OpinionAugust 27, 2001
SPEAK OUT
REGARDING THE article "Corporate farms benefit from bailout": The American farmer, once a proud, independent occupation we all considered to be the backbone of America, is quickly becoming with very few exceptions just as much a leech on American society as the welfare system. ...Farmers' hands are out
REGARDING THE article "Corporate farms benefit from bailout": The American farmer, once a proud, independent occupation we all considered to be the backbone of America, is quickly becoming with very few exceptions just as much a leech on American society as the welfare system. American taxpayers should be outraged at the amount of money handed out by our government to keep farmers in business when world grain stocks are at the highest level in history with demand at the lowest. The money taken out of your paycheck is funding this. The grandfathers and great-grandfathers of today's farmers would hang their heads in shame at the sight of their descendants with their hands constantly outstretched.
More bargaining rights
IT HAS long been my firm belief that bureaucrats, though often berated, are the glue holding our society together at the federal, state and local level. I implore state Sen. Peter Kinder to introduce legislation extending the power of the governor to grant collective-bargaining rights to all state workers instead of just a few so that they too may have the opportunity to earn a salary at least somewhat above what are currently little more than slave wages. Thank, don't trash, those who toil on our behalf.
Possible name change
IF CAPE Girardeau really is populated by the rude as some Speak Out comments allege, that might have at least one redeeming factor. We could maintain our historical heritage but shorten our name to Cape Rudeau.
Give him our support
KINDER-MORGAN Power Co. CEO Richard Kinder wants to build a power plant in this area. He is meeting with some resistance. Please keep in mind that Kinder is a native of Cape Girardeau and would never do anything environmentally irresponsible to damage the surrounding community from which he hails. Kinder has already exemplified his bona fide beneficence by providing huge bonuses for deserving schoolteachers. Our support for Kinder's project should be without reservation and unanimously favorable.
Controlling barking
I READ the comment in Speak Out about dogs barking in Northfield. I live in Northfield also and have noticed at times nuisance barking. There are three types of bark collars that can be purchased: a shock collar, one that spray's citronella and one that gives off an ultrasonic sound the dog can hear. We occasionally use a collar on our dog when we can't stop her barking with a voice command, and it works great. Barking is a dog's way of communication, so not all barking should be stopped. But when it continues for long periods of time, it becomes a nuisance. Be a responsible dog owner and a good neighbor. Buy a collar.
Not just for farmers
WHY SHOULD a fair have music just for the farmers who bring their livestock? Is this why there is only country music? The fair also has food, rides and other games and activities. Do the people in Cape who put the fair together think the only people who will show up are the farmers and country music fans? Get your act together. Other fairs have rock music all the time. Why can't Cape do the same and get something besides country music?
Safety reasons
IN RESPONSE to the "Interstate parking" comment in Speak Out: The officers park that way for officer safety so people who complain about the cops can't hit them while they are out doing a traffic stop.
No local benefits
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS seem to think the only problem with this Kinder Morgan power plant is communications and public relations. It seems to be all negative for the region, with threats of air pollution, water pollution, a severe drop in the water table and union busting. The only beneficiaries seem to be the Kinder family and Oklahoma, which will gain a power generator.
No planning and zoning
RESIDENTS OF Crump, Mo.: If you would have voted for planning and zoning last year, you wouldn't have to worry about a power plant being built close to your property. You chose to follow the man from Whitewater who was opposed to planning and zoning.
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A wonderful asset
ROD JETTON'S column about the 15-year transportation plan was wonderfully written. What a wonderful man. He laid out the entire situation of what has happened in the past, and he laid out his solution to the problem. He didn't blame anybody, he didn't say it was because of this politics or that politics. He just found the facts and found the solution. I salute him. Jetton is going to be a wonderful politician and a wonderful asset to our area.
Welcome back, bells
I LIVE on West End very close to the university, and I have missed the bell all summer. The people who are so concerned about the Advance church bells are so lucky to have them because I have missed the ones at the university this summer. Now they are back, and I am so excited. I am like my 3-year-old granddaughter when you bring her a present. I am so happy the bells are back.
Heavenly politics
I WAS amused at the caller who has a distorted vision of heaven. Does the caller believe Christ was crucified because he was a conservative? The religious and political leaders of his days thought his ideas were too progressively liberal. Christ was the original bleeding-heart liberal. Since the word Christian means Christ-like, perhaps the caller should reassess his chances for eternal bliss. I will concede, however, that if reforms are needed in heaven, it will be the liberals who will call them to the attention to the Almighty. Conservatives will do as they have always done: Oppose real progress.
Trash in a box
THERE IS one hot citizen here. I have an 18-by-18-by-12-inch box sitting next to my trash can to be thrown away in lieu of another trash can. They did not pick it up and put a little tag by it saying they don't pick up boxes, although four of these boxes would fit in another trash can if I chose to put it out there.
Liberal bound for heaven
I'D LIKE to respond to your caller who expressed some doubt that liberals would get to heaven. I am a liberal. I am a Christian. And I expect to be very happy in heaven. My Bible says judge not.
Water is the problem
WHY DON'T you people at Chaffee City Hall leave the trash haulers alone and quit trying to find a problem with them. Work on a real big problem, which is the Chaffee water. I hate to take a bath in it, much less drink it.
Horseplay on Broadway
I WOULD like to know when Cape police are going to start doing something about the kids hanging out on Broadway. Almost every night you see kids horseplaying in the streets, and it is just a matter of time before someone gets run over.
Good uses for money
WHY DON'T the city and the university admit defeat and go on with important projects. Don't worry about escrow money. It could be used for several badly needed projects: tornado alarm system, water slide or a new pool for children. As of now we depend on Paducah for weather advice and drive to Farmington for water slides for the children. The establishments responsible for the escrow money don't want it put back in their pockets. They want it used on something that everyone can benefit from.
Meaning of the bells
CONCERNING THE church bells in Advance that people are annoyed about. Maybe it's because people do not go to church that they do not like these noises. I think the sound of the church bells are wonderful and know what the meaning of it is.
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