The Democrat-Gazette version of "flyover people."

Apparently, if you don't live in Arkansas, your opinion doesn't matter.

...letters from out of state are not accepted,...

So, okay. I'll write my letter here instead. And while I'm at it, I just might think about removing the link to the Democrat-Gazette from my sidebar.

Thank you note.

I'd like to thank the legislators of Arkansas for their decision to remove the ability of restaurant owners to decide whether or not to allow smoking in their establishments.

Here in the little border town of Thayer, Missouri, where business owners still have the right to decide for themselves what happens on their property, it has led to a boom in the restaurant business. We're practically being swarmed with Arkansans who want to enjoy a good cigarette after their meals.

Thanks for sending all the tobacco refugees, and their money, our way! I'm sure our little city can find all sorts of ways to spend the tax revenue this generates, which used to go to Arkansas communities.

Keep up the good work!

John Hutchison,
Thayer MO.