LETTERS: DEMOCRATS IN S. ILLINOIS

To the editor:

"All I know is what I read in the papers," said the great Democrat, Will Rogers, over two generations ago. Although much has come and gone since his time, some things are the same, especially here in southernmost Illinois. Yes, our Democrats still read. Sadly, some may still believe all they see in political print. Of late, Will's party suffers.

Words keep being said, even written and read, about Democrats against Democrats in our primary elections. March primaries should be quiet, family business, but they somehow get blown into loud public madnesses that stay through the November elections. Democrats just can't or won't kiss and make up after primary fights. They split their tickets in the fall or worse, depending on your point of view.

This year's party-killing, primary virus is the upstate endorsement humbug for representatives in the General Assembly. It is a windy, blue flue from Chicago, a recurring Illinois Democrat disease more nasty that the four-year LaRouchean plagues on our presidential ballots. Something serious needs to be done about both. Your paper can help with one now.

If all some Democrats know is just what they read in the papers, what they don't read won't hurt them. Since endorsements are the wedge that splits the we'll-remember-in-November district Democrats, don't print them. Don't endorse Karl Maple, Elsie Speck or John Rendleman. Let Local Democrats decide without your words.

If you just report election news this month, not try to make the news, a stronger challenger should emerge to unseat Mike Boat, R-Murphysboro, our right-handed Democrat representative. A good race this fall will help us all in the long run if the Constitution is to be amended -- our biggest issue yet unsaid by these candidates and unread in our papers, even yours.

DAVID BRADLEY

Jonesboro, Ill.