Speak Out A 11/21/04

Waiting too long

I'M GETTING tired of having to wait for the left turn light off of Mount Auburn Road onto Independence Street. I think it is high time that the city considered putting a left-turn-yield light at this intersection. Every morning I'm required to stop and wait and wait and wait, and maybe two cars are oncoming on Mount Auburn. This is asinine.

Comparing salaries

WHEN LOCAL schools compare the salaries of superintendents, it is important to look at more than just the base salary. While Jackson's superintendent may have a lower dollar figure, it is important to look at the whole package. How much is the district paying for annuities? How about memberships to country clubs? Car allowances? Health insurance for family members? Let's look at the total picture. When Cape Girardeau establishes a salary, it should be based on the average of schools in Southeast Missouri with a similar size. Don't compare Cape to the districts around St. Louis.

Not my music

I'M TIRED of these guys who drive by my home at 1 a.m. every morning with their hip-hop or rap blasting out the windows. How about I drive by your houses when your sleeping playing my country music until I'm deaf?

Terrorists are cowards

I'M ANGRY. How stupid is our press? How much longer are the media going to insist upon inflaming the Muslim community? Why is the Muslim community not as upset over the innocent woman who was butchered by her terrorist captors when she helped the people of Iraq? In war, men are killed. In terrorism, innocent people are killed. Let's call the real terrorists what they are and not the politically corrected "insurgents." If a terrorist uses a religious building to hide in and to fight from, it ceases to be religious. All the terrorists I have seen are cowards and bullies, hiding their faces and killing the innocent. Real men fight like Marines.

It's just satire

MARK BLISS' attention to detail is matched only by his witless sobriety. The Canadian Web site he refers to in his column is satirical in content.

Interstate speeding

I TRAVEL Interstate 55 frequently. Like everyone else, I worry about being caught speeding even just a few miles over the speed limit. However, when I see people traveling at speeds way over the posted 70 mph, I get aggravated. It seems as though there is no fear of law enforcement. I traveled to St. Louis this weekend and was passed by a caravan of vehicles traveling near or exceeding 100 mph. Where is the highway patrol then?

Shallow and petty

I AM astounded by someone telling others to send a message of annoyance about waitresses saying "you guys" by leaving no tip. How will the waiter or waitress know that's the reason you're not tipping? Leave them a note. At least that way they will understand what a shallow and petty person you are. And they will know to call you "your highness" next time you come in.

What I voted for

NOT TO belittle the contribution the garbage men make to the city, but I am thrilled to see police officers making a stand on the money issue. I voted for a public safety tax, because that's where the city said the money would go: the fire and police departments. Thank you, men and women in blue, for making sure my taxes are used according to the way I voted.

Selling at schools

PARENTS NEED to start protesting all the fund raising our children are forced to participate in, especially charging a fee for our children to participate and then requiring us to sell stuff to buy the schools new equipment. That's what they're supposed to be spending our taxes on. We've got to stop the madness.