SPEAKOUT

Why not add on?

IN REGARDS to the new federal building. What is wrong with building on to the present building? There is lots of space behind it and the building that they have now is in good shape.

REPLY: There is a parking lot behind the existing federal building. But one of the goals of the new building is additional parking. Adding on to the existing building would eliminate all of the off-street parking.

Why cut taxes?

WOULD THE Missourian please explain why a tax cut makes any sense at this time? When my family or my friend's families have financial problems, we agree we have to cut back or do without some services or items. We do not go out to our employers and request they cut our incomes so we can lower our deficits. We do not cut the income to our businesses if we are losing ground on a business debt.

REPLY: The simplest answer is that all tax cuts have the effect of simulating spending. If industries have more money to spend on expansion, new-product development or additional sales effort, the money that would have gone to the government is now working throughout the economy, which usually means increased tax collections by the government, despite the tax cut. In recent years, tax cuts for individual taxpayers have been driven by the same philosophy: less taxes, more spending.

Homework burden

THIS IS about one of the private schools here in Cape Girardeau. I don't understand why they send all the homework home for all of us parents to do instead of them teaching it at school. It is ridiculous. It is running close to two hours and sometimes more a night. So doesn't that tell you they are not teaching those children at school? We don't need to teach them when they come home.

REPLY: First of all, homework is for the students, not parents. If children have problems with homework and can get help from parents, that's great. It also gives parents a firsthand look at what their children are studying and how well they are comprehending the material. Most parents would welcome that kind of involvement in their children's education.

Clinton and bankers

I JUST think it's interesting that Bill Clinton seemed to bash the bankers when he was speaking at SIU and talked about not wanting the greedy bankers to control the loans for college students. I think it's interesting because Bill Clinton was involved with some of the most crooked bankers in the nation. It is well known that drug money and all kinds of things like that, illegal activities go on down in Arkansas and it's well known that Arkansas banks are a prime target of people who want to launder their money. It's real interesting that the seems to be anti-banking when he's involved with some of the most crooked bankers in the country. And secondly, I'd hate to think what kind of mess the federal government would make out of the student loan system if they got hold of it. Look what they've done with everything else they get their hands on.

Helms is too old

I REALLY think Jesse Helms is much too old to be a senator. I don't care what his party is, he just simply does not have what it takes. I certainly would not want myself to be in such a position or anyone I know at that age.

REPLY: On behalf of older Americans everywhere, let's hear it for the benefits of maturity in all walks of life. Who's to say when a person is too old to do a good job? Sometimes older people get to the point where they shouldn't be doing specific tasks. But there are a lot of younger people with limitations too. Age shouldn't be the determining factor.

More about welfare

I WAS calling in regards to this person who called in about the Division of Family Services. First of all, I don't know where they say that these kids dress like hoboes. Most the kids that I see dress better than people that aren't on government aid. I know a few children who are on government help to help pay their day-care expenses while their parents are at work, but these parents are taking advantage of the system. On days they're not even working, they're bringing their children in, which is totally not what this program is not about. There are people on a waiting list. Somehow the system is failing.

No monopoly

CONCERNING SPEAK Out on Sept. 25, we agree. No one has a monopoly on God. Giving to the poor and protection of the elderly and homeless are some of the wonderful ideals Jesus taught. I am sure some of the conservatives are more concerned with themselves and their money, but I'm also sure some of the liberals are doing the same. You hit the nail on the head with the example of hate the sin, love the sinner -- a very liberal ideal that took Jesus dying on the cross to achieve. Respecting each other's feelings is not a substitute for truth. One truth you didn't mention is the personal responsibility to stop committing the sin. This is what I believe the religious right, fundamental, conservative (or whatever stereotype you wish to use) Christian is saying today. No matter what sins/moral issues we are dealing with, our response should be to uphold God's moral standards of truth and warn all the consequences of denying these biblical truths. Until we agree upon the truth, we will never prosper in our goals.

Weed and seed

I WAS disappointed to read that the weed and seed strategy in Sikeston is being criticized for it's seeding efforts. Much praise was given for the number of arrests and convictions obtained in the weeding process. However, if anyone that has ever attended a garden should know, getting the weeds out is only the first step. Much cultivation and nurturing has to take place prior to seeds even being planted. Even those who plant bulbs in the fall have to wait longer than two months to see the success of their efforts. There are many people in the Good Hope area of Cape Girardeau and the Sunset area of Sikeston who are working diligently utilizing existing programs to enhance the seeding efforts. The weed and seed strategy depends on the cooperative efforts of everyone. It doesn't depend on a federal handout. But it does depend on the hope, not criticism of every person within the concerned areas.

Reversible Perot

I SEE where Ross Perot has decided to have another go at the president, either a new party, or run himself. He hasn't decided yet. This is reversal. It seems like he made quite a few reversals last time, getting in, out, in the president. I wonder how long before he reverses on this because some Martian or Venetian or KGB or the Black Panthers or somebody or somebody starts making faces at him. In this country, if you don't have any money, you're crazy, and if you've got a lot of money, you just eccentric.

Positive message

I CAN'T believe the Jackson and Cape school districts wouldn't allow the Power Team to come into the schools with a positive message of self-esteem. The superintendents did not even view the tapes that were sent to them before making a decision on them. As much a problems as we have with teen pregnancies, drunks, shootings and gangs, why would anyone not welcome anything to help? These kids are our future. They will influence our children and our grandchildren.

For independents

HOORAY. I just read in your paper that Ross Perot is going to support an independent party. Although in the last election I did not vote for Ross Perot and would not support him in the future as president, I heartily endorse the idea of an independent party. I am sick and tired of having to vote for the lesser of two evils. I just wonder if any other readers feel this way.

Lots of good people

I JUST want to say my faith in humanity has been restored. I was shopping at a Cape Girardeau store and got choked in the checkout lane. Both the checker in the lane I was in and the one the next to me came to my assistance, plus a lady who was checking out. All were very concerned, and I appreciate this. There are still a lot of good people in this world.

Parental responsibility

OK, PARENTS, what's it going to take to make you wake up? All the problems that our children encounter, we just tell them say no, say no to drugs, say no to crime, say no to sexual predators. Well, I think it's time that we quit putting the responsibility on our young and naive children. We're the grownups here. If your kid comes home and says he has a problem with a drug dealer, gangs or someone is accosting him in the hallway, get yourself together, get your neighbors and do something about it. Quit putting the responsibility on little children. Let us grownups stand up and protect our children.