Officials push unneeded legislation

To the editor:

Does anyone besides me find something odd about the recent article saying Gov. Bob Holden and state Sen. Peter Kinder are working toward legislation against cross burning? I am not in favor of cross burning, but I am against weaselly politicians, and I am tired of their rhetoric.

Why are they seeking this legislation? The article said "neither Kinder nor the governor's spokeswoman could cite any instances of cross burning in Missouri." Why do we need a law to combat a problem that does not exist?

I would expect a political opportunist like Holden to spend the taxpayers' money combating a problem we do not have, but can't Kinder find a better way to spend the taxpayers' money?

An activist judge ruled against a law our state legislators passed to help taxpayers exercise their constitutional right to defend themselves. The House of Representatives could impeach the judge. But defending our constitutional rights is a problem the Republicans want no part of. Instead they wish to combat a problem that doesn't exist.

From the highest levels right up to President Bush's immigration reform down to the lowliest state senators who steal our tax money and waste it on problems that don't exist, elected officials are running away from their duty to protect our constitutional rights.

CLINT E. LACY

Marble Hill, Mo.