Thanks go to volunteer firefighters

To the editor:

We would like to thank all the volunteers from the Gordonville Fire Department and those from all the other departments which assisted them with controlling the fire in the lower level of the storage building at 145 Greenbrier, Cape Girardeau, on Sept. 21.

After the call was made to 911 at about 11:15 a.m., some of the men and equipment started arriving about 15 minutes later. These are all volunteers -- farmers, businessmen and public workers. They did the job of professionals.

Because of explosives stored in the upper part of the building, there was special concern. These men knew how dangerous this was, but this did not prevent them from doing an awesome job. Due to the lack of engineering of the water system, there are no fire plugs near this area.

Again, thanks for everything, and may God bless each of you.ROY AND PAULINE DAVAULT

Cape Girardeau

Hard work made rally a success

To the editor:

Due to the devastation to our nation and our sorrow for the victims and their families, we delayed in saying thank you to our community for its support of the Missouri State Harley Owners Group Rally. The hard work and cordial spirit of everyone pulling together made the rally a tremendous success.

Congratulations, Cape. You are terrific.SONNY AND

BARB MINOR

Cape Girardeau

Must regain control of borders

To the editor:

To guard against further terrorist attacks, we must regain control of our own borders. Bill Clinton used to talk about 100,000 new police on our streets; President Bush should provide at least 100,000 new personnel for the Border Patrol. No one really knows how many illegal aliens have penetrated into our country, but, according to every estimate, there are millions here already with more coming every day.

For the duration of the crisis, we must also place a complete moratorium on entry by aliens from all Islamic countries, including student and tourist visas. Any exceptions should be carefully screened by the State Department, the FBI and monitored by local police agencies.

We must also have a permanent policy against almost all Third World immigration. If present demographic trends continue, Americans will become a minority in their own country within only one or two generations. This is neither necessary nor desirable.

We should all send e-mails, letters and faxes and make phone calls to the president and our representatives in both houses of Congress encouraging them to begin immediately enacting these urgently needed reforms.WILLIAM E. SAMUELS

Columbia, Mo.

Chaplain's bravery is inspirational

To the editor:

Many died heroes as a result of the terrorist attacks Sept. 11. As the flames smolder in downtown New York, may the soul of Father Mike Judge, a firehouse chaplain who died while ministering to others at the World Trade Center, inspire us.CHERYL KESTER

Lowndes, Mo.