THE PUBLIC MIND: CAPE GIRARDEAU HAS THE STRENGTH OF CHARACTER TO COEXIST WITH RIVERBOAT GAMBLING

To the Editor:

As a city, it's obvious that Cape Girardeau has strong moral fiber. How can you miss the picture of overwhelming strength and guidance provided by the combined operations of churches and businesses within her limits?

The overall moral attitude of this community is a result of concrete ethics on the part of the business and professional community, continued growth of the old as well as newly established churches and the most basic but strongest efforts of discipline in the family home atmosphere.

The precipitant strength of character is currently being underestimated. Where did all of this fear come from? As an athlete challenges his muscles to their limits, his strength increases, as the artist explores a new medium, he expands his abilities, as the businessman introduces new ~~~product lines (which is a risk)~~, he may find growth in sales.

Does the young physician live in fear of competition when his associates learn new surgical procedures? No, he realizes that the boost to his practice would be good, so he learns the same. (Not because of greed). Does strength of character and moral beliefs coincide with fear of adventure? Conversely, man prepares himself before he attempts to conquer new territory. He uses his strengths and experience as he travels through the adventure of life. What he does with his new experiences is what differentiates the character of men.

I feel Cape Girardeau is very well prepared and economically primed for what could be a very nice, high class addition to this City of Roses. We have the basic internal fortitude to coexist with this new business and entertainment opportunity without all of us becoming drug addicts, alcoholics and compulsive gamblers.

To compare this unique community with Atlantic City, N.J., or Central City is ridiculous. To say that you fear the destruction of our historic preservation efforts, arts performances, and downtown merchants storefronts, is a very inaccurate estimation of the strength of these groups. Cape Girardeau celebrates 200 years of survival this year. The Purple Crackle and Colony Club did not destroy her, in fact many people miss the wonderful evenings of dining and dancing they provided.

Remember the Parable of the Talents, in the New Testament, where the servant buried his talents because of fear that something might happen to them. To quote from the Old Testament, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."

C.P. McGinty Jr.

Cape Girardeau