LETTERS: A SONG ABOUT RECENT NEWS EVENTS

To the editor:

Between the national news, local campaign ads and the daily barrage of Speak Out, I've had it up to the buckles of my overalls. If the stuff gets any higher, I may drown. As a songwriter, my way of dealing with the deluge was to write this song:

Memo From the People

Whether to impeach or whether to rebuke,

It's all political nonsense, and it makes me want to puke.

It's not like those politicians care what we may think.

Let's load them on a ferry boat and send it off to sin.

Woe is we.

They're going to vote straight money line come hell or water high.

They'll say it comes from pundits, polls and straight from God on high.

Well, the truth -- now it's a different thing, though they never will confess

It's special interests pulling strings and accepting nothing less.

Woe is we.

If they want to keep their pockets lined and keep their wallets stout,

If they want that high-paid, cushy job when retired or voted out,

They better keep those fat cats happy and quote the proper quote.

Then they sit around and wonder why more of us don't vote.

Woe is we.

Commercials come across the tub. They call each other liars.

Unflattering photos, twisted quotes from the Waynesville Daily Crier.

Then when one gets elected, and oath of office he does take.

The vanquished search his history to find his best mistake.

Woe is we.

Sex or drugs or rock did throw, cheating on his taxes.

Telling lies in grammar school or sending obscene faxes.

Nothing is off limits or too detailed to print.

Let's put them on that ferry boat. Maybe then they'll get the hint.

Woe is we.

Despite the views expressed in this song, I do intend to vote. The people of Cape Girardeau have a wonderful opportunity to improve cultural opportunities and help revitalize the southeast area of town. By supporting the River Campus, I believe we can also take great strides toward fusing the city and university communities together. Vote yes on both River Campus issues.

DOUG BUCHHEISTER

Cape Girardeau