I KNEW there had to be a reason.

Of course, it's STUPID. I asked people to e-mail me if they knew why the editorialists at Peoria Journal Star despise the Fire Department SO much. I asked why these fine journalists continue to advocate Fire Department budget cuts when every consultant the City hired stated fire protection is not up to snuff in the older areas of town.

TWENTY TWO (a new daily record) e-mails later, I know. Many of the e-mails were from elected officials, including more than a few on the City Council. Interestingly enough, the reason does not vary - AT ALL.

The abbreviated version: Years ago, Associate Editor Shelley Epstein got his "clock cleaned" by a Fire Chief. Apparently, Epstein has had a chip on his shoulder ever since.

Hey! Shell! GROW THE FUCK UP!!! (Polly doesn't like profanity, but at times it is necessary.) Has 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina taught you nothing about how dependent we mere mortals are on emergency service personnel when the chips are down? I know you. I know your physique. You are more screwed than most of us should fleeing become necessary. Moreover, if you do need to flee, there is a very good chance your rotund ass could suffer a heart attack and you might be happy to have your friendly firefighter (who will be there, on average, three minutes sooner than AMT) be able to do more than pat your head and give you last rights.

Put down the male ego, pick up a pen, and use your brain to support those who will support you, whether they want to or not.