SPEAKOUT

Get rid of federal strings

TO THINK a federal mandate would force small children to be bussed all over the place out of their neighborhoods to satisfy politicians and greed is just too ridiculous. Those who do not wish their children being bused all over the city should sell their homes and move and leave it to the politicians and federal greed. Better to give up federal money and strings attached than be forced and dictated to by the federal government. This issue should be voted on to get the input of all citizens.

Jackson needs youth center

THIS IS in regard to the Jackson area. I have lived in this area for many years, and I have driven by some of the places that are supposedly for young children and teen-agers and above. I feel Jackson has expanded in all areas as far as buildings and homes and beautiful churches and schools, but it doesn't have any decent recreation for our youth other than what the churches have provided. I feel Jackson, if it's going to spend the money for some of this stuff, needs to consider a nice community center where there's no worrying about whether the kids are secure and safe.

THIS IS in regard to the Southeast Missourian. You've got a section in the classifieds "free for the taking." I was checking what the deal was with the business that's got the home security system and it's a free system but they charge $34.99 a month. I was checking to see if I would be possibly able to do my advertising in the free for the taking if I give something away free but charge per month. I don't really think that's necessary to put that in the section for the free for the taking when there's a monthly charge for either the system or the service that they provide after they install the free thing.

Cats need protection

I'M THE individual on Georgia Street who has called in to comment about being frightened for the cats in my neighborhood and thinking that they're going to be run over if the owners don't take them inside the house, which is where they belong because people would never let their dogs roam loose but they let cats go. I have read the reply to my comment from the member of the Humane Society. I don't think that I was flip, and I certainly didn't mean to be when I said that when the inevitable happened because these cats are going to be hit by a car, I guarantee it, if they continue on to run loose as they are. I can only pray that it happens quickly and they don't suffer. The person who replied seem to think that I'm rooting for this to happen.

Daytime drug sales

I'M CALLING about the comment regarding the new police station on Good Hope Street. I don't understand the logic, but I do know that most crime in that area doesn't necessarily occur at night. You go up there at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and they're selling drugs up there. If you don't believe me, just drive up there.

Let the parents vote

I WOULD like to know how the Cape Girardeau School District can change the boundary line between Nell Holcomb and them and Jackson without a vote of the people in those school districts.

Bring a band for Riverfest

THIS IS about Riverfest and the entertainment director saying that people like to see their favorite local bands. I believe their money would be better spent bringing a new, more popular band than the local bands because Cape needs a little culture. The local bands should play for free for the experience and the exposure. These bands are seeing a bigger crowd than they'll ever see at the little local bars that they play at. None of the bands in Cape Girardeau ever get out, ever do tours. To bring in a band that tours might give a little culture to this community.

Let's not forget

I BELONG to no political party. I have voted for more Democrats than Republicans, but how anyone can continue to brag and praise and honor this person we have the White House is beyond me. It's disrespecting their country and the decency of our children. Some say let's put this behind us. I say not. Let's remember and not let this kind of character get into high office again. I would hate to tell my children that the economy means more than character, honesty and decency to me.

Students don't want change

GROWNUPS are always trying to change things. The kids don't like change. They want to have life as they see it now. This school districting thing will be so painful for the children who want to stay with their friends as they are now. Let's consider the kids. They need some consideration now.