Question of responsibility

I DON'T understand about the rage over the effort in Waco to clear out the filthy man. These people set themselves up. When are we going to stop defending these kind of people? I am sick and tired of all this garbage. People should be responsible for their own actions. Let it alone.

Government priorities

I CALLED a government agency. I am concerned about a family member whom I feel is mentally unstable. The first question I was asked is whether she has Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits or private insurance. Then I was told to state my problem. Taxpayers, why can't we state our problem first and then the inquiries as to what reimbursement the government will have? It's a crock, folks. They are not going to help anyone who is not on the government's dole or so unfortunate not to have private insurance. Let's make a change. I have one vote, and my vote will be used to get the bureaucrats out of office.

A-bomb propaganda

I HAVE just finished watching the ABC news special on the dropping of the atomic bomb. What a piece of propaganda. We have a Canadian newscaster on American TV telling us how cruel we were to drop the bomb. I would like for them to show the families of the soldiers and Marines who were entombed in the Arizona. The Japanese attacked us. I think we were very much justified in dropping the bomb. If we would have had it sooner we should have used it sooner. Why are they going back and trying to rewrite history and blaming it on President Truman? Even though I didn't agree with him, he did one thing a president should do: He made the decision, and he stuck with it. The bottom line is he was a leader.

Buyout is no bargain

A BUYOUT by the city of the flood-prone property would make sense only to the recipients of the money. The city doesn't need any such good bargains, and I am counting on the good judgment of the council in making a decision that is favorable to the taxpayers. We don't need to utilize city reserve funds for flood buyouts.

Kinder for governor

PLEASE, Peter Kinder, run for governor. The state needs you.

Salute to Korea vets

I FOUND the Korean War veteran's memorial article without any pictures on page 3A of the newspaper Friday. However, upon seeing its dedication on TV I was very impressed by the appearance of the Korean War veterans attending the ceremony. No beards, trim haircuts and no camouflage clothing. The veterans of the forgotten war looked very sharp and normal. I salute you.

Unfortunate remark

I READ with interest about Ronnie Fischer retiring, and I was so glad for him, but the remark that the writer said he made I'm sure he would have rather not been in print.

IN ONE of the most judgmental, self-righteous, holier-than-thou "Another View" columns in the Missourian I've ever read, David Seabaugh recently wrote that likenesses of no human beings belong on Cape Girardeau's proposed wall of fame. Seabaugh evidently has great difficulty accepting human failings and shortcomings. Yes, Jesse James was a crook, but he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, so even he had some redeeming qualities. And though you may not agree with Rush Limbaugh on every issue, it seem indisputable that his likeness should be there. The same can be said of innumerable others. I would be less than honest if I didn't admit I am motivated in part by self-interest in criticizing Seabaugh and defending the placement of likenesses of Cape Girardeau-area natives and residents on it. You see, though fading fast, I still have hopes that mine may be there.

REPLY: The caller has been watching too many movies and TV shows about Jesse James if he really believes the outlaw "robbed the rich and gave to the poor." James was a ruthless outlaw. His fame, like many other hoodlums, has endured because of legend that has little basis in fact. And don't give up hope: everyone has a crack at winding up on the wall eventually.