LETTER: Chris Kelly is a sound choice for 24th District

This November, the main issue is whether voters will finally admit that the Bush presidency and many Republican state officeholders have knowingly and vigorously pursued highly destructive paths. The rich became richer, our environment was routinely trashed and innocent people were bombed. Public education was left for dead, as its corpse was looted. (The insane cycle of testing is good business for test-makers and merchants of curriculum quick-fixes; at the same time, continuous testing keeps students from learning how to think and use their own voices.)

One small way to help reverse this trend ­- and it will take decades - is to elect former judge Chris Kelly to represent Missouri's 24th District. Kelly is an independent thinker. He is not swayed by party affiliation, and he is not beholden to big business. He is, however, influenced by common sense and sound ideas. He exercises a sharp, analytical mind that quickly evaluates the small parts of an issue while simultaneously adjusting the big picture. Maybe most importantly, Kelly is direct and plain-spoken. Please speak with him to find out for yourself.