SPEAKOUT

Central used to have fan support

IN ANSWER to the caller's whining about Cape Central's sporting events: If the news media are treated the same as parents, students and fans, I don't blame them for not giving Central good news coverage. What I have seen and heard for several years is school personnel telling the fans what they can and can't do. Even before the national anthem is played, they announce in so many words that we to find a seat and stay in it, and don't clap or stomp our feet because it might damage the seats and bleachers. (Central is the only school I know of that makes this announcement.) As for the Central cheerleaders, they had lots of backing from students and fans before and during the "Raunchy Rooters" era. This group consisted of students who sat in the home-team section at all the Central football and basketball games. We yelled and cheered and got everyone to participate. It was great, and it was fun. Instead of being grateful for this support, the cheerleaders jealously complained they weren't getting enough attention themselves. I was a student at the time and remember the administration telling us the "Raunchy Rooters" had to quit. Support at Central games has never been the same. Does anyone else remember the support given by Central's sport events before and during the "Raunchy Rooters" era? Maybe if the cheerleaders would do a few of the good old-fashioned cheers mixed in with their cutesy cheers, they might pick up a little more support.

Prayers answered on gambling

SO CAPE will not be known as a gambling town. Rather it will be known proudly as a university town. Many heartaches have been spared by Boyd pulling out. Our prayers for the good of Cape Girardeau have been answered. Instead of going down in the gutter, it can prosper for the benefit of all.

Need vinyl covers for phone books

HELP! WHEN the Cape phone books were larger than the new ones, a group of businesses put out a heavy vinyl cover for it, and I have used it since 1985-86. Now with the new smaller books, you can't use it, and my book is a mess because I keep in the drawer. It has crumpled and bent cover and pages. Please, please, please, someone make a new cover for the new smaller book.

Cut out items to pay for insurance

I'D LIKE for people who are in support of national health care because they can't afford it and think the government owes this to them to stop and ask themselves how many luxuries we could do without so that health insurance could be purchased. How much money do we spend on eating out, snacks, sodas, television, renting videos, purchasing cigarettes, alcohol and weekend parties? There are many ways to cut back on frivolous things that are not necessities so we can purchase our own health coverage. The government does not owe me a thing. I can provide for myself.

Beating a child is always wrong

THIS IS about the caller who said a child was spanked in public and goes on to say if you want to spank somebody in private, that's one thing. Don't hit your kids in public? Well, that is the stupidest statement I've ever heard, because beating your child is wrong no matter if it's public or private.

Promise Keepers is awesome group

I JUST read the article on Promise Keepers. My husband and brother attended the St. Louis Promise Keepers rally, and there was a drastic change in both of them, and they're both good Christian men to begin with. But it must have been awesome. They just couldn't get over talking about it. I can't believe all the negative things that are in the article. If the women are upset about it, then form a woman's group equal to Promise Keepers. We would be thrilled to go to one. And I certainly would not ever put down a man for going to Promise Keepers. They are truly awesome, and I hope they keep up the good work and get more involved in this area. And if the women don't like it, then let's band together and have something equal for us.

Advance band is source of pride

EVERY TIME I watch the Advance High School marching band perform, my heart swells with pride and admiration. They are a perfect example of what a high school marching band should be. Congratulations to band director, Bob Moses, and the hard-working young men and women who are members of this great band.

Travel report from nearby states

MY SPOUSE and I took a vacation this past summer. We did a four-five state area surrounding Missouri.Illinois has the worst roads. Missouri has pretty good roads. Arkansas probably has the best. Missouri has the worst rest areas. They are hot, sticky and dimly lit while most other states have nice rest areas. Friendly people -- you'll find them good and bad in almost any state you go to. It depends on how friendly you are to them. One question my spouse asked was does everybody in Arkansas sell used cars from their front yards? Overall we have pretty good cross section of people in this country, and I guess we're lucky to live in this area.

Walkathons should be at the park

THIS IS a plea to organizers of walkathons that take place in the spring and fall on Route Y east of Route W. This road is very curvy with a 55 mph speed limit. This is not a lazy country road. If you want to walk to support your charity, Cape County Park has a very nice, safe walking trail. Recently a group of 15-20 ladies was spread out across an entire lane. Our suggestion that they not walk in the road was met with nervous laughter. No one would be laughing if someone was hit by a car. So please, walkathon organizers, please prevent this accident waiting to happen.