I’ve noticed that since the Bush administration began, whenever television cameras film a segment from his Texas ranch, there is always a tumbledown shed or two in the background. I’m curious as to why they would choose such a setting.

I’ve never been to Texas, so this may be what it looks like, and maybe they are showing how the Bushes are like everybody else. They may be trying to show the president’s humble beginnings. They may be trying to show that he, too, is suffering the effects of the poor economy.

Perhaps they could get President Carter and one of his Habitat for Humanity crews down there, with a few dollars from one of Bush’s corporate campaign contributors, and fix things up. Or perhaps “This Old House” could do a show called “These Old Sheds” and spruce up the outbuildings. I’d hope they could get on schedule and wrap it up before the next head of state makes a visit. It’s a little embarrassing for even me; call it old-fashioned family values.

Glyn David Lovely

Presque Isle