STORY OF TWO LIVES SEPARATED BY THE BERLIN WALL SHOWS POWER OF GOVERNMENT INFLUENCE

The story of Heidi Boettcher of Altenburg demonstrates that people we live and work with every day may have some amazing stories to tell.

The retelling of her escape from East Germany at age 18 was told on the front page of The New York Times and reprinted in the Southeast Missourian. The article about the fall of the Berlin Wall also focused on Boettcher's brother, who was unable to escape and has grown up in a very different world.

Heidi and Albert Boettcher raised 11 children without state support in Altenburg. Her brother and his family depend on the German government's support to survive.

Today, Heidi Boettcher is an American with a convert's zeal. She wants government out of her face. Her brother, a German without job prospects, favors total social protection.

Their story underscores the fact that many people have fascinating stories to tell. We only have to listen.