SPEAKOUT

A cat called Socks

THE FOLLOWING four-line poem expresses a portion of my reaction to Mark Bliss's wonderful feature story on incoming SEMO president, Dr. Ken Dobbins.

What's in a name?

Doctor Dobbins has a kitty.

It's named Socks. That's not too witty.

The name has driven me to booze.

Please change it. Doc. Maybe to Shoes.

This must be spy talk

A SPEAK Out caller recently speculated that the accidental bombing of the Chinese embassy was actually intentional and was intended to send a message to China. A comment with clever disinformation like that could come only from a Chinese spy.

One more idea for Riverfest

SPEAK OUT callers have been giving helpful suggestions on how to save and improve Riverfest. As a downtown resident, I have what I consider the best idea yet: Cancel it.

Slow process at license office

THE VEHICLE license bureau in Cape is undoubtedly the poorest run office in the state. I don't blame the employees, but the supervision and the process are very slow and inefficient. However, many politically appointed offices are this way. Thank you.

Guns: Answer is spiritual

I SAW something wonderful on a CNN newscast recently. Congress had invited some teen-agers to come before Congress and give their opinion about what should be done in the schools about the shootings. This teen-ager was so wonderful. He said the trouble was in the homes and the Ten Commandments should be up on the walls so people could see them and know right from wrong. One of the senators had a look on of astonishment on his face. The answer is spiritual, not gun legislation. They have gun laws now and don't enforce them. I think another gun law is just political, trying to make people think they are taking care of the situation, when all the hounds that want guns already have all they need. The problem is, will they keep them from their children?

Bridge a bombing target?

I BELIEVE all the trouble with the Mississippi River bridge connecting Cape and East Cape can be explained very simply. Although no government officials will admit it, I think it was hit by a stray NATO bomb.

Don't allow personal attacks

WHEN SPEAK Out first began, it was to help people voice their frustrations against policies and events, not individuals. Names of people could not be used in Speak Out.

Thanks to limb crews

THIS IS a thank you to the city workers who are working so hard to get all the limbs cleaned. It's so hot, and we appreciate you and all the hard work you've done and will continue to. Thanks so much.

Selling violence to teens

IT'S ILLEGAL to sell cigarettes to teen-agers, so why isn't it illegal to sell violence and murder to teen-agers? Isn't violence more or as dangerous as cigarettes. Somebody needs to sue cigarette manufacturers.

Do as I say, not as I do

HOW IRONIC to hear Clinton state there needs to be more restraint in producing violence available to our teen-agers. If he had use more moral restraint, he wouldn't be in the situation he's in today, and he wouldn't be using violence to cover it up. He keeps changing his motives for the war in Yugoslavia. Now he says it's to prevent future attacks on the United States. How ridiculous can he get. Or is he using mockery again on the American people? His Memorial Day speech was a PR dud.

Limited on quality TV viewing

I SHARE Southeast Missourian columnist Laura Johnston's frustration with the lack of quality TV shows. I'm afraid it's going to get even worse. The Supreme Court decision is going to make it more difficult for TV cameramen to accompany police officers. Thus one of my favorite shows, "Cops," may be in jeopardy. Even worse, Jerry Springer has promised to tone it down. I'm afraid all we're going to be left with is the local-access channel program, "Ask the Doctor." and the televised meetings of the overly dramatic Cape Girardeau City Council.