SPEAK OUT

Doomed from start

THE LAST thing I want to do is tell Southeast Missourian editor Joe Sullivan that his dream of a downtown Cape golf course will forever remain elusive. However, in light of the fact that the EPA apparently has concerns about a golf course being built in the country, it seems apparent that Joe's idea won't even get off the concrete.

Won't do it again

I MAY not be the first to say it, and I'm certain I won't be the last: I voted for George W. Bush, but I won't do it again.

GOP blew it

SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN spinmeisters are super, but not quite good enough to cover up a major mistake by the Missouri GOP. The Missouri Republican Party submitted the name of Republican state Rep. Mark Richardson for the governor's consideration for appointment to redistricting commissions. In the interim it came to light that, if appointed, Richardson might have to give up his seat as state representative. Now Republicans and their allies like the Southeast Missourian are screaming bloody murder for getting what they requested. Democrats are being blamed for a Republican mistake. What other viable alternative did Gov. Bob Holden have? The only other name submitted from this area is one known as the James Carville of non-compassionate conservatism, David Barklage. Barklage is the chief of staff for state Sen. Peter Kinder. Some say Barklage is Kinder's alter ego, though Kinder now seems to be threatening a "No more Mr. Nice Guy" transformation.

Not a U.N. lapdog

THE UNITED States should always protect its sovereignty and Constitution, including the Electoral College which represents all the states in the election of a president. The United States should not have the United Nations trying to dictate U.S. foreign policy. The United States should remain independent like Thomas Paine wrote at the beginning of our country. We do not need, nor will not allow, the United Nations to give orders to the United States. The United Nations is no longer a conference of nations. It has turned into an enforcer outfit trying to rule the world. The United States will not tolerate this dictator policy.

Take responsibility

WHEN THE law begins holding parents responsible for their children by giving the parents jail time, there will then be a closer monitoring by parents of their roving kids. Parents have to take responsibility for their children. Period.

Essential reverence

I GO to a Pentecostal church. I am saved. I am in love with the Lord. And I wear pants to church. My legs do not warrant wearing a skirt. I think God wants us to be there to hear his Word. I don't think he cares what we wear as long as we're there in reverence for him. God cares where our heart is.

More parent laws

THERE DON'T need to be more gun laws. There need to be more parent laws where parents are held responsible and get the same fines and jail time as their kids who get guns and use them.

Charge the parents

THERE IS a simple solution to this $1,500 bill for evaluations of each of these kids who threaten violence: Charge their parents. Parents are held responsible for their kids all the time. If a juvenile drives without a license and causes a wreck, the parents are responsible. Taxpayers shouldn't be hit with the bill because parents can't control their kids and raise them correctly.

Lights mean problems

I'VE BEEN away from Cape Girardeau for about two months. I traveled about 1,000 miles to get back. Cape is a great city, However, the first and biggest traffic jam I came to was when I got to Broadway. Who in the world decided to put those stoplights at Broadway and Clark Street? That is ridiculous. There were no traffic problems before. Now they have a major traffic problem.