As a public school teacher, I had the distinct priviledge of taking high school students to Washington, D.C. to participate in a week long look at goverment, Close UP.

While the students were being challenged and educated, I could follow the teachers’ program or wander about DC on my on. In one of those wanderings I walked the length of the reflecting pool and on to the Washington Monument. Near the end of the pool is a little bridge that leads to a tiny island called the “Signer’s Memorial.” Facsimilies of the signatures of the original signers of the Declaration of Indepence are engraved in stones. With each signature is the signer’s profession. These men volunteered their time and often their fortunes to the purpose of separating from England. Many of these same men were active in creating the constitution. Their original intent was that men who would and could separate from their privates lives would make up the two houses of government. I do not believe they intended or expected senators or representatives to spend the majority of their lives in government. But that is what has happened.

Rep. Boren, Senators Inhofe and Colburn need to be returned to Oklahoma as do any other member of congress who has served more than 12 years.

I know that new senators are unfamiliar with the workings of government run by committee and caucus, but what is wrong with new ideas and new plans? Rather than being forced to pass bills by negotiation or compromise, unobligated representative of the people might do just that: represent the people.

I am saddened to learn that Rep. Boren has become addicted the narcotic has has become Washington, DC.