OpinionAugust 2, 2011
Speak Out 8/2/11
I am so glad to know that we still have honest people that live in Cape Girardeau. My birthday was July 23 and as a birthday present to myself, I took myself to see a movie. When I got out of the movie, I got all the way home and I realized my wallet wasn't there and it scared me. ...
Honest people
I am so glad to know that we still have honest people that live in Cape Girardeau. My birthday was July 23 and as a birthday present to myself, I took myself to see a movie. When I got out of the movie, I got all the way home and I realized my wallet wasn't there and it scared me. I called Wehrenberg movie theater and they said they had my wallet. I went all the way back there and everything that I had was in my wallet. Nothing was touched, everything was there. I thank God and I thank whoever turned it in. You're a good person.
Retirement
I'M calling about the person who couldn't figure out why the elderly are worried about cuts in their Social Security and Medicare. One of these days you're going to be a senior citizen, and if the Republicans keep on going the way they are, you will not be able to retire. And as far as somebody having a 401(k) and a retirement plan, many people don't have the opportunity like you do.
Cooler temps coming
IT'S been in the 90s. All I have to say is wait a little longer, it will be Christmas and it will be a lot cooler. So, please, all of you who've been out on the highway getting in accidents and losing your temper, just try to take a breath and relax. Things will get better.
Needs-based pensions
IT is surprising to me that veterans'/widows' pensions are need-based. This means that my father's military service is somehow worth less since he worked long, hard hours into his 80s and was frugal with his expenses. Had he worked less, or spent more, my mother would qualify for the benefits that would allow her to receive needed in-home care and perhaps delay nursing home care. It seems to me that one should qualify for these benefits based on military service, and not on the way in which one handled his/her finances following that service.
Not-for-profits
ONE major advantage for a not-for-profit is that they pay no taxes. "60 Minutes" recently profiled this in regard to the NCAA. The point to consider is that communities and school districts are struggling financially with an ever-shrinking tax base. The not-for-profit trend has gotten way out of control. In concept it was great, but the implementation has gone astray of the original intent.
Eyesore
THERE is so much focus on the condition of the buildings along Broadway, yet there remains a huge eyesore at the corner of Main and Themis streets by the clock. The building has wood scaffolding around and over the sidewalk, which looks dangerous and unsightly, and has been there for a long time. Who is responsible and when will it be fixed? Also, couldn't someone take care of the planters and trim dead limbs out of the trees along Main Street?
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Know your laws
IN regards to the Speak Out comment about it being illegal to ride in the bed of a pickup, please know your laws better because it is not illegal to do that. Ages 18 and up can ride anytime and anywhere, 17 and up can for reason of employment, parades and family-owned trucks when there is not enough room for all passengers in the cab of the truck. And there are other reasons.
Water bill
WE own a second home in Cape Girardeau and this past month we spent a total of three days there. Our water bill went from $30 plus to $91. Absolutely ridiculous! Are we all going to just sit like frogs in this water, waiting for it to boil? So much for Cape Girardeau growing.
Too much fighting
WE'RE fighting to raise our debt limit. We fight to be able to kill our unborn child. We fight for the right to mooch off the government but not be held accountable. We fight to change "freedom of religion" to "freedom from religion." All these people fighting to be so different from what our Founding Fathers intended this country to become is ridiculous.
Will's wisdom
I used to consider George Will a wise man. But he wrote a column which was printed by the Southeast Missourian praising the U.S. Congress for presumably doing a great job in addressing the debt ceiling. I guess the vagaries of age is taking its toll on the wisdom of George Will.
Plan for America
I wish I could unilaterally raise my credit card limit, but I can't and neither should our government. I want to hear Obama tell us just why he doesn't want a balanced budget (like most Americans do). What we really need to do is to abolish the Federal Reserve, return to the gold standard, establish new currency, convert assets and start fresh, all the while doing away with the IRS entirely. The federal government should submit their proposed budget to the states for approval, by two-thirds of those states, each state responsible for its allotted share (by population). If the two-thirds cannot be obtained, the feds must rework and resubmit the budget.
Blackwell columns
SAM, thanks for your columns over the years. Your column was an affirmation of all that is right with this area. I can understand your decision, but hope an occasional "love note" or at least a post card still makes its way to the Southeast Missourian. Wishing you all the best in your new endeavors.
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