SPEAKOUT

Traffic study

THE SOUTHEAST Missourian said the county commission has decided to conduct a traffic survey on Route E where it crosses I-55. I can't see what such a survey would have to do with the proposed I-55 interchange at Oak Ridge. The question isn't about how much traffic currently uses Route E. It is how much traffic would use Route E if it had an interchange. Route E crosses I-55 about midway between the Fruitland and Appleton interchanges. Anyone in northeast Cape Girardeau County, Pocahontas, Shawneetown, New Wells, Altenburg, Wittenburg and Frohna who wanted to get on I-55 would have no reason to drive across the interstate on Route E. They would stay east of it and go directly to Fruitland or Appleton. Most people west of I-55 would also have no reason to cross it on Route E before traveling to Fruitland or Appleton. If the commissioners truly want to know how many people would use a Route E interchange, they would set up a survey at the Fruitland and Appleton interchanges and ask people if they prefer a Route E interchange.

REPLY: The county commission has given every indication that it is taking its responsibility in this matter seriously. It is seeking as much information as possible so that it can make an informed decision. In addition to its own traffic counts, it is getting information from the highway department and listening to proponents and opponents of the two suggested interchanges, one at Oak Ridge and the other in Jackson.

Cronkite for president

I'M JUST watching Walter Cronkite on the Discovery Channel. I'd like to nominate him for president.

Slow down on 61

I BELIEVE it would be a good idea if the speed limit on Highway 61 between Cape and Jackson were lowered considerably to prevent some accidents until they get these traffic lights up. You have to be really careful when coming off the interstate that people aren't going the wrong way on the Highway 61.

Rush on the wall

A CALLER to Speak Out said he would never travel the downtown area again if they put Rush Limbaugh's picture on the mural on the floodwall. I guess downtown may lose one and gain one, because I think it's a good idea to have Mr. Limbaugh's picture down there. He is trying to do what is right and telling the other side of the story.

Ruined park outing

I TOOK my family to Arena Park the other night just for a simple outing. While we were there some older men were really chastising a young boy about the color of his skin. I elected to take my family to that park simply because it would be an enjoyable evening out. When I saw these men criticizing this young boy for the color of his skin, I decided it was time to leave Arena Park. Too bad people can't leave other people alone without hurting feelings.

Which Limbaugh on wall?

I'D LIKE to comment about putting Rush Limbaugh's picture on the floodwall. If you want to a Limbaugh on there, put his grandfather on there, someone you can look up to. I know people who live in several different states, and if they come to Cape Girardeau they don't want to have to look at that.

No Rush in mural

PLEASE DON'T paint Rush Limbaugh's face on the wall. Who is responsible for this choice? Get serious when selecting someone worthy.