Area's litter is worse than in Third World

To the editor:

These days it is such a heartbreak to see garbage strewn on either side of highways all over the beautiful land of Southeast Missouri. Just drive on Route K west of Wal-Mart or on Highway 34 to Marble Hill, Mo. The beauty of the landscape is marred by scattered garbage: plastic bags, plastic foam cups, cardboard. Stop at any traffic light or stop sign and you will see cigarette butts and chewing gum heaped by the curb.

I recently traveled 2,000 miles through a Third World country notorious for street garbage. To my surprise, most of that country's highways were cleaner than these. Southeast Missourians, you should hang your heads in shame.

DR. K.P.S. KAMATH

Cape Girardeau