LETTERS: AFTER COOLING OFF, WE CAN RETURN TO GOVERNMENT

To the editor:

Whatever the pros and cons, the immediate hurdle is for Americans to develop and acceptable choice for president. It matters little who this will be. With the nation divided as equally as it is, the ensuing hurdles will present themselves in order if we can make a realistic appraisal of who we are, what we are and what we're doing.

We are a socio-economic democratic republic. Big government is alive and well. Government programs are alive and well. All segments of our society benefit from these countless programs, which have significantly fueled the economy. It remains a question whether our affluence could survive without them.

The next hurdle is how promptly can we stop calling each other names? A cooling-off period will certainly be expedient and acceptable. The spirit of service to society and to country will progressively creep in.

GILBERT DEGENHARDT

Cape Girardeau