Smiley Anders for Oct. 3, 2008

• By SMILEY ANDERS
• Advocate columnist
• Published: Oct 3, 2008 - Page: 1B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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I felt this little story was worth recycling:

Becky Caruso says, “Once again the presidential election is near.

“In October 1996 I sent a little story about my daughter’s take on the election of that year. Here it is:

“We do not usually talk politics at home with our daughter Laurel, 4.

“Nevertheless, she has formed her own political opinions.

“At the dinner table a few nights ago, Laurel asked brightly, ‘Mama, who’s the president of the United States?’

“ ‘Bill Clinton,’ I answered matter-of-factly.

“ ‘Humph,’ she said, disappointed. ‘I like George Washington.’

“ ‘Well,’ I said, ‘I do too, honey, but George Washington’s been dead for a long, long time.’

“She paused as a sad look came over her. She lay her head face down on her arm on the table and then looked up at me.
“ ‘I know,’ she said dejectedly, ‘and I sure do miss him.’ ”

Thanks, Becky. I recall my response at the time:

“I know how she feels — heck, I miss Harry            Truman. …”

Uneasy listening
Paul Major, who is relieved that our Worst Song Contest is over (“I, unfortunately, remember each one and wind up humming or singing one or more of the wretched entries ALL DAY LONG!”) nominates “Sugar Shack” by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs.