Crude displays now the norm

To the editor:

I have seen a story in the Kansas City Star concerning the debate in the Missouri House over funding for public schools and higher education.

The article says: "The debate was marred by frequent yelling matches and attempts by Majority Leader Jason Crowell to shout down his opponents by making siren noises into the microphone as Democrats were speaking." The article goes on to say that while Minority Leader Rick Johnson was speaking "Crowell, a Cape Girardeau Republican, responded by making flatulence sounds into his microphone." It is my understanding that audio clips of this event were being played on St. Louis and Kansas City radio stations. This is not a proud day for Cape Girardeau.

Leaving aside the crudeness of his display, the worst and most consistent thing about Crowell is his belief that shouting down his opponents is acceptable. Since the Republicans have gained the majority in the House and Senate, this has been the normal thing, not the unusual thing.

JOHN L. COOK

Cape Girardeau