Speak Out 7/16/05

Speeders on camera

THE POLICE are going to monitor construction zones with television cameras. This may seem like a good idea, but if I let someone drive my car and that person speeds through one of these zones, I'm not going to be a happy person when the ticket comes in my mailbox.

Ban turtle racing

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI has turtle races at several picnics each year. I recently attended one and was appalled. Most of the turtles were kept in filthy buckets or boxes with several other turtles. Several Missouri wildlife regulations are violated in turtle races. Most box turtles live in a range of several acres their entire lives. If removed from their home range, they have a hard time surviving. Box turtle races are a death sentence to most of the turtles. Turtles from races are seldom returned to where they were captured. Such deaths have a significant impact on the already declining box turtle population. Leading experts on turtles condemn box turtle races. Another problem with turtle racing is that healthy turtles come into contact with sick turtles. Another danger is to the children who handle them. Turtle racing is a practice that should be banned.

Honest people suffer

"SHOW ME Proof" for driver's licenses is another example of America's tendency to go too far in trying to resolve a problem. If a person has had a driver's license most of his life, it's probable that he is legitimately who he claims. And guess what? Those who are not who they claim will still find ways to obtain all the ID they need. Once again, honest people are handed another burden while the problems with the dishonest are far from solved.

Sidewalk weeds

WEEDS ARE taking over the new sidewalks from Cape Rock Drive to Sprigg Street. The city needs to spray for the weeds to keep them down. It's like walking in a field, so what's the use of the sidewalk?

Lights on in the rain

COME ON, drivers. A law was passed in Missouri that says if it's raining and your windshield wipers are on, your headlights must be on. Does it really take the passage of a law for someone to figure out that it's a safe practice to have your headlights on when it's raining? I can't tell you how many motorists don't have their headlights on when it's raining. Most amazing were the commercial drivers, who have a higher duty, who did not have their lights on.

Thanks for help

I WOULD like to express my gratitude to all those who helped out my family Monday morning. My wife and two daughters were involved in a car accident at the intersection of Broadway and Lorimier Street, and several people from the surrounding businesses came out to check on and help them. They were also kind enough to help my wife with our children at a time when she was emotionally rattled. Thank you for your kind actions, and I sincerely hope that your thoughtfulness and caring be returned to you tenfold.

Taking responsibility

I AM a part of the 40 percent of America who says enough is enough. I see too much of my taxes going to pay full health care for those who don't work, while I am required to pay co-pays. I don't want more government paying full health care for all. I want individuals to become responsible and pay for what they receive.

Thanks, police

LAW-ABIDING citizens love the police, thank the police and are so grateful to those brave men and women.

Great air show

MY SINCERE thanks to Bruce Loy, the sponsors, the volunteers and the pilots, for another outstanding air show. I attended all three days and never got tired of any of it. I appreciate all the hard work by all. I look forward to next year's show.