SPEAKOUT

WHILE SHOPPING AT Food Giant Tuesday, I dropped eight booklets. I would like to thank the person who turned them in to the service desk. You made my day. Thanks.

IT LOOKS like Mary Wulfers has become hysterical again. First she cried while trying to read the statement to reprimand Mayor Rhodes. Now Mrs. Wulfers is seeing little ghosts and goblins and spooks into the night. Mrs. Wulfers, I know Halloween is in October, but that isn't until the 31st. Thank you.

IN THE LAST few days we've all heard about the congressional bank that has had numerous bounced checks drawn on it and also the congressional cafeteria that has been stuck for $300,000-plus by our congressional representatives. What I would like to know is, did our congressman, Mr. Emerson, indulge in this activity? I would like to hear who is responsible for this type of thing and if Mr. Emerson has done any of this. I think the names of the people who have been involved in doing this should be published. Thank you.

Lloyd Smith, aide to U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson of Cape Girardeau, said Emerson has not written bad checks on his bank account. He said the congressman's office pays its cafeteria bill monthly and has never been in arrears. Smith furnished a copy of a letter from the House sergeant at arms, Jack Russ, which was written in response to a request by Emerson that his account at the bank be reviewed. Russ said in the letter that his account was reviewed from July 1, 1989, through June 30, 1990, and "...the presentation for payment of checks drawn on your account did not in any instance exceed your available balance of funds on deposit with this office." Emerson released the following statement: "...I do not know the scope of infractions that have occurred involving other members of Congress. If there has been willful misconduct, I believe it is a matter for the Ethics Committee to delve into without delay. There is a difference, obviously, in check kiting as opposed to a simple bookkeeping error; so I would hope we'd be looking to differentiate between willful misconduct and innocent error."

CAPE CENTRAL WILL always be No. 1 in everything.

TO THE SENIOR who thinks school spirit doesn't matter: To you school spirit doesn't matter because you don't have any. So take my advice and learn from the junior high students. They have school spirit.

DID YOU KNOW that the state would help pay for child day care? Call Family Services. Thank you.

WE ARE SPENDING a lot of time and money investigating a sleeze factory, but George Bush is trying to get them all in high places at taxpayers' expense. How many Republicans will vote against Gates, for he's one of them? They don't care if he's reliable or not. You get Democrats in there. The taxpayers are watching you vote on this. I listened to these hearings and a lot of people came forward to tell you what happened under Gates. Now vote your conscience.

I AM AGAINST the city purchasing the water plant and providing the water instead of Union Electric. Considering the fact that this is going to be brought to you by the same people who have imposed this wonderful trash collection system upon us, they'll probably give us water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; sewer service on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; and nothing at all on Sunday.

The city, of course, would provide water and sewer service constantly should voters approve the city's purchase of the water system.

I JUST READ the headline in the Thursday, Oct. 10, edition of the Southeast Missourian and the headline read, "President stands behind nominee." But off to the side there is a picture of Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas and Sen. John Danforth standing behind him. I thought it was kind of funny.

I AM SORRY Judge Thomas has to undergo the stress of last-minute investigation; however, the Southeast Missourian is wrong to blame the press for this mistake. The problem was not with the press but with the senators who did not investigate Anita Hill's statements thoroughly without having to be prodded so hard by the women in this country. But I know there are many good men who do not understand. I hope this investigation will help men and women communicate better about sexual harassment.

I'D JUST LIKE to comment that I think Jackson has got a cute football team but they just can't compete with the big boys.

LOOK WHO'S CALLING who kittens now. Central Tigers can't be beat.

I'M JUST CALLING to say how much I enjoy reading The Best Years that you put in your newspaper. I don't know how often it comes out. I'm always surprised when I see it. Would you tell me when it comes out? Thank you.

Thanks for the compliment. TBY (The Best Years) is a monthly supplement we added in 1990. It's inserted in the Southeast Missourian the first Monday of every month.