RUST COMMENTARY; GOVERNOR DISPLAYS CORDIAL ATTITUDE IN DISCUSSING DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS

Spent Wednesday in Jefferson City for GOV. MEL CARNAHAN'S budget message and, along with Editor JOE SULLIVAN, columnist JACK STAPLETON and about six other newspaper representatives had a two-hour luncheon and chat about the budget and other statewide issues.

Carnahan is direct when answering questions and quite open about his views and projections ... and displayed his knowledge in all areas discussed.

I found this the case at a similar meeting four years ago, and he hasn't changed. His wife JEAN and son RANDY helped host this annual luncheon.

The governor's speech was well received, and even though I philosophically disagree with the governor on some issues ... he is cordial in discussing different positions and aware of the different views ... as a good leader should be.

He's opposed to concealed weapons legislation and indicated that he has been running polls on this (and most other controversial issues, I assume) which indicate a general 60 percent opposition to the proposed legislation.

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It was 50 years ago that CHUCK YAEGER broke the sound barrier in one of the more important breakthroughs in aviation history.

It's really amazing the safety of modern-day aviation. College and professional athletic teams have put on millions of miles of travel with (to my knowledge) only the Evansville DC-3 airplane crash and one other in Europe marring the record.

One of the reasons for aviation safety is because of the backups of equipment and communication, pilot training and expensive and better weather forecasting ... and having practiced procedures for when things go wrong (EXPERIENCE and PLANNING).

Flying airplanes is often not that different from life situations and maturity.

Someone's son once wailed that his father discouraged too many of his plans. His father (Dave Gwinn, a DC-9 and WD-800 pilot, author and flight instructor) replied, "You see everything that can go right. Part of parenting is to help you recognize what can go wrong and weigh the risks. What goes 'right' takes care of itself. It's what can go wrong that can hurt you."

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Twenty-Four Years of Shame

Jan. 22 marked the 24th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that unleashed a bitter national debate that shows no sign of ebbing. Since the ruling, over 30 million unborn children have been eliminated in the name of "choice." What a tragedy. And what a price we have paid as a nation. In spite of the promises of the pro-abortion advocates, the 24 years have also brought more abandoned children, more child abuse, more out-of-wedlock births and more cheapening of life. America is better than this, but the lack of political courage leaves us trapped in this swamp of shame. Unless we deal with it, we will never be the "shining city upon a hill" that the founders dreamed of.

Nearly every politician has come to believe that being pro-life is a political loser, but the facts are just the opposite. Pollster Dick Wirthlin has just released new data that shows that 48 percent of the country considers itself pro-choice and 47 percent considers itself pro-life. The specific breakdown is even more astonishing.

* Twelve percent believe abortion should be prohibited in all circumstances.

* Twelve percent would prohibit abortion except to save the life of the mother.

* Thirty-five percent would prohibit abortion except in case of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

* Twenty-seven percent would allow abortions, but not after the third month.

* Only seven percent believe abortions should be legal for any reason at any time during a pregnancy -- the position of Bill Clinton and the national Democratic Party.

Yet, somehow this extremist position is treated as "mainstream" while the 59-percent majority who would end abortions are labeled as radical! -- Washington Update.

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Robert Byrnes wrote the book "1,911 Best Things Anybody Ever Said." Some of the collection includes:

1. Too clever is dumb (German proverb).

2. Nobody has ever bet enough on the winning horse.

3. He can compress the most words in the smallest idea of any man I ever met. (Abraham Lincoln)

4. After all is said and done, more is said than done. (Unknown)

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IRS Vendetta

The Internal Revenue Service is conducting major audits of a half-dozen high-profile conservative organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, Citizens Against Government Waste and the National Rifle Association. Clinton White House documents refer to some of the groups being audited as "enemies." Adding to the suspicion that these audits are politically motivated, liberal non-profit groups are facing no such scrutiny, according to several investigative reporters who are following the story. An IRS agent told one conservative leader, "Look, this is a political case, and the decision about your tax-exempt status will be made at the national level." The head of the IRS is Margaret Richardson, a close associate of Hillary Clinton. The Congress should hold hearings on manipulation of the IRS for political purposes immediately.

Newt's Ordeal

Most observers expect Newt to take a low-key role in the months ahead as he tries to reconstruct his public image. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott will probable fill the resulting vacuum.

Gingrich's opponents shouldn't celebrate too boldly, however. If the same IRS standards are applied across the board, dozens of them will be in deep trouble too. The IRS rules are notorious for being vague and open to various interpretations. Wasn't it this president and his wife who had to refile several times and pay penalties because they misreported some "investments and loans"? -- Washington Update.

~Gary Rust is president of Rust Communications, which owns the Southeast Missourian and other newspapers.