940s lynching of Cleo Wright. If a federal grand jury returns indictments against some still living people, then prosecute them. If they are deceased, try them posthumously.

House increases risk

A POX on one of their houses. Though the U.S. Senate voted admirably and unanimously to increase airport security forthwith, the House has held the American people's safety hostage with "How many angels can sit on the head of a needle?" philosophical debates on how best to go about increasing security. Frankly, nitpicky House Republicans have resorted to blatant political partisanship, thereby putting the safety of the American people at an increased and unnecessary risk.

Cultural solution

SIKESTON WILL someday be a mecca of multicultural diversity. It will take a generation or two, but interracial dating, cohabitation, marriage and multiracial children will solve the polarization currently said to be plaguing Sikeston. This is anathema to many of the currently aging population, but not nearly so much so with the youth who will, once again, show us the way.

Meshing philosophies

DAVID LIMBAUGH is right as rain not to equate being a Democrat with necessarily being a liberal. Now, if Limbaugh would just recognize that the moderate, bipartisan Bush presidency does not mesh with Limbaugh's brand of conservatism.

Era of good feeling

PRESIDENT BUSH should not take David Limbaugh's advice and abandon bipartisanship, particularly at this critical and unique juncture in American history. We have a president who has transcended politics and united the country. As a result, we have an era of good feeling. If Bush cottons to Limbaugh's suggestion and descends into the crassly partisan gutter of domestic politics, a few Republicans might benefit, but big deal. The country would suffer irreparable damage.

No affiliation

THE SHELTERED workshop in Perryville is not affiliated with VIP whatsoever.

Conservative soft spot

I AGREE with David Limbaugh's implied thesis that things like Attorney General John Ashcroft's assignation of the attorney-client privilege to an "on hold" status is necessary for national security. At the same time, I find naive Limbaugh's additional assertion that action like this is not consistent with the warp and woof of conservatism. That is way too sweeping a conclusion. Indeed, libertarian conservatives like Neal Boortz and Michael Reagan are already livid about the matter. Though Limbaugh fights the good fight, he must certainly realize that there is no such thing as monolithic conservatism and that the conservative coalition is just as vulnerable to a crack-up as it is for those who adhere to other political philosophies.

Dream season

CONGRATULATIONS TO the Jackson Indians football team for an undefeated season and becoming district champs. Way to go, Indians. I hope your dream season continues.

Enough tax money

I READ in the paper that SEMO university is going to build a $1.5 million storage space. Why doesn't the university use that money to build some parking garages, or toward the River Campus instead of taking it out of our taxes? Leave our tax money alone. The university gets enough money as it is.

Bless the soldiers

GOD BLESS all the soldiers overseas and the ones at home. Everyone is a hero. May our politicians have the strength, wisdom and knowledge to get us through this time. This is a new millennium and a new war. I pray for true peace for all nations, not just ours. God bless everyone.

Let them walk

I DON'T know what's wrong with some parents who take their kids to school, but some act like their child can't walk more than a few feet to get to a door. They have to go through the parking lot, no matter how congested it is. Come on, folks, these kids are not babies.