OpinionJanuary 19, 2000
SPEAKOUT
I SAW a sign in the comic strip "Lola" the other day and I think it would be a good idea to have a similar sign in Cape at the corner of Kingshighway and Williams Street. The sign should list the number of days since there was an armed robbery, the number since somebody was shot and the number of days since the last murder. ...
Keep tabs on crime
I SAW a sign in the comic strip "Lola" the other day and I think it would be a good idea to have a similar sign in Cape at the corner of Kingshighway and Williams Street. The sign should list the number of days since there was an armed robbery, the number since somebody was shot and the number of days since the last murder. This would wake up the people here in Dodge City East to the level of crime in Cape. It would also be a good idea for the Southeast Missourian to put the same information at the top of the front page of the paper. Cape is not a safe place to live, and only by making people aware will it arouse them to demand better law enforcement.
He should have been Republican
FOR THE past seven and a half years you Republicans have been bemoaning the fact that the president wasn't lily white, which leads me to believe that you wanted someone who was pure. Now I'm reading that most of you really don't care what George W. has done. Isn't that interesting how that works? The only problem with President Clinton is that he wasn't a Republican. How you people would have loved him.
What's wrong with sandwiches?
I FEEL the need to comment on the person who bad-mouthed school lunches. I recently retired as a schoolteacher, and the main reason is because I got tired of being a surrogate parent or, if you will, a baby sitter. Now you have the audacity to run down school lunches. Could it be because you are too lazy to fix your own child breakfast and supper? What's wrong with a sandwich lunch anyway? Do you fix your child three hot meals every day?
Responsible choices
THIS IS in response to the item in Speak Out on family planning. I'd like to say that people in the field of family planning do not advocate abortion. In fact, just the opposite. They're trying to help women make responsible choices in the first place so that women will not become pregnant when they're not ready to have children, whether it's for emotional, physical or financial reasons. Those who are so strongly in opposition to abortion should applaud those who work in the field of family planning and those who seek family-planning services for being responsible and preventing unwanted pregnancies from ever occurring and thus preventing the need for abortion.
Schools have hands out
CHAFFEE SCHOOL District never learns that people in the district are not going to pass their new increase so they can blow some more of the taxpayers' money. I suggest they trim some of their high-dollar salaries at the upper level of the school management and drop the contract they have with the manicure company for the lawn at both the elementary and the high school. The taxpayer is sick and tired of throwing hard-earned money at a failing public school system. We've been throwing millions of dollars into these schools for the past 20 years and it is very obvious that the money is not curing the problem. Enough is enough. It's time for the taxpayers to draw a line regarding these public school districts constantly with their hands out. School districts need to learn how to manage their money and get off the taxpayers' backs. They had a surplus, and they blew it to build a new cafeteria that they didn't need. Having Bill Clinton and Mel Carnahan already in our wallets is bad enough, much less with school districts standing there with their hands out.
Famous campaign words
WHEN IT comes to running for political office, the famous words are "I will cut taxes." Then they get in and forget all about their famous words. I don't know whether we should cut taxes so much. I'd rather see the national debt paid down to keep from paying all that high interest than trying to give the money out to something else.
It's a Democratic plot
ON THE surface, Bill Clinton's tax-reduction plan sounds great: tax relief for low-income people and no relief for the so-called wealthy. But in reality, this plan takes money from the achievers and gives it to the under-achievers. The number of households paying absolutely no income tax is approaching the 50 percent mark. When these nontaxpayers become the majority, it won't take them long to realize they can use their vote to take even more money from the minority who pay taxes. This is exactly what the Democrats have been working toward for decades. They will be able to buy their own elections by promising to take even more money from the minority taxpayers and giving it to the majority nontaxpayers.
Maybe he needs a job
JESSE JACKSON is still all hot and bothered because Decatur schools kicked out six students who were fighting during a football game. I think Jesse Jackson doesn't have enough to do.
Doesn't sound too good
THANK GOODNESS I can call Cape Girardeau and talk to you just like you were my next door neighbor. Of course I pay for it, to Southwestern Bell, but that's all right. It doesn't cost a lot. As much as we call Cape Girardeau and St. Louis, it's worth every dime. The reason I called today: No wonder the people of this country can't communicate with people from other countries who speak correct, but broken, English. Today alone I heard on television that the king of some country "proclamated" something, and an inmate found that he was unable to "conversate" because he's been confined too long. Pathetic, isn't it?
Rights are slipping away
STATES ARE losing their rights due to the bribery of the federal government with their control strings attached. Burdened taxpayers send their money to the federal government and then are dictated to as to how, why, when and whether they have any rights whatsoever. Which are getting fewer and fewer every day. The states are relinquishing their rights to the federal government for the federal government handouts with dictatorial control strings attached. Citizens' and states' freedoms are gradually being taken away by this corrupt federal government. Voters, get a tax-relief president in there next time.
It just breaks my heart
I JUST came home from a local junior high boys basketball game. I wanted to let people know if you think the violence at Decatur or Columbine or Paducah can't happen right here in Cape Girardeau County, you are sadly mistaken. It broke my heart tonight to see a young man in the eighth grade who stood in a basketball game, doubled a fist and punched one of the players on the other team. Did the referees do anything? All they did was call a foul. Did the coach pull the boy out for the rest of the game? No. Did the principal do anything? No. This is a sad state of affairs when a public school in Cape Girardeau County stands by and does nothing when one of their own and everyone in the gym saw it does something like this, and they allow it to continue. No wonder there is so much violence with our youths today. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere, and it does. But I have to applaud the school board and the families in Decatur, Ill. They will not tolerate it, and they let these young children know that this stuff will not happen in their school and the kids won't be back in their school until it stops. But this young man was just given the cheers and the congratulations from his teammates and the parents sitting in the crowd. It really breaks my heart to see this.
Young man needs help
THIS IS in response to the Speak Out concerning the incident at Jackson City Park with the 18-year-old male who attempted to sexually assault the 11-year-old girl. I should hope this individual would not only serve jail time, but also get some major counseling. This boy needs help. What's to stop this from happening again? I think jail time, counseling and probation are the answer. This will have a lifetime effect on that poor girl.
Thank unions for high wages
THIS IS in regard to the item in Speak Out, "Blind trust," about the lady whose husband is a union worker for a company in the southern part of Cape. All I can tell you is, if it wasn't for Bill Clinton and the Democrats, you wouldn't have any unions at all. If it was left up to the Republicans and their administrations, there would be no unions and your husband would be working for about a third of the money he's making now.
A little conformity
I DON'T think anyone should be forced to get mental help unless he chooses to get it. Especially if he is obeying the law and generally behaving himself. I see no reason for it. Mental help is something you should seek yourself if you feel you need it. Most people can work through their problems. I'm sure psychiatrists love it when people feel like they can't work through it and they get to make big bucks off people's problems. Dennis Rodman is showing that he can conform to society. This week I read that he looked "normal" on a talk show. I don't follow sports, so I don't know what this Rocker person did or said, but the Speak Out caller was asking this person be allowed nonconformist thoughts, but on the other hand, he's trying to force Rodman to conform. I guess a little bit of conformity on both men's parts wouldn't hurt either individual, and it makes society more comfortable.
Off to a re-education camp?
WHAT ATLANTA Braves pitcher John Rocker said about New York City probably reflects the views of the vast majority of visitors to that city. But the more important question that begs to be answered is why the media is attempting to completely dishonor this guy while completely ignoring the outlandish statements made by the so-called politically correct. Actor Alec Baldwin called for the deaths of Clinton enemies and their families. Spike Lee said Charlton Heston should be murdered. Rosie O'Donnell called the mayor of New York City unprintable names. What about James Carville, Al Sharpton, Maxine Waters and all the other far-left liberals who continually spew hate? Why aren't these people held accountable by the media? For speaking his mind, John Rocker was ordered to undergo psychological counseling by the baseball commissioner. In communist countries, you're sent to a re-education camp if you're not politically correct. I see no difference here.
If the shoe fits ...
I WANT to reply to the evidently liberal person who called in and said conservatives resort to name calling. They call liberals Marxist, socialist, arrogant and condescending. Well, let's look at the record. Don't liberals say you can't make it without the government? That's kind of condescending. Don't they say minorities need affirmative action? That's condescending. And it's arrogant on their part to claim that people can't make it on their own. As far as name calling, it seems to me that Al Gore's campaign manager said that Republicans would rather put out Colin Powell and J.C. Watts than to feed black children and take pictures where they're seen. Who did all this? Who said the Republicans and conservatives were starving children? Who is it that calls conservatives racist? It's the left. It's the liberals doing that. Of course we call liberals by their name of socialist and say they're arrogant, because they are. They think they know better than you. That's why that liberals believe in Big Brother ruling everything. You see it all over the country. Wherever you have liberals, you have less freedom. Therefore they're condescending and because they think they know better than you how to live your life.
It's his free speech too
I'D LIKE somebody to tell me why everybody, especially the minorities, have freedom of speech, but John Rocker doesn't.
First family is a joke
MRS. CLINTON is running for senator from New York. What has this woman ever done on her own without ever being appointed by her pervert husband, who most decent women would have kicked out long ago? She is trying to ride his coattails and being the victim at the same time. What a joke the first family is.
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Charged tax for coupons
I'D LIKE to voice my opinion about people who are forced to take food stamps or starve to death. This happened to me. I had a heart attack a few months ago while working my job with a well-known airline. Fifteen years as a flight attendant, making my way for me and my child, when all of a sudden BAM! Doctors will not let you work because they're afraid you'll die since you've had a heart attack. Airlines will not let you work because they're afraid you'll die on their plane and that's bad PR. So, forced to take a little help with $50 a month food stamps so we could eat, if you could call it eating, I clipped coupons to stretch the $50. I was very embarrassed last Sunday night at a popular, well-known grocery store when I bought my food and presented coupons. The clerk rang it all up and then she said "That will be $1.12." I questioned her, because I didn't have $1.12. She said the $1.12 was for tax on the coupons. Needless to say, I told her I didn't have it. Thank God for the beautiful young lady behind me, because she paid it for me. I had no knowledge of a tax on coupons. It's really hard. What can we do when you're trying to save money with coupons but you're charged tax on them?
Thanks for returning checkbook
I'D LIKE to thank whoever found my checkbook in John's Pharmacy and turned it in. I certainly do appreciate it. You are one of the people that aren't often spoken of, someone who does good deeds. We usually hear about the bad people. Thanks again.
Charges don't fit the situation
I JUST read the article regarding the two people who were charged with endangering a child. I find it absolutely appalling that this is a misdemeanor charge. I'm hoping it's a misprint by the paper. I intend to call the prosecuting attorney's office to verify this information. If it really is a misdemeanor, I don't understand how two people can be responsible for the horrible death of a young child like this and only be charged with misdemeanor crimes. It's obvious that the injuries to this child were not self-induced. I don't know what the circumstances are surrounding her injuries or her death, but I'm certainly hoping there's going to be more investigation into this case. I find this absolutely repulsive.
Why do we need it?
I'D LIKE someone to explain to me why we need a new high school. I see nothing wrong with the old one. Who decides that we need a new school? I don't recall that we voted on that. Maybe we did. But I'd like to know why we need a new high school.
Ideas for school lunches
I'D LIKE to respond to the mother who was unhappy about the quality of her child's school lunches. Does she not know that she does have other choices if her child doesn't like what the school is serving? One alternative might be to pack a lunch for him. That way he'll have exactly what he wants on any given day. Another way might be to offer to volunteer in the school cafeteria. Perhaps she could help change the menu by being helpful but diplomatic. The cooks would probably appreciate an extra pair of working hands. Finally, if all else fails, she could homeschool her child and serve him a nutritious, hot lunch every single day of their life. That way everyone would be happy. Hope these ideas help.
Extremely bad taste
I'D LIKE to state that I am appalled with the Benetton clothing company, with their recent advertising campaign that has absolutely nothing to do with selling their clothes. This particular story strikes real close to home. I'm sure a lot of us in the area remember the tragedy that the Froemsdorf family suffered when Jerome Mallet killed the father of the family. It is in extremely bad taste to use these people to sell clothing.
A lack of self-restraint
I READ with interest and disgust your article on the front page of Jan. 14 paper about the gentleman who has the Web site with the bomb-making information on it. He talks about people being disturbed if they want to look this stuff up. He says he puts it on there only because he can. I think he's a disturbed person who has to do everything just because he can. There are a lot of things we can do legally. That doesn't mean we ought to do it. The government doesn't make rules against every little thing. It gives us some room for discretion and for common sense. This gentleman doesn't recognize that. They can't make a law against every little-bitty thing that's wrong. This gentleman who wants to do everything he can is showing a remarkable lack of restraint, self-discipline, self-control and common sense. It's a shame he doesn't know any better. I really hope he wakes up and realizes what he's doing. I have children, and I monitor what they watch and what they look up on the Internet. But a lot of parents don't monitor or don't realize or the kids go to the public library or whatever. Like the gentleman says, kids are curious. They'll try these things just to see if it really works. They'll figure if a grownup puts it on the Internet, what's wrong with it? Mr. Smith, you have a responsibility to other people. A mature person would realize that. Please grow up before someone gets hurt.
Jobs, yes, and low pay too
I'D LIKE to comment on the chamber of commerce president John Mehner's comment in the paper that jobs would be available for the people who will be losing their jobs at Supervalu. They may be available, but they'll be part-time and minimum wage only. Sure, the unemployment rate is just 2 percent, but the jobs out there are very low-paying and offer little or no benefits. We need to do something to keep the businesses we're losing around here that are going to foreign countries.
Stop unwanted breeding of dogs
I'M CALLING about all the free puppies and the free dogs that are advertised in the newspaper. I'm so upset with breeders who are not responsible people. You cannot call them breeders. They just allow it to happen. I must have counted approximately 40 or 50 puppies in today's paper. Do your readers realize how many of those are going to be put down because homes cannot be found for them? The money you spend on feeding these unneutered dogs would pay for neuter surgery. Have them taken care of. Don't keep producing these puppies that are going to be put down. How many of you have observed these dogs being put down? I have, at a small town 60 miles north of Cape, by accident. I went to a vet's office and observed people with their backs to me on the tailgate of a pickup truck. It was a vet and assistants. They were all very sad. It was a quiet situation. The only talking was each time they prepared to inject the drug that was to kill the poor little dog. They were very kind to the dogs. They talked to them quietly. After they put them down, they laid them out on the blacktop until all the dogs were out of the truck. The last dog was a huge St. Bernard. Each time as they took a puppy out of the cage in the pickup, this big St. Bernard, who knew what was happening, looked like he was crying. Watch this sometime, then maybe you'd be more careful about having your dogs neutered. The St. Bernard realized what was happening, and I'm sure the other dogs did too.
What about the scoreboard?
I HAVE noticed for months that lights have been out on the scoreboard in the Show Me Center. I have complained and been told by David Ross that the lights were not going to be replaced because we are getting a new scoreboard in the near future for several thousand dollars. I asked the city council member and athletic department at SEMO about it.
Go after everyone else too
HOW ABOUT this, Jackson Police Department. While I don't condone homosexual activity in public at all, I also don't condone young people and old people running around the streets rubbing their rear ends with each other, parking in cars and doing illicit sex. If you're going to go after the homosexuals, you're going to have to go after everyone else too. It's only fair.
Waiting for requirements
WHATEVER BECAME of the committee formed by the Jackson School District to come up with stricter eligibility requirements for student athletes wanting to represent the school district in extracurricular activities? It has been four months now. Can a student still be on probation or parole and also be deemed as a creditable citizen in the eyes of the Jackson school board?
Twisting the words
READING SPEAK Out, I notice someone twisted John F. Kennedy's speech to fit his liberal view. I was a Democrat at that time. His meaning was not to depend on the government, but to take responsibility for yourself, which a liberal can't swallow and will even lie or distort President Kennedy's views to feel good about his greed and wanting others to support him. This is why I quit supporting the Democratic Party. Liberalism controls it.
True meaning of education
I THINK it would be a glorious, miraculous day if people would show up for a school's speech tournament or spelling bee or math tournament or any other educational event like they show up for a sports event. The way these people go nuts for sports around here, they forget the true meaning of education.
Full of carcinogens
I'M CALLING in response to a letter to the editor from Carole Poole where she advocates the smoking of herbal cigarettes. Unfortunately, they may not have nicotine, but they still contain carcinogens. In other words, they will still kill you. The even worse news is there has been very little research done on these, so they may in fact have higher levels of carcinogens than regular cigarettes do. You may be going from bad to worse here. There's no way of telling. Don't kid yourself. The only way to quit smoking is to quit completely.
No credit for Vietnam troops
I DON'T know how the ongoing Millennium Notebook is prepared or who prepares it. I realize that the historical and popular events published will elicit controversy. However, the 1965-1969 notebook ignores years of sacrifice by so many during the Vietnam tragedy. The singular reference being the My Lai massacre. But in memory of my friends and relatives, such as Sgt. Dale Hudson, killed in action, I had to comment. This summation, in my opinion, smacks of the disgrace of political correctness, and it's not up to the standards of the Southeast Missourian.
Needs help, not a shove
"ALWAYS SOME unfriendly folks." I read that item in Speak Out, and that woman was very depressed, needing help, crying out, suicidal. Counselors would say that you are a very cold-hearted person. Yes, there are unfriendly folks, but I could tell by reading between the lines of that Speak Out item that the caller needed help. She needed a friend to help her, someone to be kind and considerate instead of being so cold and callous like you were. What you said in the paper, that wasn't right. You need to choose your words, and don't say things that will hurt. That caller needed a helping hand, not a shove to get out of your way.
New pavement is rough
I SEE in the paper where they're thinking about finishing Bloomfield on over to Highway 74. I hope they get someone to do this concrete work who knows what he's doing. Just recently they finished Bloomfield from Mount Auburn up to Silver Springs, and you get on that and you feel like you're driving on a washboard. It's rough concrete. Also, on Seimers Drive from Bloomfield north to William, I don't know whether it's sinking or if the job was done badly, but it's also rough. You can hardly drive over 20 mph over the bumps. I hope they can find someone knowledgeable to do this work to make the street smooth and driveable.
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