SPEAKOUT

They are just figureheads who cost too much

I CAN'T see much difference between a king and a president. They both wave to the people, tell the people the way things should be, play golf, polo, jog and ride around in expensive cars. They're both just figureheads, so who needs either of them. They cost the taxpayers too much money for which there is no worthwhile return.

Parking in the park handles overflow

I'M CALLING in regards to the lady who commented about student parking up on campus. Yes, students do park in part of Capaha Park, because there is not enough parking on campus. Certain lots are designated for faculty and staff. Certain lots are designated for residents who live on campus, and there are lots designated for commuter drivers. There are not enough parking spaces. Those parking spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis, and you do have to pay for those parking passes. Some people can't afford to pay for those parking passes, so they park on neighboring streets and in part of Capaha Park. There is always plenty of parking as far as I have ever seen in Capaha Park on the side down near Broadway. Maybe something does need to be done about the parking instead of saying you drove through the university and on campus and saw there was plenty of parking spaces. I go to the university, and I know firsthand that there is never enough parking.

Outsiders should express sympathy

I'M APPALLED at the comment on hunting at night. Accidents happen during the day as well as they do at night. This was a terrible tragedy, and I'm sure the family has suffered enough. Outsiders should have sympathy instead of making speculations of something they know nothing about. This is in loving memory of Gary Allen Brady.

Able-bodied people with handicapped licenses

CONCERNING DISABILITY licenses. It's very discouraging to see some people with handicap licenses that can get out and walk and that are very healthy. Some people have these licenses yet can go dancing. These people are denying the people who really need the space. I wonder if there's a way that these people can be reported? How can these people get the doctors to sign a statement of this type? Is it money?

Wrestling the same in any arena

ACCORDING TO the Southeast Missourian, the Show Me Center's two biggest draws were a speech by Ronald Reagan and a World Wrestling Federation event. You expressed the editorial opinion that this showed "the diversity of the center." I disagree. These days there's no difference between wrestling in the ring and wrestling in the political arena. I think Hulk Hogan vs. Gene Copeland would be a big draw, as political opponents or in the ring.

Diana had more class than Kinder

I KNEW Peter Kinder would have to tell us all how the princess of Wales was overrated and too much was made over her death in his opinion. He just doesn't have a clue that she had more class in her little finger than he could achieve in a lifetime. Peter Kinder should stick to what he does best, which is kissing the backside of Rush Limbaugh.

Maybe Carnahan disagrees with Jensen

THANK YOU for recently reprinting an editorial by superjournalist Mike Jensen, publisher of the Sikeston Standard-Democrat. I have read virtually every word Jensen has written and hope to write an unauthorized biography of him someday. Anyway, in the editorial that you reprinted, Jensen made an excellent case that there was no way Gov. Carnahan could, in good conscience, reject Charleston as a prison site because he disagrees with Sen. Kinder on the issue of partial-birth abortion. I agree completely. Ironically, however, if Carnahan rejects the Charleston site, it will be because he disagrees with viewpoints expressed in the editorials of Mike Jensen.

Heat makes you appreciate the holiday

I DISAGREE with the Speak Out caller who said that school shouldn't start until after Labor Day. The caller's rationale was that it was too hot to start it before then. In my opinion, requiring educators and students to labor in sometimes oppressive heat makes them appreciative of the Labor Day holiday.

Double standard on Greek organizations?

I WOULD like to know why it has taken Southeast Missouri State University so long to get campus police, let alone Cape Girardeau authorities, informed and involved in the latest incident of alleged hazing involving a predominantly white Greek organization. In the case last year, Cape Girardeau police and campus police were immediately involved in the alleged incident. But that was a predominantly black Greek organization. There's definitely a double standard at Southeast.