Celebrating people, accomplishments

Congratulations to Jerry Ford, who won this year's Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award. His remarks were appropriate, charitable and well received.

Kudos to the Cape Park and Recreation Department (headed by Julia Thompson), which adapted the best fireworks in years to the Arena, after the river flooding forced the move. Some say 10,000 people viewed the display from the adjacent roads, and park area.

The Naturalization Ceremony organized by Federal Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. with the address by Judge Duane Benson and participation by congressman Jason Smith (noticeably 75 pounds lighter than last year) was inspiring.

But the real thrill was to hear remarks from the 21 new citizens from foreign countries who did the due diligence to become U.S. citizens.

The following is the pledge they took that evening:

I hereby declare on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion: So help me God.

Oliver's position

Former resident Jack Oliver hit the news recently when he was announced as the national co-chairman for the committee formed to raise money for Republican Presidential candidate Jeb Bush. It's familiar territory for Oliver, as he was the No. 2 man in the George Bush fundraising committee.

Saint Francis

The celebration and tour of the expanded Saint Francis tower addition were way beyond expectation. President and CEO Steve Bejlich has every reason to be proud of the staff-designed work areas and attractive functional rooms. Bejlich's office is a sports memorabilia wonder with signed items from many well-known sports champions. Also the attractive art and landscaped garden priceless.

Saint Francis is Cape's biggest employer. The local medical community, which also includes regional system SoutheastHEALTH, has more employees than Southeast University and Procter & Gamble combined -- Cape's two other largest employers.

Right to Work

If accepted, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's challenge to Gov. Jay Nixon and Attorney General Chris Koster (Democratic gubernatorial candidate) to debate the pros and cons of the Right to Work Bill could be one of the most interesting, fun and informative since the Lincoln and Douglas debates.

No state that has passed the right to work has then voted it out once passed. Most states surrounding Missouri have passed the issue, which polls show about 70 percent support by Missourians. Too few know the data. The public debate has been slogan driven in the past.

It's time to hear the best arguments from both sides.

Capahas

The Cape Capahas baseball team (the oldest in the nation at more than 100 years) is hosting its important fundraiser auction this Friday. It will be at the Isle Casino event center in Cape Girardeau. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with a dinner featuring ribs, a baked potato bar, salad bar, numerous desserts and more to follow at 6 p.m. A dinner ticket may be purchased at the door and costs $15.

A successful auction is needed to raise the money to pay for their national baseball tournament.

See you there.

Gary Rust is chairman of the board of Rust Communications, and member of the Southeast Missourian editorial board.