SPEAKOUT

Coaches are at fault

AFTER READING the article about the Minnesota players that were not allowed to play in their NCAA tournament game, I just wonder if there's anyone out there who agrees that the players seem to suffer the most. I know they're caught up in a situation where they need to make the grades to play, but what about the coaches? Aren't they responsible? How about putting the coach of the team on probation? It seems like everything is taken out on this young kid, and he's just kind of in the middle. The real crooks are the coaches of these programs. Does anyone have any character anymore?

Running red lights

THIS IS to the chief of police. Please put one of your empty patrol cars at the Lexington and Mount Auburn intersection to keep people from running red lights.

Critic, not a composer

ALDERMAN CANDIDATE Chris Bowen raises good questions about the city of Jackson's land purchase. Let me ask another good question. Where was Chris when the city discussed this purchase? Chris only shows it's far easier to be a critic than a composer.

Power-hungry Hillary

CLINTON IS running around wifeless these days even to his home town of Hope, Ark. Hillary is distancing herself from Clinton thinking her chances for New York senator will be better if she doesn't have Clinton hanging from her neck. She wants to portray herself as a victim to gain sympathy, but that won't work as she was an abettor and an enabler to this adultery and supported his sick cause. She's power hungry.

Hope snow made you happy

THIS IS for all you people who wanted just one more big snow. I sure hope you're happy.

Wine glasses for prom

I'M A student at Cape Central High School. On March 11, I was informed by another student that at our prom on May 8 there will be no memory wine glasses. The administration and principal Randy Fiddler feel that the glasses promote alcohol. Students, upon finding out, got angry and signed a petition that will be sent to the school to be reviewed. My point is this: They are taking away a tradition. Jostens gave mugs -- they are really beer steins -- to seniors this year. If Jostens can give beer steins, then why can't we have wine glasses? You can't stop a student from drinking by taking away the glasses. They plan to replace the glasses with memory cardboard boxes, but it's not the same. I feel and have always felt that the schools blow some things out of proportion. I feel and the Class of 1999 feels that Randy Fiddler needs to review this issue again.

Potholes need attention

I CANNOT understand why the city does not raise the manhole at the corner of Mill and North Main Street. There are also chugholes all up through Main Street. And the levee on Chestnut Street and Big Bend Road is almost impassable for the broken concrete and chugholes. I wish the city would please, for the sake of our automobiles fix, these streets and these chugholes. This work on the levee needs to be done immediately because the concrete is breaking up terribly. As a user of this street every day, it's hard to keep a car in alignment. We thank the city for any help it can give us on these chugholes and potholes in the north end of town.

Delay, but don't cancel

I HOPE the next Cape Girardeau school superintendent has the good sense to follow the example of Notre Dame Regional High School and Scott City and starts using snow delays instead of canceling classes. When we have snow on the ground, maybe we start school two hours late but still have school.

Address those issues

THIS IS in reference to the letter from Chris Bowen in the Southeast Missourian. Sounds like he's brought up some interesting questions, and I would like the Board of Aldermen and the mayor to address the issues he brought up.

Use more bricks downtown

THIS IS in regard to the "Suggestions for downtown" comment. I think the bricks should be kept there. In fact, I think the regular sidewalks should be bricks with planters and more trees. And I think the outside of the buildings should be remodeled to be more like back in the days when it was quieter, more laid back, people more friendlier, more showier than they were. I think we should go back to the more older style and lots more bricks on the streets and the sidewalks.

Thanks for snow removal

I JUST want to thank the city street workers for a good job of cleaning out streets during this heavy snow.

Plowed snow blocks driveway

WHY DOES the city, after a snow in a cul-de-sac, blade the snow piled up in front of your driveway where you can't even get out instead of putting it on the side where the circle area is?

Might not be good

CONSIDERING ALL the problems Cape Girardeau is having with redistricting and the question of whether the district should go to neighborhood centers or not, Jackson points out the fact that maybe it has made the wrong move.

Plowing crews appreciated

WELL ONCE again, while we slept warm and snug in our beds, we had a big snowfall. Never fear, the city of Jackson was out plowing and clearing our roads. Once again, thank you, guys. We really appreciate you.

Tell the whole story

I WOULD like to make a comment about some public schools wanting to teach the children about safe sex. If they're going to do it, don't do it halfway. Show what someone looks like who is dying of AIDS on his deathbed. Show them the sores. Show the girls what genital herpes looks like. Show them what cervical cancer looks like. Show them all the diseases. Just don't tell them it's OK to have safe sex and nothing's going to happen to you. AIDS isn't the only thing you can get.