speakout 9/16

Should have canceled

I LIVE in Michigan now, but I am a former resident of Cape and attended SEMO. I am angered and sad that the university has allowed SEMO to play its football game. What they are saying, in essence, is that the football game is more important than the other sporting events that were so rightfully canceled. And, most importantly, I suppose they consider the U.S. tragedy has been dwelled on long enough. I guess because the game is against a huge rival, they want to concentrate on the revenue. It is too bad they can't wait just one week to resume the games. Look at the NFL!

Going soft

IN AN act of unparalleled open mindedness and tolerance, a Southeast Missourian editorial actually went so far as to suggest that Cape's new police chief be given a chance to succeed. Have you guys gone soft or what?

Already there

AFTER CONDEMNING the urging of restraint and caution as well as writing high-minded pronouncements like "pacifism in the face of war...is immoral," jingoist David Limbaugh's recent jeremiad urged us on to an all-out war against terrorism. However, at the tail end of his pugnacious piece and justifiable tirade, Limbaugh seemed to say we all have already united behind nothing other than a massive response. Thus, one is puzzled about his condemning of a non-existent pacifistic and cautious mood. The American people are already at and perhaps far beyond the point Mr. Limbaugh appears to want to lead us. Indeed, we are ready and able to virtually annihilate nations harboring and unwilling to eradicate hotbeds of anti-American terrorists.

Resign or retire?

The Southeast Missourian's virtual deification of Cape Public School's superintendent Dr. Dan Steska is in many ways well deserved. However, at the risk of sounding nitpicky, the word resign rather than retire more accurately describes Steska's recent decision to leave his position. Dr. Steska has indicated that he will likely take a job out of state. This will allow him to receive full retirement benefits from the state of Missouri (80% or more of his current salary) while being compensated to the tune of perhaps six figures in his out-of-state position. There is no doubt Dr. Steska has earned it, and I wish him the best. Indeed, in the ordinarily understood sense of the word, I am more than happy that he is not retiring.