Speakout 3/13

Sunday, March 13, 2005

I'm new to SpeakOut and am calling in regard to the issue of closing alleys to the garbage pickup. I am so glad someone had enough common sense and fairness to all not to close the alleys. The alleys should be kept and maintained - not closed just to please certain individuals by making the trash pickup easier for them. I also believe it would be dumb to add any more trash out in front of residences and businesses for the animals and whatever to get into and scatter all over. I believe it is the city's place to keep the alleys graded and trees and bushes trimmed so the trash trucks can easily navigate them. However, I also believe it is the property owner's responsibility to keep the alleys neat and mowed and provide that there are no obstructions to the trucks traveling the alleys. It is just a personal belief of mine, however, I believe the whole community's appearance is improved where there are alleys for both residences and businesses.

Does anyone know where I can get a city map with big print? The one I got here in town, the print is so small you can't read it. If anyone knows where I can get one, please leave a number in the paper.

Is there a restaurant in Sikeston that is smoke-free? Does Missouri have a law for public places, especially restaurant. I went to a restaurant today for lunch where the food was great and they had good service and was very reasonably priced. The entire restaurant had cloud of smoke hanging over it. Needless to say, I got my lunch to go. There were several employees taking their smoke breaks at 11:30 a.m. and this was absolutely gross. If you agree, SpeakOut. Let us non-smokers be heard. I would like to see what the restaurants have to say, also.

Mike Jensen, you have a hole in your head just like Bush and Matt Clark. You say to reduce state spending is on the right course. You are dead wrong. It's taking away from the poor and handicapped, which is not right at all. If you want to reduce the spending, tell him to stop giving our money to other countries.

This is to the 1140th, our heroes and friends. By the time this appears in SpeakOut, hopefully you will have grown accustomed to sleeping all night without waking and wondering if you're really home. I hope that by now you have settled in and know that you are safe, welcomed and loved. Just looking at the pictures of your homecoming makes my heart swell with pride and my country and community are really proud of all you men and women. We don't know what kind of sacrifice it took personally for you to do this. We appreciate you with all our hearts. May God bless America and may God bless you and your families.

I enjoy reading Mike's editorials. Can you write an editorial about deadbeat dads?