LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: BIERK DESERVES CREDIT FOR OFFERING AN IDEA

To the editor:

I would like to congratulate Mr. Steve Mosley (Letter to the Editor, May 8) on another fine journalistic achievement. Reading the guest commentary authored by Dr. John C. Bierk and your corresponding rebuttal has allowed me to come to the following conclusions.

1. Dr. Bierk is infallible in saying that certain shortcomings in our society are causing massive overruns on the nation's welfare system.

2. Illegitimacy, and the problems that Dr. Bierk claim it to cause, do indeed undermine the very principles of decency, morality, and virtuous upbringing that our country has been so fortunate to undergo in past years.

3. Dr. Bierk's totalitarian "solution" simply does not hold water because it, too, undermines the very principles of liberty which our forefathers bestowed upon us. Without these virtues, our country would not have been able to enjoy anything in past years.

4. Your reference to "A Clockwork Orange" is extremely effective. I have seen the film, and, strangely enough, thought of the movie, Hitler's fascist regime, and also Orwell's 1984. Great minds think alike, I suppose.

5. I applaud your apparent lack of partisanship in dealing with this matter. However, do remember that if a candle is blown around too severely, it will be extinguished.

6. I am saddened to see that you have taken a viewpoint which is all too common in our society. You address the problem, but offer no solution, content to let some "higher power" decide what is best. Dr. Bierk did offer a solution, albeit one which should merit him a place in the proverbial "hall of shame".

ANDREW S. KIESLING

Sikeston