MISSOURIANA

It's hard to realize those respectable-looking Republicans you saw on TV at Houston were the same ogres the Democrats described last month on TV at New York City.

---

Even if you weren't a Republican, watching the party's convention in Houston was fun. Where else could you see portly millionaires jumping up and down and wearing outrageous hats?

---

Republicans appeared to have a good time in Houston, although by the end of the convention, some seemed to have overdosed on roasted Democrats.

---

After the Olympics and two political conventions, Archie Bunker almost see~ms like a statesman.

---

Convention speakers at Houston were critical of the tax-and-spend Democrats. It seems the Republicans don't object to the spending part but they certainly seem to hate the tax bit.

---

Former President Reagan told delegates in Houston that he knew Thomas Jefferson. Historians say it's possible they met when Ron played quarterback for Notre Dame and a fellow named Tom or maybe he was named Jefferson played second-string linebacker.

---

One of the real benefits of the Republican National Convention in Houston is that we didn't hear much from the Democrats.

---

Although James Baker has moved over to the White House, no one has as yet named secretary of state. George is waiting until someone over there understands the situation in Bosnia.

By Jack Stapleton