Sikeston, Missouri · Wednesday, February 8, 2012
[Nameplate] Overcast ~ 38°F  
High: 39°F ~ Low: 26°F
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012
The President's rules aren't really so fair (02/08/12)
I had to review a text of the President's State of the Union address to verify that what I thought I heard, I actually heard. But there it was in black and white. And with those few words, I have at long last found some point of agreement with our President...
Housing proposal is undergoing scrutiny (02/04/12)
A Sikeston City Council committee created a bit of a firestorm this past week with their proposal to give away lots acquired by the taxpayer-funded Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority to potential developers. Our phones have been ringing nonstop since the plan first surfaced. The opposition stems not from the desire to redevelop lots where former condemned properties were located. It's the plan to give the lots free that's created the brouhaha...
Beware of rhetoric of political season (01/28/12)
Citizens Against Government Waste is a good watchdog group that keeps a careful eye on foolish spending in Washington. And given the current state of the federal government, there's ample ammunition on both sides of the political aisle to highlight wasteful spending of our tax dollars...
Is federal hand out really compassion? (01/25/12)
The word compassion seems to be a staple in this year's Presidential campaign. But more often than not, the word is used as a sword against any and all Republicans - as in those soul-less, compassionless, fat-cat Republicans who have no empathy toward the downtrodden and oppressed...
Housing issues still remain in Sikeston (01/22/12)
It comes as no surprise that Sikeston still has a problem with substandard housing. By now, everyone knows the background in the housing issue locally that resulted in the formation of the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority. The LCRA was charged with the responsibility - funded with a sales tax approved by voters - to address the housing problem and begin the task of removing problem properties...
Program ringing up massive fraud, abuse (01/15/12)
Are you aware that every time you pay your cell phone bill you pay an added fee to provide free cell phones to the needy? Are you aware that this federal program has no one monitoring and, as a result, fraud and abuse are sky high? Well, both statements are absolutely true...
Some questions for the candidates (01/11/12)
It's impossible to conduct our daily lives without some discussion on the political climate during this election year. And if you think we're experiencing political overkill now, just wait until this fall. As you would expect, with this avalanche of political coverage, there is both substance and silliness. I watched in amazement earlier this week when one respected left-wing commentator (that term may be an oxymoron) took time to comment on the bluejeans worn by one Republican hopeful...
Cast your ballots based on performance (01/04/12)
As elections go, this year's Presidential election has the promise of being a true barn-burner. But that is only stating the obvious. Iowa is now history with New Hampshire and South Carolina close behind. The focus, of course, is clearly on the GOP side of the ledger since the Democratic party's candidate is a foregone conclusion...
Looking back -- and forward -- in new year (01/01/12)
It's always a lesson in futility to look back over the past year and provide some community assessment based on the year's headlines. But newspaper columnists do it anyway. History won't judge 2011 as a banner year nor a dismal year for our community. But then again, it depends greatly on your personal perspective to make that judgment...
Club's closure is another sign of times (12/18/11)
The Sikeston Country Club - a 73-year fixture in the social and business life of this community - closed their doors this week - the victim of declining membership and a sagging economy. The Country Club was a WPA project in Sikeston that was funded in 1938 along with the Sikeston Armory and the Sikeston Public Library. And like so many other projects in that timeframe, the Country Club had clearly seen finer days...
Don't get caught up in presidential spin (12/07/11)
Let me state the obvious: This is shaping up as an election based solely on the economy. Other usual presidential topics trend toward foreign policy and social issues. Obviously they will be an important part of the presidential dialogue. But nothing will frame the election nor the outcome more than the economic mess we're in...
District lines change our political fortunes (12/03/11)
In terms of political bombshells for our region, Wednesday's release of new Missouri Senate and House districts ranks right up there. A panel of appeals courts judges has worked on a redistricting plan since the release of the 2010 census data. Much of the attention has focused on the St. Louis region where the suburbs continue to grow and the city population continues to shrink...
Is anyone willing to make tough cuts? (11/30/11)
With the imminent failure of the Congressional Super Committee, it should trigger the automatic spending cuts in the Department of Defense and the Medicare program. These two spending giants were targeted because that's where a huge chunk of the federal spending is aimed...
Time for occupiers to fold up the tents (11/27/11)
The "Occupy" movement thought Black Friday would be yet another opportunity for the rag-tag movement to snag a little additional media attention. By protesting in front of major retailers and impeding shoppers from spending their money, the Occupy crowd thought somehow this would widen their message...
It's time we pause and give our thanks (11/23/11)
It would be appropriate for this column at this time of year to give thanks for the countless blessings that surround each of us. When you sit down to calculate a list of those items on which to give thanks, I hope and pray that your list is long and growing. But the reality is that life's many issues sometimes stand in the way of the bigger picture...
Can we reverse our population decline? (11/19/11)
The Sikeston City Council held a brief "brainstorming" session a week ago to examine the 2010 census for our community. It was evident - I believe - for those in attendance that there are no easy solutions to reverse a 30-year steady decline in the city's population...
Eliminating fraud is not an easy task (11/16/11)
If there's one issue on which all politicians can agree - and that's a big "if" - then surely it's the topic of waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending. A desire to eliminate or address fraud, etc., is about as bipartisan as you can get. We're told that every problem has a solution but I am skeptical. Some problems actually defy a solution because the cure may be worse than the disease...
Celebrity obsession may be our downfall (11/05/11)
I actually found myself last week reading about the Kim Kardashian divorce after a mere 72 days. I have tried very carefully to avoid any time spent on the Kardashian clan. But in our celebrity-obsessed society, avoidance is not always possible. The 72-day marriage made in heaven (or Hollywood) jumped from the tabloid arena to the mainstream media last week only because of the near-record brevity of the couple's grand union...
Crisis of confidence is facing Americans (10/26/11)
With President Obama's latest round of stimulus spending gaining absolutely no traction, the President is now launching a series of executive orders to implement small portions of his latest Jobs Bill package. Despite massive lobbying and arm-twisting galore, the Jobs Bill drew bi-partisan opposition last week. And in the current federal culture, if you can't get it one way, you get it another...
Let's take the time to count blessings (10/23/11)
I ran into an old friend at the grocery store this week - a girl from my high school years. And yes, even at age 64, they are still "girls." We spent a few moments catching up on mutual friends - those usual stories of illness, grandchildren, retirement, etc. A fairly common conversation at this point in our lives...
Politics of baseball (10/19/11)
To heck with politics, let's talk baseball! The action begins tonight when our beloved St. Louis Cardinals take on the Texas Rangers. Even if it does nothing other than to lift the spirits of the Cardinal fans, it's simply wonderful that Missouri's favorite team has made it to the big show...
Media should shine light on the protests (10/12/11)
The Occupy Wall Street folk are getting their fair share of attention - though most Americans must be confused with just exactly what these people are protesting. Despite their laundry list of grievances, the protesters are basically attempting to call attention to the "greedy" Wall Street bankers and other faceless corporate rascals...
Let's take the pledge to remain united (10/05/11)
"One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." "Indivisible?" You know the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. Despite the efforts of some progressives who seek to remove "under God," it's the word "indivisible" that should be the focus...
Problems exist: It's time to fight back (10/02/11)
It has now been a month since the Sikeston Department of Public Safety joined with state and federal drug agencies to bust a major drug ring centered in our community. The drug operation stretched from Mexico through Texas and Arkansas before reaching the doorstep in Sikeston...
Time to pick the best messenger for GOP (09/28/11)
The ongoing Republican presidential debates are doing little other than to provide campaign fodder for the Democrats. Texas Gov. Rick Perry - once a frontrunner - has stumbled himself to the middle of the pack while Herman Cain has proven himself a force with which to be reckoned...
Spring floods are still impacting the region (09/24/11)
With apologies, I once again direct your attention to a relatively new feature in this newspaper - Just Saying. The weekly webcast is available on our website - Standard-Democrat.com. and each week features a local guest on a topic of importance to our community and our region...
Country suffers from a lack of leadership (09/21/11)
Given the current state of this great nation, I am beginning to wonder how anyone in their right mind could vote to re-elect this President. I can understand perhaps why some would vote for his re-election because they believe the current crop of GOP candidates would be no better...
Political correctness hinders our society (09/14/11)
As I watched what seemed like hours of the endless observances on the 9/11 anniversary, I was struck by the role political correctness played in the disaster. During interviews, two airport ticket boarding agents both said they had "reservations" about the future terrorists as they were at their ticket counters. But both said they did nothing for fear of being labeled as profiling Middle Eastern men...
Sept. 11, 2001, was a day that changed us (09/11/11)
It's hard to imagine it's been 10 years. But it's virtually impossible to imagine how much our world has changed in that decade. Like so many other events of national significance, we can all remember where we were, what we were doing and how we felt on that September morning 10 years ago...
Time for real action not more speeches (09/07/11)
Got a problem? Give a speech! Problem solved!!The President will address a joint session of Congress this week with his latest jobs plan. He'll undoubtedly tell us that the current unemployment crisis is not his fault and that, but for his superb leadership, we'd be in a much worse mess...
Ray Clinton's legacy is found throughout community, region (08/28/11)
Ray Clinton was laid to rest this week. The longtime Sikeston businessman died a week ago leaving behind a host of family and friends. It's really unfair to call Ray Clinton a businessman. He was so much more. He was a quiet leader and benevolent citizen of our community. But even that does not touch the impact that this one man had on Sikeston...
No enjoyment when our heroes fail us (08/17/11)
There's a lesson to be learned in the Tiger Woods story. And the lesson is even bigger than the legend. This past week, Woods came close to embarrassing himself in the final major golf tournament of the year. Not only did Woods fail once again to win a golf tournament, he played so poorly he was eliminated from the final two rounds of the tournament...
Let the adventures of learning begin (08/14/11)
Dear Chloe: It was 30 years ago - though it seems like yesterday - that I wrote a letter to your mother on her first day of school. And soon you will follow the same path as you begin the adventure that will surely shape your life. Recently a friend shared a worn, black and white photo taken when I was in the third grade. I glance at the faces of those kids and treasure the fact that many remain among my closest friends to this very day...
Blame the spending for our debt crisis (08/10/11)
I fully admit I don't know exactly what to make of the credit rating downgrade for our great nation. I know just enough to understand that it hurts our image around the world and that it has the potential for impacting interest rates for consumers. Beyond that, I know very little...
Let Sikeston shine during Rodeo time (08/07/11)
It goes without saying that Rodeo Week is an important time for our community. For starters, thousands of visitors give us this one shot a year to put our very best foot forward and show them what a classy community we truly are. And then, not to be forgotten, these visitors bring cold hard cash when they come for the Rodeo and that cash circulates through our community like wildfire...
Citizens were losers in debt compromise (08/03/11)
You can learn a great deal...
'Just Saying...' offers another view of area (07/30/11)
Let me get this disclaimer out of the way right up front. Today's column is a shameless plug for a relatively new feature at the Standard Democrat. On the Standard Democrat website you'll find a video each week called "Just Saying..." This weekly feature gives Steve McPheeters and myself an opportunity to speak with some area residents who we believe are important for our community...
Playing politics with the nation's economy (07/27/11)
I would suspect that this time next week, the United States Congress will have raised the debt ceiling with some hybrid plan that reduces spending. But the much larger question centers on whether this last-minute plan will actually address the spending problem that threatens this country...
Democrats need to cut childish acts, spending (07/20/11)
Political commentators on the liberal side of the dial are having a heyday with the debt ceiling debate. Labeling the GOP as childish and "spoiled kids who want their way," the left hopes to push public sentiment toward the administration's plan to tax now and perhaps cut later...
Missourians should welcome the signing of drug-testing law (07/16/11)
With absolutely no fanfare, Gov. Jay Nixon this week signed into law a bill by Rep. Ellen Brandom that mandates drug testing for some welfare recipients. The reason for the silent treatment at the signing was obvious. Nixon would alienate many of his voters had he signed the bill with ample hoopla...
Government won't make cuts needed (07/13/11)
There are but two guarantees locked into the "grand bargain" deal proposed by President Obama to end the debt ceiling stalemate. First, the taxes he proposes will be with the American people for all eternity; second, the cuts he proposes will most likely be undone by future members of Congress...
Brandom has what it takes to be a senator (07/09/11)
It's far too early to start celebrating but we are exceedingly glad to see Rep. Ellen Brandom of Sikeston seek a seat in the Missouri Senate. Without question, it's hard to overestimate how important this critical Senate seat could be for our region and specifically for our community...
Challenge of keeping opinion out of news (07/06/11)
It was 41 years ago today that I strolled into this newspaper office and began work as a cub reporter. I sat down at my manual typewriter and used a nearby paste pot to attach pieces of news copy together. Armed with a journalism degree, I toiled a 44-hour week for $95. It could be argued I was overpaid...
Government growth is attack on freedoms (07/03/11)
The 4th of July, of course, is a uniquely American holiday. We pause - or at least we should - on this one day to recognize and appreciate our freedoms, the sacrifices made for those freedoms and the immense opportunities that this great country offers...
Put the nation first in the voting booth (06/29/11)
Unless something of biblical proportions occurs, the 2012 elections will clearly revolve around the crumbling economy that now faces this nation. Granted, the discussions will also touch on foreign wars, immigration, education, etc. But at the end of that proverbial day, it will surely be the economy that dominates all debate...
New DPS building is source of pride (06/25/11)
History will be made - in a sense - on Monday morning when construction begins on a new Public Safety building for the city of Sikeston. And because of the importance of this undertaking, all of Sikeston should be proud. When the Public Safety officers vacate the aging current facility, it will mark a giant step for the efficiency and organization of this critical city agency. It is hard to explain just how cumbersome and costly the current facility has become...
The budget equation needs real solution (06/22/11)
I am becoming increasingly convinced that the nation's economic troubles are beyond our ability to solve. The two sides of this financial issue both pose radically different solutions. Unfortunately, both approaches lack the substance to impact long-term improvements...
Father's presence makes difference (06/18/11)
Let's get the obvious out of the way -- Happy Father's Day to my Dad and the other fathers in our area. This one day is set aside to honor and recognize the importance of their roles in the family and in society. But at the same time -- it seems that each year I write a very similar column on this special day. And unfortunately, the narrative remains largely the same...
Flash mobs are a growing trend (06/15/11)
Last week I penned this column on the topic of "flash mobs" that were wreaking their unique brand of violence on a number of urban areas over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. It was the sheer volume of these incidents that caught my eye. Several reports of violence, vandalism and general mayhem were reported from Miami to Chicago and all fell under the same description - gangs of young people roaming the streets and stores in search of victims...
R-6 Board faced tough decision (06/12/11)
The Sikeston School Board decision this week to close the Morehouse Elementary School produced no winners. But given the options, I suspect the eventual outcome was in the cards long ago. I can fully understand the hurt expressed by the countless Morehouse residents over the loss of this important community ingredient. ...
Time to douse the 'flash mobs' (06/08/11)
They're called "flash mobs" or "unruly crowds." Let's just call them what they are - thugs! Roving gangs of young thugs have made headlines lately with random attacks and general chaos as the summer season gets under way. Fights in fast food restaurants are a daily staple of YouTube videos as these summer slugs take their special brand of "fun" to the streets...
Election season gets under way (06/01/11)
The political season is in full swing as the Republicans one by one start to plunge their names into the Presidential campaign. The early runners must now make way for the more prominent names and there remains a host of lesser-known hopefuls who are starting to make waves...
It's time to put phrase in a box (05/25/11)
Isn't it funny how some minor issues simply bug the heck out of you? OK, so granted I get irritated and "bugged" by stupid political reasoning. I get "bugged" by cultural changes that are so blatantly ridiculous that it leaves you scratching your head. Heck, I could go endlessly into those everyday items that leave you rolling your eyes and saying, "Seriously?"...
Science can not explain all things (05/22/11)
And I thought Stephen Hawkings was smart. Just goes to show you what I know! Hawkings is the British scientist touted as one of the smartest men on the planet. His 1988 international best-seller, "A Brief History of Time" helped to solidify his position as a leading researcher and modern-day thinker...
Shuttle's success is USA's success (05/18/11)
Like millions of others, I watched the Monday morning shuttle Endeavour launch with an ample level of both pride and awe. With understandable amazement, I marveled at the enormous skills and intellect required to accomplish this feat in front of the entire world...
It's time to decide the fate of school in Morehouse (05/15/11)
The historic flooding in Morehouse has put a hold on the decision concerning the closing of Morehouse Elementary School. But in June, the votes will be cast and the future of the school will be decided. Right now, I am certainly glad I am not a member of the Sikeston Board of Education...
Graduation gift for our students (05/11/11)
With graduation just around the corner, I have tried to think of something unique for this year's eager-eyed graduates. And, at long last, I have finally arrived at the ideal gift to give the millions of young and not-so-young grads who are about to begin a critical phase of their lives...
Not the time to play blame game­ (05/08/11)
As the flood waters begin to recede, the finger-pointing kicks in to high gear. It seems that many in our region have now become flood experts, more than willing to share their opinions on just what went wrong and just who was responsible. And from the constant chatter that fills the conversations, it seems there is ample blame to spread around...
Few embrace report findings (05/04/11)
When the floods, the hurricanes and bin Laden fade from the news - as they will - we will return to the political dialogue of addressing a flawed economic model that threatens the very foundation of this country. Trying hard to avoid the obvious political rhetoric, this economic tsunami has been long in the making. Blame it on wars or terrorists or bad decisions, it matters less how we got here than it does on how we are going to solve this issue...
Political games are hard to score (04/27/11)
For the next 18 months, the national political debate will swirl with a discussion on scorecards - as if a Presidential election has some sports comparison. The first scorecard comparison came a few months back during a discussion on unemployment. The buzz centered on an unemployment rate above 9 percent come next November. If the scorecard hit that magic number, then the odds for an Obama re-election would suffer, according to conventional wisdom...
Taxpayers carry too much burden (04/20/11)
As I quietly sat down and wrote a check to the Internal Revenue Service this week, I wondered about the 45 percent of Americans who pay no taxes. And I wondered about General Electric who paid no taxes on their $38 billion profits this past year. Sadly, I am not among the super-rich who get blamed for hoarding their riches and who, according to the Democrats, shelter way too much and unfairly avoid their "fair share" of taxes...
Population loss needs an answer (04/17/11)
I am both surprised and disappointed that there has not been more concern voiced over the loss of population in Sikeston. When the census numbers were finally released in February, the sad news is that our community lost about 675 residents during the past decade...
Voters' message is heard at last (04/13/11)
A combination of election-year politics and the realization of what message voters sent last November has forced President Obama to become a late-blooming, last-minute convert to the concept of reduced federal spending. That's what I call leadership!...
Challenges await our City Council (04/10/11)
For starters, I sincerely applaud anyone who runs for local office. And because of that, I give congratulations to the two candidates - David Carnell and Bob Depro - who faced off in this week's City Council elections in Sikeston. Depro won the close contest and deserves our support as he steps into the formidable shoes vacated by longtime Council member Sue Rogers. And David Carnell deserves our congratulations for seeking an office that is unpaid, time-consuming and headache-producing...
2012 election gets under way (04/06/11)
Well, who would have thought!? President Obama has "officially" launched his re-election campaign with an electronic announcement and a series of costly fundraising events. There are more story-lines to the 2012 campaign than a made-for-TV mini-series...
Time to invest in new DPS building (04/03/11)
There is an ongoing debate in Sikeston concerning the construction of a new Public Safety Complex to replace the well-worn and far-outdated current facility in downtown Sikeston. Bids for the new Public Safety complex were opened last week and despite one last-minute glitch, it appears the construction costs will be slightly less than anticipated. That does not mean the facility is cheap nor does it mean it will be a no-brainer to nudge the facility into the city's budget...
Voter photo IDs just make sense (03/30/11)
Coming on the heels of a massively successful November election by the GOP, nearly half the states - including Missouri - are offering legislation to mandate some form of photo ID for voting. This has long been an agenda item for conservatives. The conservative legislators say the photo ID rules will eliminate any prospect of voter fraud and restore voter confidence in the election process. ...
Jaycees, rodeo have a big impact (03/27/11)
The Sikeston Jaycees announced another stellar lineup for this summer's annual Bootheel Rodeo and this year promises to follow the path of former performances in bringing fans to our community. For those of us who have followed the Rodeo for years, it's easy to be complacent and relatively ho-hum about the annual event. The truth is, we simply expect the Jaycees to bring top-notch talent and outstanding cowboys to Sikeston each summer. And as usual, the Jaycees always deliver...
Let's cut out bad spending choices (03/23/11)
The greatest way to waste taxpayer money is to call it a stimulus and allow a federal bureaucrat or nanny-state politician to spend it. But then again, you could write an entire book on ways to waste taxpayer money. An appropriate title might just be, "The Obama Years...."...
Add your support to KRCC telethon (03/19/11)
It has now become an unofficial rite of spring in Sikeston - the annual Kenny Rogers Children's Center Telethon. This very special event unfolds Saturday and Sunday at the Sikeston High School Field House. If you've attended a Telethon in the past, you know the flurry of activity that surrounds this two-day fundraiser. There is literally something for just about everyone...
So are you voting for or against? (03/16/11)
Let's talk Presidential elections, since that seems to be a topic of some national interest these days. Be honest for a moment. I recognize that a single moment of honesty may give some of you a headache but humor me for the sake of this simple column...
Political, social divide growing (03/09/11)
I'm just a little confused. I was under the impression that our President was the one at long last to usher in a new era of post-partisan, post-racial America. That was the "gamble" when we elected the most inexperienced person in history to the highest office in the land...
'Modern' census is slow with info (03/06/11)
I had hoped this weekend's column would be an analysis of the census numbers for Sikeston as I had promised last week. Sadly that will not be the case. Here's the problem and believe me, it's shared by communities and counties and other political subdivisions across the country...
Better student performance starts at home (03/02/11)
You've heard of the teacher who is in hot water over blogging about her students - though she named neither the students nor the school district. In essence, the young teacher was alarmed at the cavalier attitude of many students, their lack of effort and their abundant lack of respect...
Census numbers aren't good news (02/27/11)
Playing the blame game in America (02/23/11)
What seems to be playing out on the national stage is some odd blame game with virtually everyone anxious to point an accusing finger of blame at someone - anyone - for the faltering economy. Blame union pension funds. Blame corporate sweet deals and tax greed. ...
Voter ID proposal just makes sense (02/20/11)
I have a serious question for a Democrat - any Democrat. Why would the Democratic Party in Missouri oppose a simple requirement that would require Missouri voters to produce an ID when they vote? I have an assumption. I would assume that many urban Democrats might be reluctant - for whatever reason - to provide some form of identification at the polling precinct. But that's just an assumption...
Leaders lacking in cutting deficit (02/16/11)
If we can take our limited focus away from the ever-changing face of the Mideast long enough, we have some economic issues at home that urgently need our attention. Unfortunately, the Obama administration this week announced their budget proposals which fail to address our issues in any meaningful manner...
Winter go away, bring on spring (02/13/11)
Let me state the obvious. I am certainly not alone in wishing, hoping and praying that the winter weather is behind us. Granted, I know the calendar says it's just mid-February but surely we've had our share of winter weather and can look forward to some much-needed relief...
Everyone must face cut backs (02/09/11)
The Missouri Legislature is struggling with an interesting problem on just how, when or if to spend $189 million in federal funds to help struggling school systems pay their staffs. The funds are part of the Obama administration's attempt to infuse tax dollars into the struggling economy. But as with so many other issues in Washington, the funds come with little direction...
Welcomed news of new building for Sikeston DPS (02/06/11)
If all goes according to plan, Sikeston may soon begin construction on a long-overdue new headquarters for our Public Safety Department. The Sikeston City Council this week took the important step of seeking bids for construction on the new facility which would be located on South Kingshighway on the site of the former First Baptist Church. Once completed, the new headquarters would form an additional anchor to downtown along with the new Municipal Utilities building...
End dependence on foreign oil (02/02/11)
It would be a massive understatement to say the United States was caught off-guard by the unrest in Egypt. Just last week, Vice President Biden and Secretary of State Clinton both gave some level of assurance that all was well within the Middle Eastern country...
Nixon's careful cuts best for MO (01/30/11)
In this column last week, I took a shot at Gov. Jay Nixon and his view on the economy and the necessary actions needed to address our finances in Jefferson City. In essence, I said the Governor was long on rhetoric and short on specifics...
One issue won't make campaign (01/26/11)
Granted, the 2012 presidential election is still far away. But in the political world, it might as well be tomorrow. It has not always been this way. But that was then, this is now. I've noticed over the past week an intriguing story line being promoted exclusively by the Obama network - MSNBC...
Reduce spending across the board (01/23/11)
Sometimes I think we just don't get it. The state and nation's economies are in a tailspin yet when there is talk of reducing spending, no one wants to take a hit of any size, at any time to those precious programs they hold sacred. President Obama will this week deliver the State of the Union address and he'll call for spending restraint. But there will be little substance and ample rhetoric...
Harsh political tone won't end (01/19/11)
The political discourse - or lack thereof - has taken an interesting turn. The buzz of the week, and probably of the weeks ahead, concerns the shrill political discourse and the appalling lack of civility in the political arena...
Drug testing bill deserves support (01/16/11)
Rep. Ellen Brandom of Sikeston has introduced a bill in the Missouri Legislature that would require drug testing for some welfare recipients. The bill will be debated this week and, were I a betting man, I'd says odds are good that the measure will be approved...
Woman battles FDA for her life (01/12/11)
Julie Heppe is a warrior.The rural Sikeston woman has fought cancer since 1993. The diagnosis started with breast cancer back then but now has reached Stage 4 cancer including moving to the linings of her lungs. She's already experienced a health crisis greater than anyone deserves and now her essential medical decisions are squarely outside of her control...
The Friedman era will be missed (01/09/11)
David Friedman and his wife, Shirley, will soon close their popular downtown Sikeston men's store - Falkoff's - after nearly 44 1/2 years in operation. The couple have been a strong foundation for our downtown retail community since they first opened their doors long ago when Sikeston was a far different community than today...
Here are hopes for more change (01/05/11)
The man who campaigned on a slogan of Hope and Change has delivered on half of that promise. To be certain, we've experienced our fair share of change over the past two years. To paraphrase an old commercial, "Where's the Hope?" The ardent Obama supporters - and they still remain numerous - see hope where there is little. ...
Census numbers will tell us much (12/31/10)
This past year was a special one in Sikeston as we celebrated the 150th anniversary of our founding. This sesquicentennial celebration was low-key compared to the massive centennial celebration in 1960 but it was successful nonetheless. There's little way of knowing just exactly what lies ahead for our community but, rest assured, the path will be filled with both challenges and opportunities...
Merry Christmas time has arrived (12/19/10)
Nothing compares to Christmas week. As we rapidly approach this most joyous of Christian holidays, the anticipation brings out the child in all of us. And well it should. Through the years, I will readily admit I have been less than engulfed in the Christmas spirit. That stems from my "routine" mentality and the obvious major disruption to that routine during this time of year...
Earmark would come with price (12/15/10)
When absurdity gives way to hilarity, you must be talking about politics. In the midst of a colossal global concern for the economic stability of our great nation, Kansas City's 5th Congressional District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver has one small earmark on his wish list that deserves some attention...
New year's bills can plague givers (12/12/10)
In a highly-unscientific and thoroughly informal survey, it appears the Christmas shopping season around here is relatively ho-hum. No bah, humbugs but no "too-busy-to-talk" crowds either. I suspect this average holiday shopping season is a direct reflection of the overall economy which is shaky. Granted, lots of dollars are being spent in Sikeston and elsewhere this Christmas season. But many retailers expect the bulk of their year's sales to come this time of year, so crowds are predictable...
Compromise fails to cut spending (12/08/10)
When no one gets their way, does anyone win? That's the position Congress finds itself in this week as a compromise is announced that will extend the current tax rate while also extending unemployment benefits. The GOP does not get the unemployment benefits paid for with previously-approved stimulus funds while the Dems don't get their way on the tax rate extensions to every working American...
Cape casino brings promise to region (12/05/10)
Congratulations are in order for the city of Cape Girardeau following their successful bid to land the final casino gaming license in Missouri. Some in Cape have long coveted the casino as a huge financial asset for the city and Cape voters recently showed their approval in a citywide vote...
Scientific study needs more study (12/01/10)
One in five Americans suffer from mentally illness. Or at least that's the finding from a recently-released report from government researchers. Now over the years, I have grown increasingly wary of "government studies" because I suspect that too often the studies simply reflect the thinking of the researchers. But that's an opinion, not necessarily a fact...
Trivia knowledge is 'Googled' away (11/28/10)
Once upon a time, I considered myself a fairly good trivia expert. For some odd reason, I have decent recall of trivial bits of flotsam and jetsam from music, sports, entertainment, history, etc. I clearly don't fall in the "expert" category but on occasion, I even amaze myself with recall of factoids that have no significance whatsoever. In short, it's a fairly useless "talent" for lack of a better word...
Pressing issues ahead for state (11/24/10)
Team's success can be measured in many ways (11/21/10)
Because of printing schedules and press deadlines, this column was written before the conclusion of Saturday's final four football game between Sikeston and Warrenton. But the thoughts expressed in this column apply regardless of Saturday's outcome...
Michael Jensen
Michael Jensen