RUSTLINGS

If you see a snake, just kill it --don't appoint a committee on snakes.

--H. Ron Perot

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With the international satellite communication of today, one receives information and opinions about as fast as the president of the United States.

What the public lacks is the behind the scenes, non-public communication that is going on, as well as the reasoning and perspective that history, experience and study bring to the attempted solution of a problem.

I commend the vote of Congress to back President Bush on his negotiating position with IRAQ. I have confidence in Bush's background, knowledge and ability to represent me in negotiating with that situation. That's what a representative form of government is all about.

If you believe in prayer ... pray. If you don't, give it your best anyway.

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GOVERNOR JOHN ASHCROFT'S "State of the State" message will be presented to the Missouri legislature today. No matter what he says, it will not seem to be too important in the total scheme of things this week (everything is relative). As an old saying goes ... "I used to complain about having no shoes until I met a man who had no feet."

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While higher and lower education officials lobby for more money and some debate our living standards; our census figures; our athletic teams; jobs; business, etc. ... why don't we all just back off and be thankful for what we've got.

We live in the most free and greatest country in the world. If we have our health and that of our loved ones ... be THANKFUL for that!

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One cannot experience everything in life nor would you want to. You also cannot be everywhere, attend every meeting, and keep up with all of the daily happenings.

That's what a newspaper helps you do, by sending reporters, (local or Associated Press wire) to cover events, interview, witness, and report the highlights.

That's also what music, art, museums, libraries are all about. Reaching your emotion and intellect by shared experiences. If more people would read, we'd have a better, more understanding, experienced society.

As many read less, they become susceptible to those who spread misinformation.

"A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it."

--William Styron

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Unwelcome news for educators. Net Worth of Forbes four hundred members known to have graduated from college is around $625 million. The average for those who never attended college: $652 million.

I could name a number of millionaires from the local area who didn't graduate from college. However, I don't judge people on their "formal" education, but rather on the results and honesty of their character. For some, attending or NOT attending has been an asset ... neither guarantees a known result.

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An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't. It's knowing where to go to find out what you need to know; and it's knowing how to use the information you get.

--William Seathen

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Kiplinger predicts that "involvement of business in schools will no longer be a novelty. Providing curriculum guidance, guest lecturers, and management expertise. And more apprenticeship programs to ease students into the world of work.

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Book: A garden carried in a pocket.

--Arabian Proverb

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The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.

--Mark Twain