SPEAKOUT

Blame and justification are different

A SPEAK Out caller recently asked who could blame the guy who opened fire inside the U.S. Capitol. The caller then rattled off a litany of things allegedly wrong with our country that would justify the shooting. I agree with the caller that the shooter may be blameless. It could be that he was in a paranoid schizophrenic rage, completely out of touch with reality and will be found legally insane. On the other hand, I think the caller who seemed to say the shooting was justified has lost command of all of his faculties.

The crime is obstructing justice, not sex

CLINTON'S TROUBLES are not about sex, just like Nixon's troubles weren't about a burglary. Nixon was forced to resign because he and his people hampered the investigation, which is obstruction of justice. If Clinton is removed from office, it won't be because he had sex with an intern. It will be because he obstructed justice and tried to illegally alter the outcome of an investigation. Even though I have always been a staunch Republican, I was in favor of removing Richard Nixon from office in 1974 when it became apparent he was covering up crimes. The time is approaching for Democrats to do the same and to put honesty and integrity before party loyalty. Quit trying to convince yourselves that this is about sex. This is about committing crimes in order to prevent the truth from surfacing.

Some advice about workers comp

I JUST read the caller's complaint about the workers comp system in Speak Out. I have a few suggestions for this person. Know your rights by calling 1-800-775-2667 and request the booklet "Employee's Guide to Missouri's Workers Compensation System," It's free. Remember the legal advisers at the workers comp office are not there to see you receive the best settlement possible. That is an attorney's job. And consult an attorney who specializes in workers comp.

Dissatisfied homeowner should talk to developer

AFTER READING Speak Out, it seems that the dissatisfied home owner is at it again. Yes, I also live in Fairway Estates, and all the families living there remember your anonymous and cowardly attacks on the developer last year. You would not admit to it then, and you would not talk or work with the developer. Instead you continued to call Speak Out and call city officials instead of talking directly with the developer. No one else has had this problem with the developer. I am sure you provided the city with the pictures also. Since when does it take tax dollars for a private developer to develop a subdivision? Never. You were upset the last time, and no one could please you. Your house was for sale, and we thought you would be gone. So if you have a problem with a subdivision developer, do like everyone else and talk to him directly to him or put that for-sale sign up again.

Dogs were war heroes too

IN ALL the wars that the U.S. has been in, the are monuments for this and monuments for that. I don't know if there is a monument for what I am going to say, but there ought to be. In World War I there were dogs used to smell the deadly gas before it got to the soldiers. In World War II and in Korea and Vietnam, 3,000-something wounded were found by dogs who wouldn't have been found otherwise. I think there should be a monument made for all the dogs for all the wars.

Cape doctors provided better care

I JUST read the article regarding the orthopedic surgeons in Cape. I would like to say that I have had a joint replacement done on both knees. One was done in St. Louis, and one was done in Cape. I had far better care from the physicians I had in Cape than I did in St. Louis and far better results. I think maybe people should look at the quality they have, which is very good in Cape Girardeau. I am perfectly happy with the orthopedic surgeons in Cape.

Find money from other sources

THIS IS in reference to an article in the Missourian dealing with the River Campus tax. Any state-funded institution like SEMO should get money either from private donations or Jefferson City. There should not be an extra motel or restaurant tax for Cape citizens or people who stop in Cape. That money should come only from donations, private funds or the state government in Jefferson City.

Squirrels are no longer cute animals

THIS IS concerning the comment in Speak Out about the invasion of squirrels. I too am very concerned. They are no longer the cute little animals you used to watch out your kitchen window. They go through your backyard like a pack of vicious rats. They destroy everything in their path. They have destroyed our bird feeder, our hummingbird feeder, my flower beds and our garden. We have two large fruit trees, and we never even get a piece of the fruit because of the squirrels. They are no longer cute little animals. They are destructive. They destroy everything in their search for food. What next? Do they start to attack human beings. We must do something and soon.