Speak Out 3/20/05

Litter culprits

HOW GREAT it was to see the article on littering on the front page of the Missourian. We should all be concerned about this problem. My yard is always full of soda cups and fast-food wrappers. Since the university students have been on spring break, I have not found a single item in my yard. This should tell us who the biggest culprits are.

Recommended reading

THE MERIT of her Opinion page rant about agricultural subsidies aside, I thought U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's use of the phrase "tipping point" was really cool. "The Tipping Point" and "Blink" are two popular and influential books written by business guru Malcolm Gladwell. I would suggest you buy and read both of the books and visit www.gladwell.com for an archive of his essays. He is so what's happening.

Wealthy cheats

I WISH that these people who are so concerned about welfare cheats would turn their attention to corporate welfare, offshore tax shelters and the wealthy who regularly cheat on their taxes. We might actually balance the budget.

Lingering holiday

THE DAYS are getting longer. The flowers are beginning to bloom. The weather is slowly getting warmer. Spring is almost here, and people still have their Christmas lights up. If you still have your lights up, will you please take them down?

Battlefield flag

THE SO-CALLED Confederate flag is often mistaken as the Stars and Bars flag. The flag a recent Speak Out caller complained about was a battle flag used by all armies using Napoleonic-era linear tactics so that units (usually regiments) could be could be located during the fog of war on the battlefield.

Ready, Mr. DeMille

JASON CROWELL'S histrionics and hyperbole make him better suited for the stage than the state legislature.

Interpreting the law

THE TEN Commandments are the basis for only three law: stealing, killing and bearing false witness (not simply lying). I don't believe in any god. I surely would not honor my mother or father if they were cruel or abusive. And I really don't care if my neighbor is jealous of my wife, my stuff or my manservants. As for adultery, it's immoral but certainly not illegal.

A real hero

SO OFTEN today a sports figure or Hollywood star is considered a hero. There is now some recognition given to the people serving in the armed forces. The recent drama in Atlanta gives us an example of a true hero. A mother taken hostage by a multiple homicide killer managed to save herself and convince the abductor to give himself up to authorities. She not only managed to save herself, she helped another person. That person recognized what was done and had to face the consequences. Maybe it was the first time in that person's life that he had compassion and direction. Now that is what a hero is made of.

Setting limits

I AM sending all the Medicaid comments from newspapers, relatives and friends to the governor, our state legislators and the president. One of my suggestions for our state is that the income limits for Medicaid eligibility be set at reasonable limits. The amount a family could have invested in savings or their home should be lowered. Medicaid should not replace private insurance for those who can afford large house and car payments.

Use the center

I WANT to know why Cape Girardeau does not make better use of the Show Me Center. It is a nice building, yet there are never any big events being held. It seems like ages since we have had anything there. Our residents are traveling to Carbondale or Paducah for this type of entertainment when we have the same facilities right here at home.

We are the enemy

IT'S ABOUT time we started getting angry over all litter. Littering should be unacceptable. I read a few years back that a study in Texas revealed that half the litter on the roads blew from the beds of pickup trucks. If we can just convince pickup truck drivers to never toss anything back there that can blow out, half the problem would be solved. Also, it would help if trash barrels were conveniently placed around town and then emptied frequently. We should keep the pressure on. We can choose to address and solve this problem. I have to believe that nobody wants trashy roads. We need to raise awareness of this problem and get people to realize, as Pogo said: "We have met the enemy, and it is us."

Junk-car eyesores

ONE FORM of littering that has not been addressed is junk cars on residential property. Cape Girardeau police need to step up their efforts to keep the city free of these eyesores. Several years ago, we had a car that was not licensed on our property, and a policeman gave us 30 days to move it or be fined. Is this law still in effect? Please help others who try to keep their property clean.

Spur the economy

I THINK we should raise the minimum wage. It's been raised many times and has never caused inflation. It will put more money into the hands of people who will spend it, and this will stimulate the economy. That's the way it works.