LETTERS 05/13/08

What are we to do? The good people are moving out, and that leaves us with the drug dealers, prostitutes and other criminals.

Stephen Summers

President, Glennco Inc.

Independence

I can think of a dozen people who would be alive today if they had not been shot with a handgun. We are the only so-called civilized country in the world where anyone — children, the mentally ill — can obtain a gun. Now it seems the government will allow handguns in our national parks (5/1, A-1, “End to parks gun ban moves ahead”).

When will this madness stop? We must speak out and let our congressmen know this is not acceptable.

Shirley Baker

Overland Park

We need campaign reform.

There should be a time limit. It is insane to start the next campaign the very next day after an election. Our elected officials should spend their time in Washington to do the job they were elected to and get paid for by the taxpayers. It would be easier to judge them by their accomplishments while in office.

A shorter campaign time would also save an enormous amount of money that could be used for many different needs. It would also save the candidates’ energy, which could be used for working on the job.

A shorter campaign time would also help the public stay interested in the subjects at hand and increase voter participation.

As a naturalized citizen, I value my right to vote. It is a privilege I treasure.

Ruth H. Iliff

Overland Park

Maybe to avoid the confusion of “KC North” and “North Kansas City,” we could eliminate “KC North” altogether.

Instead, Kansas City, Mo., could have “boroughs” like New York City: Clay, Platte and Jackson. At the rate the Clay and Platte boroughs are growing, their populations will each eventually be equal to that of the Jackson borough. Then we will no longer view them either collectively as KC North or as outskirts.

Darrell Coleman

Owner, Eclektica Salon in Briarcliff Village

Kansas City

A recent article on human trafficking (4/25, Local, “Public safety: Guilty plea in sex-trafficking case”) drew attention to a pervasive problem hidden in communities across the country.

The question that occurs to every person of conscience after reading of human trafficking is, naturally, “What can I do?” One answer is simply, “Keep your eyes open.”

Victims of trafficking are often encountered by the public in the course of daily business. Signs of a victim of trafficking include someone who does not speak English, lacks a passport, is fearful or depressed and shows evidence of abuse, such as bruises.

If someone suspects a case of trafficking, they may call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, established by the Bush Administration, toll-free at 1-888-373-7888. Once a victim is identified, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps provide food, access to shelter, legal assistance, job training and health care.

By working together to fight this injustice, Americans can help eradicate the scourge of modern-day slavery.

Daniel Schneider

Acting Assistant Secretary

for Children and Families,

U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services

Washington, D.C.

It is obvious that the reason Hillary has not thrown in the towel is she is trying to work out a deal with Obama to run as his vice president.

• Most Read