$$$Start

By Frank Moreland

A few years ago my wife read in the paper that President Reagan had a mole removed from his nose. Her reaction was, "That was a terrible thing to put on the front page of the newspapers of the land." My immediate reaction was, "Thank God that was the biggest new of the day. No drought, dustbowl, no killing of all the natives someplace, no plague or war. How much better can life be?"

To the citizens of Cape Girardeau with that thought in mind, I write this, my feelings regarding the editorials and letters to and from Hizzonner.

Thank the Lord that the road repairs, or lack of, is the biggest news of Cape's local discussions.

To the mayor: If you are whining about the criticism from Joe and Harry, that's contemptible. If you are taking up for and supporting your people, that's highly commendable. If you are lead dog with a dog sled you are out in front for all to see and yap at. You, however, can't pull the entire load yourself, so you must get all the rest of the team (backbiters, yappers included) to do their part. Take care of your people. Be happy there are those who will criticize you. Perhaps they can be used to help you haul a bigger and better load.

To Harry: I hold you in the highest regard. However, as respected, knowledgeable and informed as you are, how did it come to pass that you and the chamber just found out about the lack of a road to the school. That's disappointing.

I agree the street destruction, construction and detours are an inconvenience. However, not as much as the chug holes we had before. I can remember gravel streets and mud roads not too long ago. Better planning could possibly have reduced the inconvenience of the repairs. I'm thankful that Cape has the leadership, money and good workers to effect the repairs that we will find so beneficial. Be patient. Better planning could also be accomplished with better and more informed planners to assist Hizzonner.

To Joe: I'm not a golfer, but I do agree that a putting green might be a good thing for the downtown of Cape. It might be on par with throwed rolls at Sikeston. But tell me: Where were your news reporters when the plans or lack of plans for the school were drawn up? With your freedom of the press and access to all public records and meetings, how come it did not get reported two years ago that the road was being missed? I'm sure that with all the concern over new roads on the west side your paper should have looked at the ramification of a new road to the schools. We the people of Cape admire your work, spoofing and good newsgathering of your paper. We do expect you to keep us well informed as to what is and is not happening in Cape. Keep up the good work, and don't forget to help Hizzonner as much as you can. Constructive spoofing and humor are good. A lot of truth comes out in humor.

Back to the people of Cape. I live in downtown Cape very near Joe's Southeast Missourian. I am very happy when I go down Broadway, Spanish, Main, Lorimier, Bellevue (except for the ski lift at Middle) and the other streets of downtown with their new, smooth blacktop. The inconvenience of the detours is worth the wait.

Be thankful that these present minor inconveniences are the biggest local news. Be thankful for all the yappers and hope that they are all helping with the load of running this wonderful city of Cape.

To our fearless leader, Hizzonner, remember all the yappers are behind you.

Frank Moreland is a Cape Girardeau resident.