Nature? Or nurture?

The Armorer's father, late in his 8th decade, a month after having buried his wife, writes his first Letter to the Editor, ever.

Editor, Castle Argghhh!

April 27, 2007

Copy of letter sent to the Missouri House and Senate leadership (both parties) this date.

I am an elderly (make that old) longtime observer of the political process in Jefferson City. A few years ago I attended a lecture given by a University of Illinois political science professor who specialized in state political processes. He described that process as being the ”Cesspool of the American political system” On more than a few occasions the Missouri legislature has epitomized that thought, but rarely has the descent to political buffoonery reached the level of the past several weeks.

I am a cancer survivor and recently lost my wife to lung cancer. To hear and read the statements of the legislative leadership boasting of the elimination of funding for a new cancer research and treatment center as a matter of political payback is truly incredible. How many lives will be lost and how much pain endured in the future as a result of this childish exercise of power?

The handling of the student loan sale issue by both parties is not something anyone should be boasting about. Rather they should be hanging their heads in shame.

It would appear that what we need in Jefferson City is a good deal more intellect and
significantly less ego.

To borrow a quote from a long ago speech by labor leader John L Lewis “A pox on both your houses”

I can assure you that at least one voter won’t forget.

I got into this punditry business when I first started writing letters to the editor of the KC Star back in the mid-late 90's.

I have warned my father that it can get addicting. I have no idea who influenced whom, here - but dang, he writes purty stuff.