SPEAKOUT

Northeast complaints

I WILL not vote for a city sales tax Aug. 8 for the simple reason that I live in the northeast section of Cape and we are tired of reporting high weeds, abandoned cars and yards and dilapidated houses only to receive no action. Until city officials start treating all taxpayers the same, I will not vote for any tax increase.

No trash excuse

JUST BECAUSE people are poverty stricken, this does give them a reason to leave trash in their yard, screen doors hanging off their doors, windows broken out etc. I'm sorry, but I think people can find a way to get their yard mowed and to do all of these things no matter how poor they are. I feel sorry for poor people, but I don't think it gives them an excuse.

Manslaughter charge

I'D LIKE to say that I'm very outraged at the fact that Kenneth Russell was charged with manslaughter instead of murder after killing a child. It seems to me this guy will be out on the streets again in 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 years and could possibly do the same thing over. My only hope is, if justice can't be done in the courts, that the inmates at the prison will do the job for us.

Analyzing flood costs

UNDER THE heading of flood control. It would seem like the cost to the city and property owners for floods for 35 years exceeds or would exceed the cost to the city on a FEMA buyout program. The buyout program is a one-time shot. The flood program and Mother Nature seem to be continuous. Let's solve this age-old problem once and for all.

Twin Lakes income levels

IT'S REALLY amazing that the residents at Twin Lakes say $11,000 to connect to the city sewer system would be an astronomical amount. If you would look at the annual income of each individual household in that community, you would find that it's well over $70,000. The homes are well into the $100,000 range. Their complaint about it being too expensive is ridiculous. They want the city to pay for their services. They're reaching out for a handout just like everybody else.

Shooting example

WELL, CAPE Girardeau County, I guess you have sent your message out that it is OK to take you .357 magnum and shoot another human being. I certainly hope that my children do not live by that example.

Grateful Dead

THIS IS for Heidi Nieland and her column in Saturday's paper. I would just like to point out that sometimes Deadheads can be overwhelming in both numbers and appearance and lifestyle. It's hardly the Grateful Dead's fault that 30,000 people stormed the gate or that wooden deck collapsed. The Grateful Dead had absolutely nothing to do with all of that. They're old hippies who are, by and large, good human beings and bring a lot of joy, not to mention pump a lot of money into local economies. In your own newspaper, there was a story that said they reprimanded the people who were storming the gates and making problems. I think she owes the Dead an apology. Most of their fans are fun loving people.