Values of homes near proposed subdivision

MR. McCULLEY'S information regarding the price of homes adjacent to the proposed Victoria Estates subdivision is inaccurate. Four homes purchased on Ricardo Drive in the last two years were in the upper $80,000 to upper $90,000 range, not below $80,000. The older homes on Stoddard near Perryville Road are smaller and not as well built, and they are indeed valued at below $80,000. These are not the homes that are adjacent to the proposed Victoria Estates.

Long memories regarding Ashcroft

IN REGARD to John Ashcroft for president, he should test the waters before he makes his decision. I am sure I am not the only person that remembers what he did while he was governor as to the wording on the ballot about the utilities vote. He sure misled the public. He will be remembered for that by many of us.

Lots of things to get off chest

I WANT to congratulate Mona Charen on her July 24 column. She feels exactly like I do about everybody being so helpless that they don't know that it's dangerous to smoke cigarettes, so when they lose somebody they sue. Well, I think it's about time they sue the alcohol distributors, because alcohol can do much more harm than cigarettes. I have more friends who have died from lung cancer who didn't smoke than the ones who did smoke. I have a lot of friends who have died from drinking too much alcohol. The second thing that concerns me: Why do they have to do a study to find out that driving a car while talking on the phone can be hazardous? Where is the common sense nowadays? And then there is the topic of spanking kids. Years and years ago, when people spanked kids as discipline, they didn't have children growing up to drug addicts, murderers and murdering their own parents. I can't go along with that either. And then there is lights on the cars. Drivers are told now to leave the lights on the cars during the day so people can see them. My concern is people who drive after dark with their lights off or else on park. Parking lights are for parking, not driving. I think because they can see you that you can see them. I've nearly had several wrecks by running upon the back of a car that did not have its lights on.

What it takes to turn stomachs

SUPER-SMART U.S. Sen. -- now columnist -- Thomas Eagleton recently bemoaned the widespread cynicism prevalent in the body politic. At the end of a column dealing with the subject, Eagleton asked in regard to recent campaign finance scandals: "If they didn't turn you stomach, what will it take?" I have given that question considerable thought and think I have an answer. The only thing that would turn our stomachs would be a tainted hamburger patty.

Differences between men and women

WHEN MEN and women are given separate facilities such as restrooms and that sort of thing in a public institution such as a once all-male institution, then there is no such thing as equality in that system. To be equal you have to be exactly the same alike. If the women who want to go into these all-men institutions want to be there, then let them use the men's restroom just like the men do. Also, there's something wrong when people have not learned that there is a difference between males and females. Apparently, the people in our federal government haven't learned that yet. Males and females should not have to compete. They should not be asked to compete. And they should never be expected to compete. Unless you are equal, you cannot compete. There is no such thing as equality between men and women. And that's what makes me so ashamed in this country. They don't know that there is a difference between males and females.

Consider the lessons of history

I BELIEVE columnist Jack Stapleton's assertion that Bob Griffin's political career is over is too dogmatic. Though I have nothing to base it on, I think Griffin will lead a peaceful and successful overthrow of the Missouri Statehouse in the year 2002. Within a year after that, the Missouri Legislature will give him the authority to rule by decree. Griffin will then crown himself emperor of Missouri and attempt to extend Missouri's boundaries and establish what he will refer to "a thousand year empire." However, a military alliance of citizens of Kansas, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois and oddly, Hawaii, will thwart his efforts, and his empire will be crushed in 2014. Stranger things have happened. Stapleton needs to study more history.

A retractable floodwall?

I'M STILL pondering the Speak Out plea to tear down Cape's Mississippi River wall. I agree with the Southeast Missourian that that might be too extreme. However, with modern technology and computers, I believe we could build an underground wall. Then, through their use, the wall could rise to the level needed to prevent flooding. Later, after the river receded, the retractable wall could disappear below ground. Frankly, I think a retractable wall would be a tourist attraction in and of itself and could be constructed at an economical cost, not exceeding that of the current federal budget.

Some redbird feathers are ruffled

A RECENT article about Mark McGwire ruffled some red Cardinal feathers in our household. I enjoyed the sentence about how McGwire, despite his short-term status, is already the most popular Cardinal by far. Anybody ever hear of a sometime player named Willie McGee? I kind of think he supersedes McGwire in popularity. Oh, and let's not forget -- even though the article seems to be rather befuddled about why McGwire's powerful bat hasn't propelled us into contention for post season play -- that the reason he's popular is because he, like Jack Clark -- anybody remember him? -- sometimes hits home runs. And why hasn't it helped, the AP writer wants to know? What's the problem? Um, well, he's just a batter, and you kind of do need offense, defense and pitching. It's kind of a team effort, if you will. The article goes on to say that at least Mark seems to have an open mind about the Midwest. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that in some point in his life, Mark lived in the Midwest. We've had running water here for quite some time. So I'm glad to know that he might not be making the move back to the coast anytime soon. Hey, I'd like to see anybody signed to this team who can produce some runs, who is good on first base. That's fine with me. But you know what we really need is a second baseman with some range, and I love little Delino DeShield, but that boy, he just falls down and doesn't catch very well. Thank you for your time and I understand, again, that this is only an AP article but apparently this writer doesn't know a thing about St. Louis Cardinal fans, wherever they may live.

Alternative would be a monarchy

THE PUBLISHER of Mississippi County Enterprise-Courier, Mildred Wallhausen, recently penned an impassioned plea. The plea was published in the Southeast Missourian. Seems to me Mrs. Wallhausen was having great difficulty accepting the outcome of a recent Democratic election. In fact, she wrote, "I just can't let it go," in reference to the election results and it's apparent implications. Mrs. Wallhausen, I know where you're coming from. I've often felt the sense of frustration with election results. However, I eventually learned to cope in a way that may work for you. Have the courage of your convictions. Simply renounce democracy and work for the establishment of aristocracy, plutocracy or absolutely monarchy. Mississippi County would be the perfect place to start the movement.

Retired Teamster proud of strikers

AS A lifelong, now-retired Teamster, I congratulate the Teamsters on their total victory over UPS. I only shudder, thinking back, what if I had not belonged to a union during my working life, I would have been a low-paid sweathog.

Putting sins in proper context

THE SOUTHEAST Missourian was correct in writing an editorial headline that Bob Griffin is an icon of the worst in politics. Even looked at in an historical context, it is difficult to argue convincingly that Griffin's sins neither equaled nor surpassed those of the ancient Roman emperor Caligula, Atilla the Hun, Ivan the Terrible and so forth. Griffin's wrongdoings are so gargantuan, one wonders if future historians might place Griffin's sins on a par with the likes of other icons of the worst of politics in the 20th century, Hitler and Stalin. I believe all Missourians are collectively responsible for allowing Griffin to rise to power and for turning our heads when he began his reign of terror. We owe the world an apology.

Thanks to postal workers during strike

I THINK that we need to thank the Postal Service in Cape Girardeau and Jackson for the excellent service they provided their customers during the UPS strike. And I think that each person who gets his mail, even though it's been a couple days here and there, should say thank you. Thank you, postal workers. We appreciate you.

License bureau should be open at lunchtime

I WENT down to our local license bureau office on Spanish Street to renew my driver's license at 11 a.m., only to be turned away by one of the ladies behind the counter stating that they would be closing for their lunch hour. I find it difficult to believe that an office that provides a necessary service for the state cannot be properly manned to give the public access throughout the day.

The view from the mountaintop

I AGREE with a Speak Out caller that "Walt Wildman has a dream" about the completion of I-66. I might add that though he may not get there with us, Wildman has been to the mountain top and has seen the other side.

Possible payback for China too?

WE SEE now that Bill Clinton paid big labor back for his election. I wonder if he'll do the same with China.