SPEAKOUT

I WAS reading my Sunday paper and we often enjoy the comic section but I was wondering did I miss something in Funky Winkerbean because I see no comedy about this. This is a very serious picture that they put in the comics for all the kids to see and if there is something there I missed, a note on the mirror that they made sure that was seen, the prescription bottle and the hand laying limp. There's real serious problems here if they thought that was comedy and I don't know why the Southeast Missourian would print something like that. I hope next time somebody uses a little more common sense when they choose something like this to put in their paper for children. Thank you.

Reply: We received several calls from readers who saw little humor in that cartoon and passed along your concerns to King Features North America in New York City, which syndicates the cartoon. You were not alone in your concern. The syndicate apparently received a number of calls from across the country.

According to Jay Kennedy, an editor at King, cartoonist Tom Batiuk was trying to educate people about the growing problem of teen-age suicide. You may have noticed over the last few weeks, the character Suzy Smith became despondent because a crush she had on a teacher was not reciprocated. She attempted suicide in last Sunday's strip, but will recover. This Sunday's strip shows Suzy in her hospital room.

Kennedy said comic strips are not just about humor, they're about the characters. Most cartoonists choose to write about the humorous aspects of life. Occasionally, cartoonists touch upon more serious aspects. As a substitute teacher at a local high school in his community, cartoonist Batiuk has seen the problems, pressures and anxieties of young people faced with similar situations. He points out that suicide is a leading cause of death for American teen-agers, second only to accidents.

The Missourian purchases the color Sunday comics section in a pre-printed package. We cannot pick and choose which comics to run on certain weeks. However, if a comic becomes offensive to readers, we will look into cancellation of the entire strip. Feel free to call us at 335-6611.

WHAT KIND of regulations are in place for the county water supplies? We live in a development where the water pressure is so poor that when the toilet is flushed, it drastically reduces the flow of the sinks or the shower and the water is not fit to drink. We recently had our water tested at our kitchen faucet and it failed miserably. More houses are being built on this development so I can't see where either problem will get any better. We pay for the water that's unfit to drink and then we buy drinking water and the water that we have does not have an adequate pressure. What regulations are in place and from what board?

REPLY: Public water supply districts are regulated by Chapter 247 in the Missouri State Statutes. Mary Jane Huckabee, an employee of Public Water District 1 in Cape County, suggested you call the number on your water bill and report the problem to the water supply district in which you live or attend a meeting of its board of directors. There is a minimum amount of water pressure the district is required to supply. If you get no satisfaction, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in Poplar Bluff, 314-840-9750, because the water supply districts submit samples to that agency.

YES, ABOUT the people to be put on the flood wall, let's not forget Jean Bell Mosley who is an author. Rush Limbaugh is not.

Reply: Rush Limbaugh has written two books that made the national bestseller lists.

I WAS reading that Bob Dole is wanting to run for president. I know he is 70 years old. Could you please tell me why in other places they demand you to quit work at 65 and here he wants to run for president. I know his brain isn't any better than mine and I'm over 70.

Reply: There is no mandatory retirement age for presidents. Ronald Reagan was the oldest president, elected when he was 69. He was just shy of his 78th birthday on leaving office.

HOW CAN I get a schedule of the Capahas baseball team. Is is possible for you to print one in perhaps the sports section or the Speak Out column. It would be a great help. Thank you.

I'M CALLING about the mural on the flood wall downtown. I don't see how they could leave Senator Bill Bradley from Crystal City, who played for the New York Nicks, off the wall. I know he has not been mentioned and I'd just like to call to attention that Sen. Bradley should be on the flood wall.

THE COVERAGE in the Southeast Missourian about the gang activity in Cape Girardeau is very good. It detailed the steps taken by the police department and the schools to help combat this problem. However, these institutions and agencies can only do so much as is within their realm. Parents, particularly the parents, and the general public must also take a stand. Parents must know where their children are and where there family members are and take a stand against this gang activity for any of this to come to an end.

IT IS very heartwarming that the Southeast Missourian in a format of an editorial on June 26th, attacked the local litter problems. In a city that gives visitors the impression of being in a giant park, it is shameful to see all of the fast food litter disposed of out the windows of cars. I myself have called Speak Out a half a dozen times with my opinions on drivers and occupants discarding litter and cigarette butts out of their windows. Every car has at least one ashtray to dispose of cigarette filters which take years to disintegrate. So why do people dispose of this type of things out of their windows. Are they not taught that this is wrong? Take some pride in our beautiful city. I suggest citations and fines be used in the enforcement by police and courts.

ALL THE arguments back and forth about whether or not Rush Limbaugh's picture should be on the flood wall. The criteria of that was to put on there people who are famous. You do not have to like the man, you do not have to love the man, but he is and no matter how you feel about him, that man is famous. He is therefore qualified because that is the criteria is fame.