Misguided gun priorities

It is now easier to buy a gun in most states than it is to get an photo identification card to be able to vote. Somehow, I think the founders would be appalled.

Charles St. Clair

Leawood

Freedom at the pump

Scott Zaremba, in his July 18 column, “E15 adds another option for drivers,” regaled readers about their freedom of choice to buy E15 ethanol-laced fuel. He neglected to say E15 increased the ethanol content by 50 percent compared with what is commonly dispensed from gas pumps in nearly all stations.

But I was dismayed that Zaremba didn’t suggest that I have the freedom to purchase fuel that is entirely lacking ethanol dilution if I wish. Apparently, his eight stations don’t provide me with this freedom.

There’s a station on Sixth Street in Lawrence that gives me this freedom, but it’s the only one I’m aware of. Therefore, when I have need to drive to Lawrence, I allow my gas gauge to get very low to take advantage of this freedom.

I’m upset that it takes more than 1.5 gallons of fossil fuel to produce only a gallon of corn-based ethanol, resulting in a fuel mixture that reduces my gas mileage by as much as 15 percent.

Zaremba, is there any possibility you could add a pure pump that is free of ethanol so this wonderful freedom might be available to people who’re aware of these facts?

Kent Comfort

Kansas City

Speeding is big hazard

For years, my street has had a posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour, and no one — people living in the neighborhood, delivery trucks or school buses — obeys the law.

I have called the Police Department to send officers, and they set up radar when they show up but they only stay maybe 10 minutes. I have called the school bus company to complain almost every day for the last two years.

I have even called the board of education, but nothing seems to be done. How can I get someone in these places of authority to listen and stop this from happening before officials are called out to an accident.

They need to listen to the public and help stop the speeding.

Gloria Mooney

Kansas City

KC safer with curfew

The summertime curfew in Kansas City for youths younger than 18 was implemented to stave off flash mobs that formed last year and resulted in three teens being wounded. I don’t believe the city put the curfew in place to curb economic growth for local businesses.

It was just the opposite — to keep them economically viable and safe. The curfew is a public safety issue.

It is one that is helping protect parents and their children and my daughter, too, who works on the Country Club Plaza.

I would say this curfew has worked thus far.

I know I feel a bit of relief knowing there is some level of protection for all on the Plaza.

Scott Schuckman

Lee’s Summit

Don’t forget to tip

My son is spending this summer delivering meals for a Kansas City area sandwich shop.

He pays for his own gas, and for six or seven hours he runs to and from the shop and drives to offices in an affluent Overland Park area, as well as to some homes.

I have been terribly disappointed to hear that half the people he delivers to neglect to add a tip.

They compliment him on how “speedy” he is and they seem to repeat order, meaning they like the service. But they even go to the extent of writing a zero in the tip line on the credit-card receipt.

I have to believe that they just don’t realize he is working almost solely for the tips.

These customers do not have to leave the comfort of their offices/homes, and they are enjoying an inexpensive and delicious lunch.

Please tip. The delivery is free, but a tip has been earned and is the right thing to do.

Nancy Trussell

Overland Park

Thanks to Rabbi Cohen

July marks the retirement of Rabbi Alan Cohen as director of InterReligious Affairs of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee. The effect of his work is extraordinary, and we salute his unique accomplishments.

Four years ago, with his then-retirement from Beth Shalom, we were fortunate to begin a formal relationship with Rabbi Cohen. He was asked to continue the development of partnering opportunities with clergy of many faiths and establish a clergy council, that could actively foster positive relationships among religious groups. He was perfect for this role.

His knowledge and experience set him apart as a respected leader and in bringing together the diverse religious elements.

It is our good fortune that the legacy of his work will not end with his retirement. JCRB|AJC, along with our partners in other faith communities, intend to carry on the work. Rabbi Cohen, thank you and best wishes for your well-deserved Florida retirement.

Frank W. Lipsman

Board Chair, JCRB/AJC

Leawood

Marvin Szneler

Executive Director

JCRB/AJC

Overland Park