Speak Out A 05/11/03

Job situation

I AGREE with Scott Moyers on there being some stable work environments for the large employers in the area. But even these large employers are not adding new jobs to account for the ones being lost. The million new jobs that President Bush hopes to create at $7 an hour are not going to ease the pain of those losing $13-to-$20 dollar-an-hour jobs. Tax cuts look good on paper, but they end up in the pockets of people not responsible enough to use it or they end up in the pockets of corporate executives and business owners. Why not spend time and money on programs being abused like worker's compensation, Medicaid, welfare and corporate accountability. I believe the economy will be in such bad shape by the next election that Bush will have to have a war or some kind of conflict going to distract the people from the situation at home.

Online newspaper

I JUST wanted to thank you for the good work in producing the online newspaper. I live in Florida and enjoy reading about the area online. Without people like you, this would never happen. Thanks again.

Inappropriate fine

WHAT WAS the judge thinking when he imposed a $300 fine on the Frenchman who assaulted a woman? Come on. America is supposed to treat women equally and with honor. That amount of a fine is just another slap in her face. I have a son who was cited for excessive speeding and was given a $500 fine, two years' probation and hours of community service. Needless to say, his punishment taught him a good lesson. He paid all of his fine by working a job paying a minimal amount. Just what lesson did the Frenchman learn? That he can come into our country and do as he pleases? Just what is our justice system for?

Parental responsibility

WHAT I'VE never understood is why parents sue when their child gets hurt somewhere and it's the child's fault. Where were the parents when the child got hurt? Take responsibility for your own children.

Stormy forecast

THE CAPE Girardeau School District may be poised to weather the fiscal storm, but will it weather the parental and political ones?

Concealed weapons

YES, THE people of Missouri did speak about concealed weapons. Ninety-one percent of the counties voted in favor of them. As a matter of fact, Cape Girardeau County was one of the counties that voted in favor of concealed weapons. St. Louis County decided the issue for the entire state.

No explanation needed

NOW THE Cape Girardeau mayor wants to have a forum on the tax measures that were defeated. Apparently democracy means nothing to him. The people voted no. In America, you don't have to explain your vote to anybody. Usually when the vote doesn't go their way, officials say the voters didn't understand. Mayor, what part of "no" don't you understand?

Moribund macho

DENNIS MILLER'S devastating critique of Norman Mailer was masterful but mean-spirited. Mailer's macho has long since been moribund.

Local screeners needed

THIS IS in response to the caller who believes Cape Girardeau Regional Airport would be a good place to start cutting back on federal security screeners. This would feed right in to a potential terrorists hands: a smaller airport with diminished security that has direct flights to an international airport. That doesn't sound too smart to me. I don't think the families of those who were lost Sept. 11, 2001 would appreciate such a suggestion. Some people in this country have a very short attention span. I think the screeners at our airport are doing a wonderful job. They are courteous and efficient. I hope they continue to keep the traveling public safe. Furthermore, flight cancellations are usually not due to an overabundance of security.