The Southeast Missourian asked people about the recent attention directed to Vice President Dan Quayle as a result of President Bush's heart problem.

George Reeves: "I think that the press has been very unfair to Quayle. He is doing the job that he is supposed to do. I don't think you should criticize someone until they have been in a position to do a job."

Ed Corrigan: "President Bush has been a stable president. Until recently, we have not had to consider the vice president as a person who would need to take over government. We are again confronted with questions about Quayle that had not been answered."

James Ricks: "There is an automatic struggle between the press and the executive branch of government, but I don't think that Quayle deserves the treatment that he has had. It's bad for America when you don't have respect for someone who could become president."

Jackie Evans: "I hope President Bush does all he can to stay healthy, because he's bad enough. Then we won't half to worry about Quayle becoming president. Quayle doesn't seem to be fit to be put in that position."

Marie Howell: "I think it is very unjust to tear down the reputation of the vice president who could become our president. It's not fair to him or to the country. It's not good if the country is not behind the man."

Kathie Brennan: "As vice president, Quayle has not had a chance to set himself up as someone who could take charge. It is not a position where major decisions are made. Look how much fun they made of President Ford, and he pretty well proved himself."