Speak Out 7/23/09

Using blinkers

I believe it is a good thing for people to use their blinkers before they make a turn, but motorists also need to make sure they stay far enough behind a vehicle so they do not have to worry about running into a car making a turn.

Crowded street

THIS is directed to the Cape Girardeau Police Department: We need help on the south side. I have no idea why the police won't help us. At 2 a.m. July 12 there were 20 or 25 people up and down the streets down here. The police were patrolling. They did not tell the people to disperse or get off the street. Some of them were underage. I thought we had a curfew. I have had it with the south side. I'm telling the people hanging around my house to stay away.

Cold shoulder

I had friends who kept after me to go to church with them. I went, and I have never felt so lonely and uncomfortable in my life. I saw the sidelong looks some gave me. I realize I'm overweight, but I'm not that bad. My clothes are neat and clean even if old and ill-fitting. Your clothes wouldn't fit right after losing 100 pounds. I'm a nice person. I help others whenever I can. My children's friends grew up in my house with me as the only adult they would at least hear out. Now I have adopted sons and their families all through Cape Girardeau County. Why the cold shoulder at church?

10 of nine

I was raised back east, and we had what was called the "10-of-nine whistle." It was from the fire department and was a very loud whistle. You could hear it everywhere. We kids knew if we weren't in by the 10-of-nine whistle, we were going to get in trouble. So everybody would hurry to get into their yards by 10 to nine. What you did after 10-of-nine in your yard was your own business.

No-call numbers

I am as frustrated as I can be. I've been targeted by phone scammers. They don't give their company name or any other phone number other than what shows up on caller ID. But when I tried to report it to the no-call list I was informed that without the name of the company and a different number I couldn't make a complaint. What earthly good is the no-call list?