IN TINY PURDY, A COSTLY STAND ON PRINCIPLE

There are those among us who say they have principles. Then there are those who demonstrate how far they are willing to go to stick to their principles.

In the small, southwestern Missouri town of Purdy, there is a fellow who believed his principles could not be compromised, even though it would have been easier and far less costly.

Eight years ago, Glen Garrett, president of the First State Bank of Purdy, learned a competitor had gone to the FDIC alleging various violations. The FDIC investigated and, at one point, offered to settle the matter for a $25,000 fine.

No, said Garrett, who knew he had done nothing wrong and wasn't about to take the easy way out. So for eight years he has been fighting the FDIC. His battle has cost him $2 million, or 80 times what he could have settled for.

Earlier this month, Garrett won the war. The FDIC withdrew all of its charges.