SPEAK OUT

You're not paying your fair share

I'D JUST like to explain some simple mathematics to the person who said that they were paying their full way in Medicare. If that was the case and everyone who was receiving a benefit now was paying his fair share, why would the fund be going broke? The answer: because more is going out than is coming in. In addition, unlike the people are working now who are paying into that system their entire lives, you joined in as a part of the system after it was created. So I just wanted to clarify this. No, you are not paying your fair share, and if it weren't for other taxpayers, you wouldn't have it. You should quit believing all that liberal propaganda and use your head for a change. Good grief.

Pets make playground unusable

I JUST want to say that the circular park on Stoddard Drive I believe was originally intended for child's play for the neighborhood children. Unfortunately, it's turned into a dumping ground for the neighborhood dogs. It sure would be nice if the people would clean up after their dogs so our children can play in a clean playground.

City Hall worker turns on the heat

AS A concerned citizen and taxpayer of Cape Girardeau, I just happened to go into City Hall. While I was in there, it was as hot as could be outside, and the air conditioning in the building was going. There was a lady there who had a space heater going. I wanted to know who's paying for her space heater in the middle of summer. It's kind of ridiculous, and it needs to come to an end.

Use food stamps for needed items

MY CONCERN is the usage of food stamps. I know everybody needs help once in a while, which may mean getting food stamps. But I wonder if the government realizes that more soda is bought with the food stamps than milk. How nutritious can this be? There are a lot of things that can't be bought with food stamps, like bath soap, washing powders, toothpaste. I would think these are more necessary than all that soda that is bought. The children need baths. They need healthy teeth. They don't need all that caffeine in the soda. I don't think the government realizes just how much soda is bought with food stamps.

Help get rid of unwanted magazines

I WAS calling aboaut the magazines in the doctor's office. I work in a doctor's office, and I believe I can speak for all of the offices in town on this. Any of us would be horrified to learn there were such magazines in the waiting room. We have no way of knowing if someone leaves such an item in our waiting room, but we would certainly dispose of it if brought to our attention. I am hoping this caller took this magazine straight to the receptionist with her concerns and didn't just call Speak Out to report some sort of injustice brought upon her and her children.

Workers help economy, not politicians

THE NATIONAL debt increased when Reagan and Bush were president, true, but I don't believe the vice president could sign legislation as a caller implied. The national debt also increased when we had a Democratic House and Senate, which are responsible for any money spent. The executive branch of the government can't spend a penny without their approval. But the Democrats won't mention this. The economy began to turn around before Mr. Clinton took office and began his sex scandals. The only thing Clinton did was keep Mr. Greenspan. The economy is a result of the American people's work, talent and business, not politicians.

Comparing the Trumans and Clintons

WHEN I read the book about Democratic president Harry Truman and his wife's death, I saw the drastic contrast between them and this current Democratic president, Bill Clinton, and his wife, Hillary. What a loyal husband and devoted father Harry was, a truly admired family man. Then look at this sick couple that's in the White House now and you can see what a demoralizing effect this Clinton couple has on our country.

Unhappy with treatment at school office

I JUST called to verify some dates of attendance with the Cape school office. There are two times in the school year that our students get out a half-day on Thursday for teacher in-service workshop and then go back to school on Friday all day. Teachers have told me in the past they have been told the reason this is done is because the district feels like if the meetings are held on Friday, teachers will not attend it and will spend it as a long weekend. If the district doesn't trust these teachers, then they should fire them and get someone else. I hope that's not the reason. Furthermore, I asked to speak to the superintendent about rectifying this in the future. His secretary answered my call, and I asked if I could speak to the superintendent. She asked me what I wanted to speak to him about, and I explained to her very calmly and very professionally. She interrupted me as I was speaking and told me the superintendent has no input on the schedule. I find that hard to believe. My point in calling and talking to him was not because I think he has sole say in determining the schedule, but that he would have input and would know about how to implement such a change, and perhaps he could help me handle this correctly. I don't appreciate calling the school office, trying to follow correct channels and trying to get things done around here and being spoken to rudely and being interrupted. Then she told me that absolutely no one in the office was available except her. That strikes me as a little strange as well. I wasn't angry before but I am now. I hope every board member will read this and think about what parents have to deal with when they call the school office.