Good economy

TELL ME this, Democrats. If the economy is so bad, how is it people are building houses and buying expensive cars? It doesn't sound to me like anyone is hurting.

Angry rhetoric

IF YOU wonder why there's a divide in this country, look at the angry rhetoric on both sides. But don't judge me based on a party affiliation. And don't say that I'm anti-military because I'm a Democrat. My father fought in Korea. My brother served in Germany. My youngest brother is in Iraq. I respect the military, and I don't personally know a single Democrat who doesn't. To say any differently is a lie, and I lose more respect for the liars of the political world every day. Argue on legitimate points and quit the name calling.

Skewed priorities

THE THINGS that have been discovered by the Hubble space telescope are so interesting. We Americans have such a love of education for education's sake, and that is admirable. What is not admirable is that while we will pay $900 million to rescue Hubble, people in this country are suffering without health insurance. Social Security and Medicare funds are in danger of running out. New taxes are being invented every year. Do we never wonder if our priorities in this country are skewed?

Luxury options?

I MUST have the fanciest car in all of Cape Girardeau County. My car comes with turn signals that alert drivers behind me that I am turning, rear-view mirrors so I can look behind me before I change lanes. I can turn on my headlights during the rain and when it gets dark. I also have a speedometer that shows me that I am traveling at the speed limit. These must not be standard issue for vehicles in this area.

Culinary guide

CONGRATULATIONS TO Tom Harte of Cape Girardeau for his new book. I bought myself a copy of this excellent culinary guide, and I can't stop reading it. It's not simply a cookbook but an elaborate list of short stories and curiosities about the food we eat. Each new chapter is more interesting than the previous one. You can now start writing the next one, Mr. Harte.

Mean cartoon

THE EDITORIAL cartoon of John Kerry was awful. I thought cartoons were supposed to make us smile, not be mean and spiteful and call anyone stupid and an imbecile.

Another life

THE DRUG dealers have taken another life. I hope they can forgive themselves. I hope they can look in the mirror after what they've done. How many is it going to take?

Cartoon attack

I'M TIRED of the editorial cartoons excessively bashing John Kerry. A lot of people know that if college is not an option, you go to the military. And we know that people who are in trouble go into the military and hope they gain the discipline to regulate their lives, if they're lucky to make it out alive. When Kerry made the comment about the military, it was in poor taste. But surely there are some editorial cartoons you can run to balance things in the Southeast Missourian.

Bring back the taxis

I AM a senior citizen and cannot drive anymore. When we had a taxi service, it was great. I don't see how this bus service serves anyone. Bring back the taxi service.

Superb job

I LOVE our president and think he's doing a superb job, given what he has on his plate these days. You can criticize him all you want, but do you think you could do his job? I couldn't. I wouldn't want to try. I commend him for doing the job. God bless President Bush.