OpinionJune 3, 1998
SPEAKOUT
I'VE HAD it with rude receptionists in doctors' offices. I feel that I am not unreasonable when I call and ask some questions to get directed to the right place. I just wish that some of these receptionists knew how lay people feel and would improve their phone personas. ...
Fed up with rude doctors' receptionists
I'VE HAD it with rude receptionists in doctors' offices. I feel that I am not unreasonable when I call and ask some questions to get directed to the right place. I just wish that some of these receptionists knew how lay people feel and would improve their phone personas. I can even offer a tip: Just say "I understand," even if you've heard the same complaint from a number of previous callers. At least you owe the person the courtesy of paying attention. Most people who call are sick or are having problems, and it's really inconvenient to be treated rudely by a secretary. The physician probably has no idea it's going on.
Clinton's thoughts are elsewhere
IT IS no surprise to me that nuclear tests in India and Pakistan came as a shock to Bill Clinton. It's because Clinton does not have his mind on this country's business. His mind is on his own sex life. Simple as that. We're going to wind up getting blown away because of Clinton.
Letter writer needs some advice too
THE LETTER writer who wrote "Advice to victims of molestation" needs advice. I've had a very fortunate life, free from crime such as molestation, murder and assaults. I feel the community as a whole is fed up with criminals who are not getting what should be set forth for their actions. Why should someone commit crimes and have no repercussions for their actions other than mere embarrassment? If this writer did her research, she would probably find that without extensive treatment or taste of reality, most criminals will continue to victimize. It's true that even with incarceration many criminals continue to commit crimes. Trying to turn back time with criminals is almost impossible. Would she have the same opinion if she had or does have a child and they were murdered or molested?
Bring back the soothing music
WHAT A blessing to have the soothing sounds of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis back again. Music to soothe the savage breast. It's a shame that we had to learn this from the passing of the great Frank Sinatra. Tony Bennett has always been around too. I hope more young people will listen to Tony Bennett and even to Johnny Mathis. I'm listening to him right now. He's making a comeback too. This country needs something to soothe the savageness in us all.
City overtaxed already without SEMO help
I WAS pleased to read the article announcing the purchase of the St. Vincent's College property by Southeast Missouri State University. But I knew what I would read in the next day's paper: that the city voters would be asked to consider the possibility of helping finance that through taxes and fees. The residents of Cape Girardeau area already taxed and feed to death. I've never seen anything quite like it.
Thanks for support of schools
I WOULD like to thank Dr. T. Wayne Lewis for his attendance and participation in the tribute that was paid to Nick Leist upon retirement at Holiday Inn. It meant a lot to the Jackson people, and I'm sure it meant a lot to Mr. Leist to have his support and participation in the program. If only more people would support our schools as does Dr. Lewis.
A question of craziness
AN APPARENTLY ecstatic Speak Out caller recently said everyone in his office went crazy when they read a Speak Out comment to effect that dogs should be treated better than humans. From a clinical point of view, I think a good case could be made that everyone in that office was already crazy.
Grandfather is lifelong dog lover
THIS IS to the caller who complimented me on my article that you should treat dogs better than humans. She was under the impression it was from a lady. Well, it's from a 65-year-old grandfather who's never been without a dog anytime during his life, and I never will.
Cuts mean larger classes, less attention
I'M CALLING as a parent of a Cape public school student. I want to know why my daughter is going to be subjected to larger classes because the school is not replacing teachers who are leaving. I know they are not replacing math, English, science and social studies teachers at the junior high and high school. These areas are major areas covered by the ACT test, and my daughter needs them to prepare for college. And my daughter will be in larger classes where she will get less teacher attention. Why is the district spending money on buildings but not willing to hire qualified teachers to fill the vacancies?
Attitude is most important of all
ATTITUDE TO me is more important than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I'm convinced that life is 10 percent of what happens to me and 90 percent of how I react to it. Keep your head high and go for it.
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When will the taxes stop?
WELL, IT looks like there's going to be another tax put on the people of the city of Cape Girardeau. Tax after tax after tax. When will it stop?
Thank you, students, for the flowers
I LIVE in the 1700 block of Luce Street. I just wanted to say a big thank you for the students at Central High School who left flowers to plant on our doorstep.
Appalled at judicial decision
WHEN WILL people get enough of this? We, the people, have a right to justice. We, the people, make choices about who makes decisions for us. I am appalled at the decision that was made concerning the 19-year-old who molested the little girl and maybe others. The public needs to speak out on the way we want our justice system to be run.
Columbia has impressive downtown
RECENTLY I was in downtown Columbia for the first time in many years. I was so impressed. It would be wonderful if downtown Cape could come even close to the same charming, enticing shops and eateries. So go for it, downtown merchants.
Proud of SEMO baseball team
CONGRATULATIONS TO head coach Mark Hogan and the Southeast Missouri State baseball team on winning the OVC championship. What a fantastic year. We're proud of you guys.
Agrees with complaint about cats
TO THE person who called in complaining about cats roaming the neighborhood. Bravo. We do need to do something about this.
High standards for graduation
SURELY A Speak Out caller was kidding when he or she said an area high school has high standards. The caller alleged that a senior was prevented from participating in a graduation ceremony because -- well, because he or she didn't graduate. Though I do feel compassion for the student and think he or she should complete the necessary half-credit needed to graduate, I congratulate the school for having the courage of its convictions. Upholding a high standard of excellence is something other area high schools caved in on long ago, strictly out of public relations considerations.
Tattoo reflects essence, character
A CALLER in Speak Out says that people with any common sense at all don't do tattoos. The caller also said that moms and dads don't care how their kids are raised. I just want to say I have a full education, absolutely no criminal record and parents who love me and whom I love very, very much and that I have a tattoo on my leg that reflects me essence and my spirituality of character. As far as common sense, I know I at least have enough to know not to typify for making a personal choice as how to beautify my body.
Need a tip for using those wine glasses?
I HAVE still another use for the wine glasses that are being given as graduation momentoes. I have a friend who calls them his Baptist toothpick holder.
Point finger, or take responsibility?
THIS IS in response to the caller who commented about good boys and girls not having earrings and tattoos. This caller blamed the problems of society on these people and their parents. I'm an 18-year-old male who graduated with honors who will be entering college this fall. I also have an earring. I've never done anything detrimental to our society. I believe that while we're placing the blame for society's problems, we should place part of that blame on the generalizations of closed-minded people who would rather point fingers than take responsibility for their own actions.
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