Speak Out 7/30/06

Wrath of God

REGARDING THE comment that Israel had "given peace a chance" and was now unleashing "the wrath of God" on Lebanon, and the "civilized world" must support Israel: It's up to God to unleash his wrath, and I'm guessing he wouldn't unleash it on men, women and children who had nothing to do with Hezbollah. Israel apparently is making no such distinctions. Also, Lebanon is 40 percent Christian, but I reckon that unarmed Christians who can't rein in armed terrorists in their home country deserve to be blown up by Israel. I'm sure you agree.

Written in stone?

THE PROPOSED county sales-tax increase for paving roads and upgrading the sheriff's department is all good and needed. However, is it true that the revenue is earmarked for the county's general fund? And whose written-in-stone promise do we have that it will be used accordingly? The county commissioners? Please forgive me for doubting.

Good coverage

YOUR BALANCED editorial on the complex stem-cell initiative was stillborn because you chose to complement it with a simplistic editorial cartoon on the same subject. I'll say one thing: You guys have mastered the art of covering your you-know-whats.

Left in the dust

THE DEBATE over Proposition 1 is straightforward. From all of the comments I've read, people are in favor of increasing funds for the sheriff's department but not for county roads. Think about it. County residents do most their shopping within Cape Girardeau's city limits and, therefore, cause more wear and tear on city streets. If Proposition 1 passes, funds go to help pave more county -- not city -- roads. People who reside in the county knew the road conditions before they bought property, and they should pony up the money if they don't like the dust.

Paying for mistake

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with all those who are outraged with AmerenUE's proposed rate increases. I use Ameren for both gas and electric, and I pay out a lot of money to them. When the dam broke at the Taum Sauk reservoir, I knew then we'd be the ones to pay for Ameren's mistake. Sure enough, the company wants to raise our rates. On the brighter side of this is an article I read in USA Today. The top headline in the Money section was "Natural gas prices down drastically -- winter heat bills could actually fall. Ameren customers need to do something about this rate increase Ameren wants, because it is obvious we are paying to fix Ameren's mistake, one which they knew about.

No guarantee

WAKE UP, Jackson and any other towns in Cape Girardeau County that benefit from the return on the property taxes that were collected for roads and a portion sent back to the cities. If Commissioner Jay Purcell and his fellow county commissioners get their way and turn the property tax into a sales tax, they say they will continue to pay the same percentage back to Jackson. They say that and may do it for a year of so, but after that they can do away with the payments without a vote of the people, because it no longer is covered under the same laws or state regulations. Why do you think Jackson was the only city offered the bribe? Vote no on the county sales tax issue and show the commissioners who pays their $50,000-plus salaries. We need wake up before it's to late.

Not for dusty roads

I WOULD support Proposition 1 if it was only for the sheriff's department. I do not support a tax on an entire county to promote the greediness of those who chose to live on a dusty road. I will be voting no.

Serving our nation

WE CONSERVE water and energy because we want to be good stewards of our resources. Ditto for our understanding that immigration must be serve our nation and our people, not the other way around

Helping the addicted

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI Hospital, in deciding to place a no-smoking ban on its entire campus, has no doubt also made plans to assist patients and employees addicted to tobacco. Whether a patient, a loving visitor or an employee, hospitals have to be one of the most stressful of places to be. This fact is known to hospital staff, doctors and administrators. So it is with confidence that I feel they are sympathetic and professional enough to consider helping those addictive persons deal with their anxiety, stress and withdrawal symptoms.