LET'S HONOR FAMOUS MISSOURI WOMEN

          Isn’t it great to have a Missouri Hall of Fame where we can honor those individuals who have contributed so much wisdom and leadership and have even greatly influenced the culture of our State?  Such men as Harry Truman, Mark Twain, and Walt Disney.  And, now, the latest, Rush Limbaugh.

          But wait.  These are all men who are being honored.  How about selecting a few women?  There must be a number of women who have made both cultural and economic contributions to our State.  Of course, we would be hard put to come up with a nominee the stature and magnanomosity(sic) of a Rush Limbaugh.  But, surely there must be some women who have served our State well who would warrant such an honor.

          One lady in particular comes to mind.  Helen Gould Beck.  According to Missouri Life magazine, this lady was born in Elkton in Hickory County in 1904.  She became famous at the Chicago World’s Fair as a featured dancer.  Seems she invented a titilating dance using two large ostrich plumes to cover her naked body.  Her stage name was Sally Rand.

          We could erect a life-size statue of Sally and display it alongside the enormous bust of Limbaugh (he has a BIG head, remember) in the Rotunda.  People from all over the world could gaze on the tremendous range of honorees who grace the halls of our Capitol.  And, it would recognize the tremendous contribution that women have made in our State.

          I can see Sally and Rush, side by side.  What a message that would bring.  Think about it.