A theory about Sander's defeat

To the editor:

The Southeast Missourian carried an article on the unexpected defeat of Jackson Mayor Paul Sander in his bid to become the next Cape Girardeau County clerk stating: "Conventional wisdom suggested that Sander, latest in a family line of officeholders, would be a formidable if not unbeatable candidate." The same article also quotes Cape Girardeau Mayor (and Sander crony) Jay Knudtson, who stated, "What led to Clark's lopsided victory is only speculation."

I have my own theory. In February 2005 I was attempting to win approval from the Jackson Board of Aldermen to erect a Missouri battle flag in honor of Col. William Jeffers. The effort was derailed by a hit piece from the Southern Poverty Law Center that was printed in the Southeast Missourian. I wrote my own letter in response to clear up any misconceptions about me.

When I addressed Mayor Sander and the board of aldermen, I quoted heavily from the Morris Dees fact sheet found at the following Web address: www.patriotist.com/dees.htm. It exposes many unknown facts about the organization. However, it was clear their minds were made up.

Among those who spoke in opposition to honoring Colonel Jeffers was one of the biggest liberal organizations in America, the ACLU. During the entire time the ACLU representative was speaking, Mayor Sander was smiling, nodding in approval.

Sanders can now join the ranks of other South-hating ex-politicians from Missouri: Gov. Bob Holden, U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt and Speaker of the House Catherine Hanaway.

CLINT E. LACY, Marble Hill, Mo.