SPEAK OUT

Plenty of trash

LET ME start by saying that the people of Southeast Missouri are really nice folks. But as the snow melts and its white beauty disappears, it exposes the area for what it is: a trashy area of trashy people. As I jog areas from Kingshighway toward the river I can't run half a block without seeing cigarette packs, water bottles, soda containers, fast-food bags and empty beer cans. A few years ago, as I drove from Cape to Jackson each day, there was a man who worked at the county park who started his day by driving a four-wheeler along the road picking up the last day's trash. I don't know if he retired, was told to quit that type of work or finally just gave up.

It's put-up time

GOSH, IT'S sure too bad that Linda Chavez doesn't know very much about the law relative to illegal aliens. With all of the information that's being exposed, I'm sure the new administration will bring the proper charges against her. Since they promised to restore respect for the law and dignity to government, it will undoubtedly be necessary to withdraw the nomination and prosecute her to the fullest extent of the law. I somehow remember that Republicans caused a lady nominated by Bill Clinton to be withdrawn. Well, boys, it's put-up or shut-up time. Otherwise you'll look like real phonies. Don't try to weasel out of it, or you'll lose what little credibility you still have.

Wrong targets

OUR POLICE are understaffed, underpaid, undertrained, undereducated and underqualified. However, they still have guns and a badge which enable them to say or do anything they desire. If a policeman tells you to jump and you don't jump, you get cited for obstruction or suspicion or interference or any number of charges which are meant to punish. Then it's up to you to prove yourself innocent. What a crock. Punishment is for the courts, not the police. It's the easiest way I can think of to wear your ego on your sleeve. I always said if I could never get another job, I could always be a cop. So far, though, I've never been that desperate. I doubt I ever will be. Don't get me wrong, I've had absolutely zero legal problems, but I've seen plenty of others targeted wrongly.

A long memory

SOME OF you die-hard Republicans have already begun to make excuses for George W. Bush's stupidity. I hope Democrats everywhere will never forget how the Republicans tried to destroy and crucify President Clinton. Here's one Democrat who won't forget, believe me.

Adjust pay to work

THERE WAS an article last month in which the Cape Girardeau County's auditor stated that the county budget is going to be tight. Later, there was another article in regard to the public administrator's duties and salary that stated the previous public administrator retains all of his clients and fees until their anniversary dates. Then, if his clients wish, they can remain with him indefinitely while the new administrator is being paid a full salary of $42,458 a year for limited duties. What a golden-fleece job on the taxpayers of Cape Girardeau County. The new administrator states she wants to make it as easy as possible on the county, so why doesn't she and the county commissioners do one of two things? During the change-over period, either pay her on a fee basis or prorate her salary on a percent of her cases in relation to the total cases involved. This would help some on the tight budget. Right, Mr. Auditor?