Mayor over schools? No!I’ve been reading The Kansas City Star’s stories regarding Mayor Sly James’ plan to take over the Kansas City Public School system. No way, I say!
The mayor currently has the ultimate responsibility for our dysfunctional Kansas City Water Services Department.Let’s see whether Mayor James’ governance skills can provide at least a modicum of improvement there before we entrust him with something as important as the education of our schoolchildren. John Murry Kansas CityIndependence CenterI have two words of warning to the owners and management at the Independence Center: Bannister Mall. Howard Hardegree IndependenceRon Paul coverageIt’s time for The Star to stop ignoring presidential candidate Ron Paul. It is entirely unethical to marginalize Dr. Paul, no matter how anti-establishment his views are.The Star should try to do better than the mainstream media, not copy it. Garrett Griffin StilwellCure for winter blahsThe Jan. 16 article, “Don’t be SAD: Here’s how to fight the winter blahs,” gives four suggestions that are of very little value. The “winter blahs” could also be known as “cabin fever,” which could be caused by vitamin D deficiency.The deficiency is the result of lack of sunshine on our skin. The cure may be to take a vitamin D supplement.To be sure you are getting enough, go to your doctor and get tested to see how deficient you are, and then your doctor should be able to prescribe the proper dose.Not only might the vitamin D raise your mood level, but there may be several other health benefits you should read about as well. Phil Langley Lenexa Editor’s note: According to the National Institutes of Health, optimal vitamin D concentrations in the body have not been established, and most nutrients should come from food. Review misses markRobert Trussell’s Jan. 14 review ‘“Beer’ can be hard to swallow,” of the current show, “Beer for Breakfast” at the American Heartland Theater was really unfair.Having been a season ticketholder for more than 25 years, I must say that this was one of top 10 to 15 shows I have ever seen there.The acting by all the principals was extremely strong and the comedy was outstanding, especially between Cathy Barnett and Scott Cordes.I hope not many theater patrons will pass this one up just because of Trussell’s review.All four of these people are seasoned actors who absolutely deliver with their individual skills in a thoroughly enjoyable way during this show. The American Heartland Theater should be proud of having done this show. From those of us who truly enjoy quick paced, lively theater with a strong comedic content, I say bravo. James McHugh LibertyBudget cuts in KansasKansas Gov. Sam Brownback wants to bring families to live here, but current residents are facing the slashing of funds for mental health — cuts among the worst among the 50 states. Cuts in education will cost many teaching jobs.Cuts to Planned Parenthood have been drastic, and cuts have occurred in programs for the disabled and elderly who depend on Medicaid.These are among the most vulnerable people in the state. Barbara Younger GardnerMcClanahan columnE. Thomas McClanahan’s Jan. 15 column, “Unmoored Republicans, bashing capitalism,” states that private equity companies help destroy “obsolete” or declining industries so that new more efficient industries can replace them.Too bad most of these destroyed industries are not replaced.Let the fired workers get part time jobs at Walmart, cash advance storefronts or McDonald’s restaurants. Wealth creation and prosperity now happens only for those people involved in the finance sector of the economy. Everybody else gets to fight for the scraps left over by the investor class.If this keeps up, as it will, there is a silver lining: Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and the rest of the investor class will need protection as society collapses. A lot of opportunity will develop for private security contractors. Paul Conway LeavenworthTebow merits praiseRegarding the Jan. 16 letter, “Enough of Tim Tebow,” I would like to submit an opposing view. First of all, the media have put him in the limelight. Tim is simply doing what Jesus Christ asks of every believer in him — to be a witness for him, wherever that person may be.No Christian would want anyone else worshiping him. No one but God knows the heart of anyone else.I believe that Tim is honestly giving the glory to God when he bows his head after doing well on the football field. In the Bible, in the book of Genesis, Joseph is treated unfairly for being faithful to God. The unbelievers around him are blessed because of him and God’s graciousness and mercy. More than anyone, Jesus was persecuted by the very ones for whom he died.Jesus deserves our worship and praise. I 1 Samuel 2:30, God says, “For them who honor me I will honor....”I say, God bless Tim Tebow for honoring the Lord. I want to do the same. Tobie Yoder MerriamPress creates circusA member of the local media said one of the worst things to happen last year was the “circus-like” atmosphere surrounding the missing baby Lisa in the Northland. Let’s not forget, the local media bought into this circus-like atmosphere — at least 100 percent. Mike Crawford Kansas CityGuns’ danger to publicThe Independence Mall was another in the tragic Kansas City saga of public shootings. Where is it safe? The U.S. Supreme Court’s Second Amendment decision allows virtually anyone to carry a gun everywhere.Citizens may just be enjoying a day of shopping, entertainment, a ball game or church. But how is it possible for us to know who is packing? Concealed carry means that anyone may have a gun in his pocket, purse or even a leg holster. Home-grown handgun terrorists should be greeted with high-tech security upon entering businesses open to the public. Metal detection security apparatus and personnel should, by law, be just as routine for businesses, arenas and malls the same as the comparatively seldom-used airport check-ins. The protection of the citizens of the United States is surely as constitutionally significant as the non-infringed right to carry a gun. Bill Emerson Kansas CityHope in U.S. politicsI hope that January is not the beginning of the Newt year. Martin Magers Lee’s Summit1 percent job creatorsI had to respond to those who have demanded that the rich should pay reparations to the 99 percent because we have been forced to endure a reduced standard of living. I am amazed at how misguided so many people are. I work for millionaires. They have much more than I do, but that has never and will never upset me. They have a 138-year-old family business that has provided very good jobs for hundreds or even thousands of people over that time.I, and millions of others like me, would not have the opportunities that we have if not for the so-called 1 percent. These poor, misguided folks don’t have a clue how to make our economy improve. They just want a handout. If you want to be a socialist, then move to Europe.The U.S. is a free-market economy, and that is why our standard of living is the highest in the world.But if we don’t vote President Barack Obama out of office soon, we might not be able to retain that status. Barry R. Randolph Marshall, Mo.Chiefs’ new beginningIt’s a new year and many Kansas City Chiefs fans hope this is the year that Scott Pioli actually begins his general manager job. Robert Devine Excelsior SpringsRead more Letters to the Editor
Posted on Fri, Jan. 20, 2012 06:03 PM
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