To the editor:

I write to praise the Progressive Commission of the city of Lawrence for identifying a scourge upon the land and taking bold, effective steps to address trouble right here in River City — the underemployment of attorneys.

First, in the 6Wak land fiasco, they have voted for bold initiatives guaranteeing full employment to attorneys throughout Kansas with offices in Hutchinson, Wichita, Topeka, Overland Park and Kansas City. Second, with Ordinance 7782 — the no-smoking ordinance — they have crafted a statute that will provide multiple employment engagements for local attorneys defending property owners who fail to police their public place with a fire extinguisher in one hand and a can of air spray in the other.

Extend kudos to the Progressive Commission for its foresight in addressing this problem. The benefits to the community should be negligible; the benefits to the legal bar should be a BMW in every garage. Now, please excuse me while I go see my doctor to have my tongue taken out of my cheek.

Jonathan C. Becker,

Lawrence