LETTERS: MISSOURIANS ARE TOO COMPLACENT

To the editor:

I am writing this letter because I am concerned about complacency. We in Missouri used to be a group of hard-working individuals who respected each other's rights and were very wary of government. Now it seems (and I wonder if it's because life is relatively easy) we just sit by and let government do whatever it wishes. For some reason we don't seem to think it affects us. There are three areas I would like to address:

1. Attorney General Jay Nixon's plan for fast-track drug courts. This worries me, because any time that we make exceptions in the way we distribute justice, the possibility of violating a citizen's constitutional rights is expanded. Why would a drug violation be any more important that a rape or murder? If we have the potential and it's not unconstitutional and we can afford it (taxpayers should be weighing the benefits of our government programs against the cost), why aren't we speeding up all judicial hearings?

2. The current tax surplus is unconstitutional in Missouri. I don't understand the problem that our state officials are having with the surplus in taxes. This is not money that should be left lying around until some bureaucrat devises a plan for spending it. If the state has too much tax money collected, quit taking from taxpayers until the state is even. No one would object to not paying state income taxes for a period of time.

3. The way we are sitting back and accepting -- nay, applauding -- the violation of the constitutional rights of the tobacco companies to sell their legal products surprises me. Just because smoking has become politically incorrect, it is OK to pass laws on a perfectly legitimate business and to tell the tobacco companies that they have to accept responsibility for the health and well-being of the people who purchase their products and that they will be held responsible for the actions of our children. As far as the health cost due to smoking-related illnesses, the taxes collected by the government on tobacco products more than covers the costs that are associated with the health care for persons who smoke. We are setting a dangerous precedent here. We are allowing government at all levels to accept responsibility for our choices, our health and how we live our lives. If the government decides to go after the fast-food industry due to our high level of obesity and cholesterol, McDonald's and Burger King may have more to worry about that which fries the public prefers.

I have always been proud to be a Missourian. I think some of the greatest thinkers and doers have come from this state. And I have always admired how we think for ourselves, accept others and take care of our own. I believe that the motto for Missouri is "Show Me," not "Give Me."

MARY NALL

Marble Hill