Senate savings, blame Bill, Iraq views

The Missouri Senate took a big step forward by selecting MIKE KEATHLEY to be the permanent Senate administrator, replacing longtime administrator RON KIRCHOFF who retired this spring after serving capably since 1976 as the Senate's first administrator.

Keathley was formerly the president of IXL Manufacturing Co. in Bernie, Mo. This continues steps being taken to improve efficiency and reduce Senate expenses ... which were reduced over $1 million last year -- a 10 percent reduction since the Republicans became the majority in the Missouri Senate for the first time in over 50 years.

I personally feel there is the opportunity to save another $1 million to $3 million annually with other business-type reorganization.

Keathley will oversee a staff of over 100 employees who work in various support capacities including the Senate's research department, print shop and bill room.

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Let's see if I understand how the world works lately...

If a man cuts his finger off while slicing salami at work, he blames the restaurant.

If you smoke three packs a day for 40 years and die of lung cancer, your family blames the tobacco company.

If your neighbor crashes into a tree while driving home drunk, he blames the bartender.

If your grandchildren are brats and without manners, you blame television.

If your friend is shot by a deranged madman, you blame the gun manufacturer.

And if a crazed person breaks into the cockpit and tries to kill the pilot at 35,000 feet, and the passengers kill him instead, the mother of the deceased blames the airline.

I must have lived too long to understand the world as it is anymore. So if I die while my old, wrinkled tush is parked in front of this computer, I want you to blame BILL GATES ... OK? -- Author unknown

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The following is from a newsletter from a well-informed former congressman, LOU FREY Jr., who now resides in Florida.

Interesting perspective: "I am continually being asked about what I think is going to happen in Iraq. Congressional hearings recently concluded and everybody has an opinion, so I might as well join the group.

"I believe that the increased rhetoric on Iraq is sending a message loud and clear to Saddam Hussein that this president and administration aren't going to fool around. If a smoking gun is found, Baghdad is going to be in shambles.

"It seems clear that our forces are beginning a build-up for going into Iraq, probably next spring. It will be difficult to keep much of a coalition together if we invade, and there are many options in terms of what type of military action can be taken.

"I believe the beating of the drums regarding potential war with Iraq has given Vladimir Putin a chance to work with the Iraqi government and try to force some change in policies. I wouldn't be surprised if Putin has said something like this: 'Look, the Americans are going to come and this president isn't going to fool around. There won't be much left of Baghdad. And, Saddam, there won't be much left of you. Why don't you try and make some changes, and if you do, I'll work with the United States and President Bush to come to a peaceful conclusion.'

"Such changes would be difficult for Saddam to make. Under such a scenario, he would be forced to halt the manufacturing of weapons of mass destruction. Such actions would signal within Iraq his loss of power and subject him to being overthrown. The chance of Putin or anyone else being successful behind the scenes are marginal but worth trying. The alternative, war with Iraq and no U.S. exit strategy, is sobering."

One last thought: "Several high officials in the United States have publicly indicated that they believe Osama bin Laden is dead. This is being done on purpose. It creates doubt with many of his followers throughout the world who are as much in the dark as we are about his status. It may also force him to take some action or to make some type of public appearance through video to indicate that he is alive. If he is alive, this may help us find him and bring his personal reign of terror to a quick and just end."

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Teaching math in 1950: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching math in 1960: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching math in 1970: A logger exchanges a set "L" of lumber for a set "M" of money. The cardinality of set "M" is 100. Each element is worth one dollar. Make 100 dots representing the elements of the set "M". The set "C", the cost of production contains 20 fewer points than set "M". Represent the set "C" as a subset of set "M" and answer the following question: What is the cardinality of the set "P" of profit?

Teaching math in 1980: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80, and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching math in 1990: By cutting down beautiful forest trees, the logger makes $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the forest birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down the trees? There are no wrong answers.

Teaching math in 2000: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $120. How does Arthur Andersen determine that his profit margin is $60?

Teaching math in 2010: El hachero vende un camion carga por $100. La cuesta de production es ... .

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The approximate mileage for various proposed I-66 routes from Cape to Paducah (intersection of I-24 and U.S. 62):

Cape to Sikeston to Paducah over proposed new bridge (cost $250 million to $300 million) at Wickliffe, Ky., and following approximately along existing Highway 286 and U.S. 60 to I-24: 88.2 miles.

Cape to Paducah over new route through Southern Illinois and across existing I-24 bridge at Paducah: 67.2 miles.

Cape to Wickliffe along Highway 146 to Highway 3 to Highway 286 to U.S. 62 to Paducah (the route I currently use): 64 miles.

Cape to Anna, Ill., to Vienna, Ill., on Highway 146 to I-24 to Paducah (the route many Cape residents currently use): 70 miles.

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While going through life, you need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move, you should use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.

Gary Rust is chairman of Rust Communications.