SPEAKOUT

I WOULD LIKE to thank the doctor at Venture today. My 1-year-old son fell out of the shopping cart and hurt himself. The doctor I do not know his name came over and briefly examined my son. It seems that there are still doctors out there who are concerned about people. Thank you.

REALITY IS SEEING things the way they really are and acting appropriately.

I'M CALLING TO say that I totally agree with the reader who says Brad Harris' article was totally unprofessional. And I agree with him that, when usually the whole team is playing bad, it is the fault of the coach. I know when I was playing sports and I didn't have a good coach, the whole team performed badly.

WELL, I SEE our president, George the-biggest-wimp-on-Earth Bush, is singing a different tune than he was when it was Iraq. With Iraq he had the biggest mouth in the West. He threatened Saddam every day, and in the end, when the chips were really down, he backed off before the job was finished to where Saddam is still sitting there telling George what a jerk he is. But I note that he doesn't have the guts to tell the Russians anything. So everybody that voted for him ought to see now what they've got. Thank you.

IN REFERENCE TO the letter to the editor in Sunday's paper about Country Club Estates: Harvard Street is not in Country Club Estates; it's in the Arnold subdivision. Thank you.

I CAN'T TELL the good guys from the bad guys or who is doing what to whom over there in Russia. Could somebody explain all that mess to me? Thank you.

I WOULD LIKE to have a concession stand out at the SEMO District Fair but I've never seen anything in the paper about how to get a concession stand. Could you fill me in with the details?

We suggest you call the fair office at 334-9250 for information.

BEFORE THE SCOTT City annexation, the city said city services were ready to go for the annexation. We all know now that this wasn't true. Yet, at the same time, the bad-street situation was brought up. The city said by-in-large the streets are in good condition, yet two years later the streets are shot. It is this forked-tongue approach to the taxpayers that has caused street taxes to fail twice. Now they want to vote on the 911 project. Good grief, what is the next ploy for Scott City to get its greedy meat hooks into some money? Thank you very much.

I'M CALLING ABOUT these bugs around my neighborhood. I don't know about others but gnats are really bad in my neighborhood. You can't go outside and breath without getting a bug in your mouth. How come the city sprays when there are no bugs at all but where there are bugs they don't even come? Thank you.

TO THE PERSON who made the remark about the farmer: I doubt if you've ever been around one. I'm the daughter of a hardworking man who works 352 days a year, never gets sick pay, vacation pay or paid holidays. If you divide those hours up by a salary, I can assure you that you won't be standing in line for the job. His day doesn't end at 5, and there's no such thing as a weekend in a farmer's life, not to mention the expenses involved in the gamble they take when they put their money in mother nature's hands. I'm sorry but I don't appreciate people making comments about a situation I'm sure they know nothing about. They surely don't know the value and need for the American farmer and where we would be without him. They have the highest suicide rate in the workforce; that should tell you something. As far as the welfare comment, I know of no farmer on welfare. They joke about it but that would never happen because they're a special breed that knows how to live off the land, and they have something I think is kind of scarce in this world: a thing called pride. Thank you.

I'M CALLING IN reply to the woman who wrote about her husband not appreciating her, never smiling at her, and, quote, maybe he'll miss me when I'm gone. I'd like to refer you to the Community Counseling Center at 334-1100.

I WOULD like to know, if Scott City can't afford to fix their streets, how is it they can afford to hire three more policemen? Thank you.

COULD SOMEBODY TELL me where I can find out some more information about this health insurance for senior citizens? It's for older Americans. I don't remember the name of it but I remember one of the Roosevelt's was working with it.

I THINK EVERYBODY should know what the lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are doing to the veterans. They no longer will furnish grave markers for these brave men and women who served this country to protect their freedom. For these lawmakers to disallow a veteran a grave marker is ridiculous. I simply cannot understand what they have on their minds. They can give themselves large raises, but ruling out grave markers is not going to balance the budget. I would like to see this in print because a lot of people do not know about this latest cut for the military. Thank you very much.

You have been misinformed. The Veterans Administration continues to offer free grave markers for veterans upon request, a spokesman for the administration said.

WE WOULD LIKE to thank the American Legion from Jackson for sponsoring the Homecomers again this year. We thought the entertainment was great and also the carnival rides were very good. We have relatives that come each year from out of town who look forward to Homecomers. But we do think the restaurants up town made a mistake by closing. We heard several people who were disappointed because the only restaurant up town was closed. It was good that a few of the stores did stay open. Thanks again, American Legion.

I ENJOY LISTENING to KAPE radio 1550 AM every Sunday morning to the gospel music program that comes on. I'd just like to encourage everyone else. If you like gospel music, tune in to KAPE radio at 8 every Sunday morning.

I'M CALLING ABOUT love songs at KGMO. It's not what it used to be. I have called in several times and have been told that songs we want played they're not playing any more; he's only playing the new songs.

I CAN'T BELIEVE KFVS-TV was so stupid to take off "People's Court" and put on that stupid "Brady Bunch."

SOMEONE SUGGESTED FARMERS are on welfare. Take a look at the commodity markets and you will see farmers are still selling their products at the same prices they were 25 to 30 years ago. Farmers are getting less than one-half of 1 percent of the subsidies the government is handing out. You're enjoying the cheapest food on Earth. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. Chances are you are receiving more government help than the farmers.

I WOULD LIKE to say congratulations to Audra Sherman for becoming second runner-up in the Miss Teen USA Pageant. The only thing she did wrong was going overtime on the last question.

I ALWAYS WAS taught the Ten Commandments, Thou shalt not kill. Can you tell me what abortion is if that isn't killing? I wish somebody would make that very clear to me. Thank you.

WE WERE WONDERING why in the north end of Cape there is only one fire truck at Station No. 3. Is the city short a fire truck or have they done away with an extra fire truck? This station has two bays and only one fire truck. The people in this end of town are concerned about this. Could you possibly find out why there's only one truck at No. 3? Thank you.

Fire Chief Gene Hindman said there is no need for concern. A pumper truck assigned to Station 3 is in the garage for engine repairs, leaving just one truck in service there, but on any structure fire equipment and firefighters from two stations always respond, he said. Hindman said the truck, which has been in the garage for about a month, should be back in service by the end of the week.

I'D LIKE TO say that I think KBSI ought to show more Cardinals baseball games. The Cardinals are a fun, exciting team to watch. Thank you.

REGARDING THESE LAWBREAKING criminals who are demonstrating in Wichita. I wholeheartedly support Judge Patrick Kelly but he needs to give much more heavy penalties like three to five years in prison. Also, I am sending large donations to each of the three women's heath-care services in Wichita to help to keep them open. Lastly, should I be taking my wife or daughter to any abortion center, and one of these idiots who are demonstrating flops down in front of me or my family, they will not get back up. Thank you.

TO THE PERSON saying farmers are on welfare: Subsidies are not welfare, but if you want to call it that you can. That means that you and I are on welfare. We are the ones that gain from the subsidies paid to the farmers, the oil companies, the transportation company, and so forth. After the widespread wheat failure this year there would not be much bread on our tables if it weren't for subsidies. And the corn crop is not doing much better. Every country in the world has subsidies to hold prices level and to compete with one another. So my advice to you is to eat your cheap food and thank the Lord for subsidies. Furthermore let me say, if you think farmers have it so good, just go out and become one. There's no restriction to it. It's an open field; you don't have to join a union or anything like that. Just scrape up several hundred thousand dollars, be prepared to work like a dog, be prepared to watch your investment die in the field, and you'll be a farmer. Thank you.

PLEASE, PLEASE, LET'S stop this building boon. We want our city to be a small town, not a large city like St. Louis with all the crime and everything that goes with it. Please, let's stop it. A bigger bridge, bigger roads mean more and more traffic and more and more people and more and more crime. Let's keep our city small. Thank you very much.

I'M CALLING about the repaving of Route K, which is great. The road is real smooth. Expanding Route K is not a good idea. There has already been one person passed on the left-hand side, and we're going to have an accident out there. Watch out, drivers.

I'M CALLING IN regard to the person who said farmers have been on welfare for 25 to 30 years. He or she had better get down on your knees and ask God for forgiveness for making such a statement and thank God for farmers. If it wasn't for the farmer the grocery shelves would be empty. It's always these people with such narrow minds who make such a statement. The farmer has always worked harder than anyone for the least wages. I would advise that person to go out and try farming in this day and time before shooting off their mouth about something they don't know a thing about. Thank you.

I'M CALLING IN reference to elderly people who live in Cape Girardeau. I feel that the Show Me Center should have more activities for the elderly where they can actually go over and do crafts and different hobbies and things that they enjoy doing; maybe have quilting, bake sales, things of that sort. I think maybe if they could sponsor something like that once a month that this might give the elderly something to look forward to in their daily routine. Thank you.

THE MOST PRECIOUS resource God puts on Earth is not diamonds or gold. Without water, life could not be sustained, so nothing else would be of any consequence. Water falls from the sky in ample quantity on Cape and Bollinger counties, but we are not wise enough to utilize its full potential. We let it run into the ditches, the creeks and rivers, on to the seas. The economic possibilities of a large reservoir such as the proposed lake are limitless. Let's not be intimidated by a few landowners and get on with the Bollinger-Cape County lake.

I'M WRITING THIS letter because I'm appalled at our justice system. I see no wisdom or justice, nor do I see how the Jackson case and the Fuchs case differ so greatly. Were they not both guilty of the same crime, stealing? How can Jackson be sentenced to serve one year out of state and Fuchs goes to Cape Girardeau jail? Where is justice in these two cases? If one defense says it's because of drugs, and drugs were a factor, could it not be that the defense for Mrs. Jackson's case was due to mental and physical fatigue. Mrs. Jackson gave of herself, her family, her time, her love and care of others, some in their congregation and some not. If one could say she had a helping hand in stealing, it would be the congregation and the people she loved, prayed with, cried with and laughed with. Out of their greed they took from her and her family and did not give back accordingly. If they had, do you really think she would have gone to the extreme she did? She saw everyone else with so much, but where were her and her family's reward? She was and is guilty of stealing, but so was everyone else who ever entered the doors to their home and congregation. Both women were guilty of the same crime. Yet, was justice served, was punishment for the same crime fair? With both cases so very close, where does one draw a line? And, if one does draw a line, why is it longer or shorter for others?

I WANT TO complain on the short skirts that are totally impractical. If you want to sit down once in a while, they are extremely unflattering unless you have perfect legs. I am so disgusted with what I see in the stores I decided to wear what I have in my closet.

WHY DO SIZE 12 and 14 dresses have belts that are made for 22 inch waists and why are they so tight around the bust line? They skimp on just a few inches of fabric on each style. They can have a tremendous savings when thousands of dresses are made.

REFERRING TO 8-16-91, "Right Stuff?" by Brad Harris. Brad had a few good points, but many players were offended by his remarks that an inner drive to become a champion, and passion for the game, on the field leadership and a willingness to give of oneself for the team all appeared to be lacking somewhat from this squad. Not true for the whole team, but a couple of players. Regarding Rex and Matt's stardom and limited action. Yes, Brad stated correctly Rex and Matt were made stars by coaches in high school and they did not live up to it this summer partly because Rex was showcased for college and pros and because Matt did not care, or so seemed his playing action. CHS and Legion coaches as well as sports writers all glorified these two and never gave anyone else a chance. Who's to blame for failure? Not the team. Cape Legion team, we are proud of you despite the accusations against you.

WE HAVE SO many wonderful neighbors in the North Frederick Street area, and I'm not just talking about the people; I'm talking about the animals. I know that sounds silly, but to my friend and me, it made all the difference in the world. You see, my friend and I live at a boarding home. We live there because we have problems with depression, and because of state regulations we cannot have pets. But our neighborhood people friends have more than made up for it. My friend and I currently have a list of 20 dogs and 13 cats that we know so far in our neighborhood. Their owners see my friend and me often while out on walks, and gradually they have come to recognize us and allow us to love their pets. My friend and I do not just love the animals but have begun taking responsibility for their safety. We know each one by sight and have been able, on many occasions, to return them to their owners when they get loose. And, because the animals are familiar with us, they are not afraid to come to us when we call. My friend and I take regular walks just to make sure no one gets loose or hurt. We want to give a special thanks to all those who have allowed us to love their animals. We don't need to sign this; you know who we are. God bless you all for your trust and caring for two people who simply love animals.

I'VE CALLED IN about all those people who have called in about Brad Harris' article. Sounds to me like their players are too good for a little bit of criticism. In my opinion, I think the truth hurts.

AS A TAXPAYER in Cape Girardeau County, I am disappointed that the Cape Girardeau Police Department has not solved the murders that have been committed over a period of time. There is no excuse, in my opinion.

IN REFERENCE TO the comments about the farmers on welfare, the money that we get through the U.S. government, USDA, is less than $1,000 a year. We are farmers but we sure can't live on that even if we do raise everything that we eat. Thank you.

I SURE WOULD like to see our government get interested in our own country again and stay out of other countries. Let them solve their own problems. They will do it without us. You know, we are getting greedier every day. We want to control too much, even with our own citizens of this country. If we could just go back and practice the old saying, Live and let live.

THIS IS IN response to the criteria that was in the paper recently regarding high requirements for students to attend SEMO. The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education and SEMO administration should realize that there have been untold numbers of very successful alumni who had only passing grades in high school, and after attending and graduating from SEMO, have very good jobs and professions now. The point being this: below-average and average students in high school can be a success in college and life if given the opportunity. Thank you.

I NOTICE THAT this newspaper lists area churches and times of worship. There are those of us who move into the area and ask for assistance in finding a means to pursue our religious preference. Not all philosophies have established churches in all areas but they do have study groups. We would like to find out if there is a New Age Philosophy group. Thank you.

I UNDERSTAND THAT President Bush can't get in touch with Mr. Gorbachev. I'm not surprised. I remember my history: once a communist, always a communist. I also remember the communist tactic: two steps forward, one step back. They certainly do keep us busy guessing while our own country falls prey to their philosophy as it falls apart. Thank you.

I WANT TO tell everybody that I just can't wait until SEMO basketball is here. Also, I would like to say that the Otahkians are going to be fun to watch too this year. Thank you.

I'M DISAPPOINTED IN your front page statement this morning, which reads Bob kills 16. This statement is inaccurate. The media penchant for statements such as this needlessly encourages inordinate fears of the natural world and some people, especially children. Sixteen people died as a result of specific events related to Hurricane Bob. Nature is neutral, impersonal and has no intent. Natural phenomenons such as storms, oceans, rivers, lakes, lightening, earthquakes, falling trees, and acts of God don't kill. They certainly can be dangerous and people can certainly die from specific events associated with them. I submit that the two swimmers that drowned in heavy surf and undertows in the Carolinas died from their own decisions to swim rather than be killed by the hurricane.

THERE HAS BEEN a stray dog running in my subdivision and there are a lot of children in my neighborhood. I contacted the city police to come pick up the animal but they could not help because we're just outside the city limits. I called the Humane Society and they said they do not have the resources to pick up animals. I then called the Cape County Sheriff's Office and they said they do not have a unit to pick up dogs; they referred me back to the Humane Society. Meanwhile, the animal, which was a rottweiler, disappeared. I think our local officials need to figure out just whose duty this belongs to. Thank you.

I'M JUST WONDERING. Out on Route K they could give you a little advanced warning that you're running into that oil. I would surely appreciate it and I would have stayed away. Took me two hours to get all that oil off of my car. I'd certainly appreciate a little warning. Thank you.

IT'S TIME FOR us to pass a law to get our congressmen out of office after a period of time. We need desperately to limit their terms. They pass laws that we have to obey but they can ignore. They don't commit themselves to any of them. For instance: the Social Security Act of 1933, the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Freedom of Information Act of 1967, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Privacy Act of 1974, Ethics in Government Act of 1978. We won't get fairness from our Congress until their term is limited to not more than what the president has. It might be a good idea to limit it to even fewer years.

I DON'T KNOW where to turn. What do I do about a 31-year-old son who lives with me, depends upon me, and who hates me? I don't know what to do. He does not have a job outside the home. When he wants to he does work around the house. I don't know where to turn. Can anybody help me, offer any suggestions? Thank you.

AS A YOUNG-40s couple we would be interested in meeting other couples to join in like camping or fishing on weekends. Where would be a good place to meet these nice couples of this sort? Thank you.

I'M REPLYING TO the response about garage sales charging sales tax and so forth. I do not have garage sales every week, but I don't think we should criticize those people; they're not getting rich over having these garage sales. A lot of times you have to drive 8 to 10 miles to a garage sale, and when you get there they'll only have a handful of items. By the time they pay for their gas, time and work, they are not getting any money out of these garage sales. So let people enjoy it and have fun. I go to garage sales occasionally and enjoy them in order to meet other people and to get some reasonable buys that I could not get in the store. We've been taxed enough. If you can't make a living out of your business I suggest you quit. We didn't tell you to go into business. Thank you.

SOMETHING HAS GOT to be done about women having one baby right after another for the state to take care of. Thank you.

I CAN'T BELIEVE that KBSI is showing a Cardinals baseball game instead of Beverly Hills 90210. That's my favorite show and I cannot believe they're not showing it.