SPEAKOUT

SOME PEOPLE NEED to get a dictionary and look up the definitions of the words "idea" and "ideal". These words are not interchangeable. You don't say, "I don't have any ideal." I don't understand how people that use the word "ideal" for "idea" can keep on doing it when they hear other people saying it right. I guess they think we're the stupid ones.

I'D LIKE TO make a comment on an article that's in Speak Out that says all men need a study course in home economics. I'm a man and I agree with this comment 100 percent. If something was to happen to my wife, I'd be a total loss when it comes to cooking. My sons are taking home economics in school and I'm proud of it and I wish I had once. Thank you.

TO THE PERSON who called in about garage sales. Garage sales have become popular for several reasons. They are a good way to pick up things second hand that people can't afford to pay for at stores. Also, speaking for myself and many others I know who can't afford to pay retail for things, it's just a fun way to get up early in the morning and start your day. It's become a good form of recreation. So please, mind your own business and quit trying to spoil the fun for others. Thank you.

I COULD BE a Roosevelt Democrat, but never a Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, Biden, Metzenbaum, Mondale, Clay, McGovern, Gray or Dukakis Democrat. Roosevelt said we not have government unions. Today that is the Democrats' bread and butter, especially in the big cities. Your vote in cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York and other big cities do not count. The candidates are picked by the party and they will win because of the controlled influence. The city workers are dependent for their jobs on ward alderman. The party unions and various ethic groups work together with no concern for cash flow or taxpayer dollars. Most of these cities, in spite of their high real estate taxes, sales tax and so forth, are still in financial trouble because of their wasteful spending. Then they run to Washington and claim they need more money. They make you poor people then they say they are for the poor. We people who worked hard and are retired and can't afford these increased costs, our dollar buys less and less. We would like to live on the dollar we have earned ourselves. If we can't be responsible for ourselves, then we can't pay countries like Russia. We must teach these people like Kennedy our tax dollars are not for handouts to get votes. They are for service. Thank you.

THIS IS TO the lady who called in about her grandkids only getting a little bit of candy at the parade. It's a sad case in life that you need to realize. This is just one small things that kids are going to have to face in life. Getting candy in a parade is very minor to things they are going to have to go through in life. So grow up and stop worrying about every little thing. Let kids that are big enough to get candy, get it.

I'M ALMOST 80 years old but there's something I sure would like for someone to explain to me. If you have a baby and you decide you don't want it, you kill it. You either go to the pen or maybe they'll put you to death. Just tell me one thing, what is the difference if you went and killed the baby before it's born or after it's born? Isn't both ways murder? Please explain. Thank you.

I JUST NOTICED in the paper again a couple of notices some thefts of gasoline and also one person was arrested for stealing. When are we going to learn not to do that? I wish that the first time anyone tries that, they get caught and that they're punished, then with some good counseling and the help of God, they can clean up their life. If they don't, the time is coming when you'll have sleepless nights and wonder what you could do about it. It will be too late. You won't remember where you took some of those things, and you'll wonder, wonder will God ever forgive me for this wrong, can he forgive me? As you grow older it will become worse. So try to straighten out things while you have time. You see, I've had some experience. I traveled that road.

IF THE PARTY interested in information about the Ross Hotel in Perryville will call 335-3227, I may be able to give some help.

I RECYCLE. I recycle in my home, and I own my own business, and I recycle at work. I've decreased our trash output by 30-50 percent. I feel that we have to do this. I look for products that are packaged in recycled containers. I purchase products that are packages that are less wasteful. My answer for those who feel that they are paying more for their trash pickups because they choose not to recycle, they're only having one trash pickup per week, they should have to pay more because they're using more land than what I am. They're throwing their trash away in a landfill whereas I'm not. I would also like to know these people's plan for decreasing our trash output by 40 percent over the next few years. What is their plan? How are we going to do this if we don't have a mandatory recycle?

I WOULD LIKE to state that the Southeast Fair was excellent this year. However, I must say that the people selling the tickets for the rides should have a sign stating that you can only use those tickets on that given night. I had my grandchildren there Monday night. One of them saved some tickets for the next night and come to find out, she could not use those tickets at all. This I think is very, very poor.

I'M CALLING IN reference to the new cul-de-sac on Cambridge Street in Northfield Subdivision. The street is so narrow that if just one car were parked in the street, there is no way a fire truck could get through. How could the city approve this narrow street?

WHAT'S THE MATTER with you people out there with this recycling? You're still getting two pickups a week on your trash. One of them is non-recyclable trash and one is trash that you can recycle. Come on, stop being so lazy Cape Girardeau. Get your act together.

I NOTICED IN the newspaper that Kelso has decided not to vote on enhanced 911. I was wondering is you could tell us what that means as far as a minimum charge on our bill since these people will not be participating in the 911 service. Also, has Commerce or Chaffee made a decision whether they're going to vote on 911 or not?

I JUST SAW on the channel 12 news that they have installed condom machines in the residence halls on SEMO campus. What I would like to know is did they put condom machines in both men's and ladies' room or did they only put it in the men's room? If they only put it in the men's room, isn't that really a sexist statement by the university? Are they saying that women shouldn't care about protecting themselves from diseases as much as men?

AS REGARDS OUR city efforts on the recycling trash and disposal bill that they have proposed, I thought it was interesting that Mr. William K. Kelley of the Bush Administration testified before the Senate Environmental Protection committee that he and the administration would oppose the boosting of recycling and tightening of waste disposal regulations made nation wide. He said that the cost of such proposals could be extraordinary and would be unworkable or too costly. I think the same idea is applicable to our city.

I'M CALLING IN reference to the person who wanted to know if there was an organization that gives clothes to the needy. The women of Delta Sigma Theta sorority have a clothes drive every year and we do it in conjunction with the Cape Girardeau Civic Center. If you want anymore information, you can write Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at the student government center on campus. Just write c/o Delta Sigma Theta, Southeast Missouri State University Student Government, and you can get more information about it and when it's going to be and everything.

THIS IS TO the person who called in about the teacher from Scott City High disrupting the Scott City council meeting. If you had been listening, you would have heard the teacher proclaim that she was not an expert on proper rules of order but she was the coach of the Parliamentarian team at Scott City High and that her team had won the state championship in Parliamentary procedure the last two years. Also, she never disrupted the meeting. The only time she spoke was when the mayor or councilwoman asked her a question about Roberts rules and then, and only then, did she speak and only offered her opinion and guidance. It's really sad when we close our minds to learn how to do things right. I personally think that there are citizens like this teacher who will stand up for the rights of the citizens of Scott City. Thank you.

THIS IS TO Dr. Kasten and to all the other doctors that are saying that patients need to voluntarily be tested for AIDS. I have no problem with this, but also, when I come into the hospital or come your doctors office, would like you to show me a piece of paper saying that you also don't have AIDS only for my safety's sake. Thank you.