LETTERS 05/11/08

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Jeannie Brandstetter

Jefferson City

Jason Whitlock’s commentary (5/4, Sports, “Athletes and guns a bad mix”) focused on a football player who scuffled with, shot and wounded a man outside a business owned by the football player.

Mr. Whitlock does not convict the athlete, a generosity joined by the police and prosecutors, but he certainly blames the athlete for whatever transpired. The athlete carried a gun. According to Mr. Whitlock, guns emit some unexplained voodoo influence that causes humans to seek out unsafe areas and pick fights.

As an attorney, I have represented gun owners in matters great and small for 25 years. I do not know any who have gone to dangerous areas simply because they have a gun.

I do have clients who have been attacked on their own doorsteps and forced to defend themselves from a stray psycho or rabid ex-spouse. Mr. Whitlock’s suggestion that they “escalated” the attack or “jeopardized” their safety, much less that they “pick fights” is as wrong as it is insulting.

Kevin L. Jamison

Gladstone

The current decision of the Louisiana legislature to allow for the execution of those convicted of child rape (5/7, Opinion, “Pro-con: Should the death penalty be expanded to include persons who rape children?”) could set a precedent that could be problematic as states such as Missouri consider similar measures.

What would be the treatment afforded to those convicted of incest? Is the crime any less damaging if the perpetrator is one’s own parent? If not, could this then lead to children offering testimony against their own parents, with the possible result being the state-sanctioned execution of their parents?

I have no answers, only questions — but questions well worth consideration.

Jeremy Deeken

Kansas City

It was good to read that MoDOT has “turned that corner” regarding green alternatives (5/3, Letters). Steve Porter pointed out the native grasses that have been planted in various medians and along road corridors. While I applaud this effort, I am deeply disappointed that MoDOT did not turn the green corner before building the bus transit station at Red Bridge and 71 Highway.

There is nothing green about it. The entire parking area and the medians installed on Red Bridge are simply more endless pavement.

Buffalo grass or native flowers would have been a welcome sight and certainly would have cut down on the amount of runoff to already overloaded catch basins. Even a tree or two would have been nice. They would be good for the environment and appreciated by those who leave their cars all day under the blistering sun.

There are also many other green solutions for parking areas, and it’s time MoDOT and this city started implementing them.

Teresa Edens

Kansas City

As a smoker, it is a personal choice to do damage to my body. However, we as smokers live among nonsmokers, who choose to not harm their bodies in this way.

Out of respect toward nonsmokers, the Earth and those too young or dumb (such as pets), here are some considerations to be a smart smoker:

•Do not smoke around kids, whether it be on a sidewalk, in a group or if kids are in the car. They have no voice to say, “Hey put out that cigarette!”

•Throw cigarette butts in the trash. We rant and rave about littering, yet it’s OK to throw a cigarette outside? No. Flick the cherry off the cigarette and put the remaining filter back in the box it came from or in a trash can.

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