Speak Out 12/22/09

Our own poor

I am incensed that our local churches feel the need to send thousands of dollars of money, goods and food to other countries. We have homeless and hungry people right here in our town. Look out for our own and stop being so blind toward the poor who are right here.

Great show

ANYBODY who missed the Cape County Cowboy Church Christmas radio show missed a good program. There was good singing and a lot of jokes and comedy by Cousin Carl and Glen Gerald. It was a packed house. It would be hard to beat it. I hope they have it again. People really enjoyed it.

Back taxes

THERE'S a report out about how much back taxes federal employees owe. I'm a state employee. I would be disciplined or released from my position if my taxes weren't paid.

Texting sense

THERE ARE certain things people are allowed to do in cars that aren't considered to be a great risk. People have pretty much always eaten in cars or yelled at their children. Putting on makeup might go a little far, but so far there's no law against that. But banning texting is a necessary law, because people don't use common sense.

Edgy shoppers

I want to remind everybody to take a deep breath and be calm over the holidays. I got cussed in a parking lot by a woman who pulled in the wrong way and blocked me. She became upset when I asked her to move. Christmas comes every year. It's all going to be OK.

Kelso display

TO the two men from Kelso who put together the beautiful Christmas display: Thank you. Your hard work has not only brought something new and beautiful to the northern Scott County area, but you have also found a way to bring families together. I am a schoolteacher who traveled to see your display. I was so surprised by how many families were watching. I would like to speak for many by saying thank you for your time and effort. You have made a much greater impact than you realize. Merry Christmas, and God bless.

Santa's list

DEAR Santa, this is my Christmas list for Cape Girardeau. 1. Plenty of walkers and runners for our "sidewalks to nowhere" program. 2. An airplane manufacturer for our empty airplane factory, preferably one that can pay rent. 3. A warm spring and fall so that our new multimillion-dollar water park can be used more than three months a year. 4. A city council member with a fresh idea that doesn't raise taxes but benefits us all. 5. A school board member who understands that true discipline in the schools would improve them much more than any new building or costly program. 6. A winning sports team at Southeast. OK, we'll settle for mediocre. 7. Area churches that put all their energies and resources into improving our town before sending resources to other places. 8. A bulldozer for all the old, deteriorating buildings on Broadway. 9. A smoking ban in public places. 10. An announcement that the New Madrid fault is completely dead. I know it's a big list, Santa, but I'm a true believer.