SPEAKOUT

Please return lost ring, bracelet

ON JULY 23 I was with my granddaughter in Barnes & Nobles Bookstore. My granddaughter was in the restroom. She washed her hands and left her ring with an "S" on it and a chain bracelet with a emblem on it. We would appreciate if the party that took it would take it back to the bookstore. It is very important to this little girl. It is a keepsake. I have been reading so many thank you notes in the Cape paper, and I pray someone who by mistake took this will return it. It will make this little girl happy again. Thank you.

City should set example on weeds

ABOUT A week ago, I made a call to the police department to complain about the weeds on the corner of North End Boulevard and North Fountain. To date nothing has been done about this matter. It seems to me that if the citizens have to comply with the weed-control laws, so should the city of Cape Girardeau. When you cite an ordinary citizen, you expect them to jump right up and take care of it. However, the city's allowed to take its time getting to the offense. Double standard? I believe so. If you want cooperation from the citizens, be a good example. Thank you.

Lost keys returned to police station

IF YOU lost your keys on Perryville Road, you will find them at the police station.

Consumers pay tax, not businesses

I READ the editorial concerning the restaurant tax and the fact that it's being applied unequally. I believe that the newspaper has missed the point. The restaurants, motels, and convenience stores aren't actually the ones paying the tax. The consumer is the one who's paying the tax. Therefore, why should a motel with a restaurant be concerned with whether they're collecting one percent gross receipt tax from their customers? I don't believe there are many customers or consumers who actually decide where they're going to eat based on the tax rate that's applied. I think we should move on to something more important. Let's collect the tax and stop complaining about it.

Remember air conditioning for schools

FOR THE person who needs a break from the heat, please think about that when you vote for public school air conditioning. As a student, I know that students spend five to six weeks in the classroom with 30 other people in heat like that. We've been saying it for years. Get's pretty warm in there, doesn't it?

Movie is thrilling, but not realistic

"AIR FORCE One" is an exciting, thrilling, action-packed movie. Having said that, it is not very realistic. As a result, those who saw or will see the movie, should not in any way allow it to influence their world view, philosophy of life or political outlook. Finally, I would like to advise the American people to choose as the next president of the United States Mr. Harrison Ford.

Basketball seats? I'll take them

THIS IS to the supporters of Ron Shumate who are withdrawing their booster memberships. More power to you. I will gladly take over the excellent seats you are giving up.

Union members donate to campaigns

I'VE BEEN a union member since I was 17 years old, and I'm 62 now. Halley Barbour ought to learn to tell the truth when he says we had to take our dues money and give to the Democratic party. That is an out-and-out lie. They have a meeting, then the members at large decide who to support. They come around and ask us if we want to donate like buy a coat button or things of that order. I think they were $1 for a coat button. That's the most they do. The union does not tell the members how to vote. They sure recommend it. Thank God the unions can donate money to political parties on elections.

Both prisons in southern Missouri?

IN THE words of the recent Southeast Missourian editorial, "Southern Missouri has a good chance for both prisons." What a cause for celebration. Not one but two new prisons in southern Missouri. Wow! If I end up in a maximum security facility and they still allow me to call Speak Out, maybe I'll be known by my fellow inmates as a dead man talking.

Try a partial transportation plan instead

SINCE THERE seems to be a consensus that Missouri's total transportation plan makes no sense, we might as well scrap it. I would suggest we implement a partial transportation plan but make it very clear at the outset that, once completed, drivers will be at risk of running off roads, streets and highways.

Traditional students concerned about P.M. classes

AS A Southeast student for the past three years, I've been very happy with my education. However, I'm very concerned with this new Southeast P.M. program the university is pushing. As a traditional student who attends school during the day and works in the evenings, the rescheduling of more classes in the evening is very disruptive and distracting. I know what they call "traditional students" go to the school and work in the evenings. With the Southeast P.M. program, they're scheduling many more of their classes in the evening like 4-5 p.m. or night classes. It's extremely difficult in my last year of school, being a traditional student working in the evening trying to support my degree. I wonder if any other Southeast students feel the same way.

Tear down the wall

THIS VARIATION on Ronald Reagan's dramatic words probably won't have the impact his did but I don't care. Anyway, I live near the river, and I'd just like to say, "Mayor Spradling, tear down this wall."