What I sent:

Subject: Honorary title of Colonel?
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998 07:58:47 -0800
From: E.Z.Smith
To: Senator Fred Thompson

Dear Senator Thompson

Pardon this inquiry from an ignorant Californian who means no disrespect. While watching a recent broadcast set in the Great State of Tennessee it was mentioned that obtaining the honorary title of Colonel was not uncommon. Can you tell me if the title is ever bestowed upon a worthy California resident? Much thanks for your time and forbearance.

Sincerely:

Ernest Zane Smith

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What I received in the mail:

It never hurts to ask.

Q. It's driving me crazy: Is Sen. Fred Thompson the same Fred Thompson who played in the movie "The Hunt for Red October?" They look and sound alike. -- M., Stockton, Calif. A. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn, is a lawyer-turned-actor-turned-politician who was elected in 1994 to serve out the unexpired Senate term of Vice President Al Gore. Before turning to politics, Thompson appeared in the movies "Cape Fear," "Die Hard II," "In the Line of Fire," and "The Hunt for Red October." Now he heads the Senate committee investigating campaign finance irregularities. ©1997 Bergen Record Corp.