Taking time to listen

Officially, it's called the "summer district work period." It is the break Congress takes, lasting through Labor Day, to allow senators and representatives to visit with constituents in their home districts. During the break, some federal legislators take what they call fact-finding trips -- sometimes to war zones, sometimes to exotic locales.

During the break, the congressional delegation representing Southeast Missouri spends much of its time at home, seeking out and listening to the concerns of residents regarding topics of national import.

U.S. Sen. Kit Bond and U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill have been using the break to travel across the state to get the pulse of Missourians. They are getting an earful about health-care reform.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau has followed a summer-break routine that has served her well over the years. Special events include a picnic that draws hundreds of people. This year the turnout was one of the largest ever. In addition, Emerson recently visited farms and agriculture-related businesses as part of her annual farm tour. Agriculture is a major component of the economics, lifestyle and culture of her vast 8th District, which spreads across the bottom of the state almost to Springfield, Mo.

We're glad our legislators make this effort. And we trust they are listening.