MISSOURIANA

In an effort to reduce expenses, Gov. John Ashcroft is getting around in his official car instead of using expensive state airplanes. If things get worse, Missourians may want to start watching for familiar faces trying to hitch rides.

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There are some people who are just natural-born spokesmen: Dave Thomas for Wendy's, Wilford Brimley for Oatmeal, Ted Kennedy for after-hour bars.

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Since estimates of proposed new state taxes keep increasing, maybe we Missouri taxpayers should have leaped at the first figure.

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It's no surprise that Saddam Hussein appears stronger now than before the Persian Gulf war. Look at Japan, Germany and the neighborhood drug dealer.

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The Missouri Lottery Commission is considering placing coin-operated games of chance in bars and taverns. Half a century ago, they were called slot machines.