Posted on Thu, Feb. 14, 2008

We share the planet

Dave King is correct (2/11, Letters) that polar bears do not vote. But they do matter. The loss of this animal represents a change so drastic in our climate that it will affect humans, even those in Leawood.

Non-renewable resource depletion, habitat loss, over-population and climate change must not be political issues. We exist on the same planet, and gross inequities aside, breathe the same air and drink the same water.

King is also correct: we’ve been scammed — scammed into believing that coal, oil and natural gas are the answer. However, world population has surpassed the peak of world oil supply and demand for this resource has only begun. Frantic drilling, mining and deforestation will only exacerbate planet destruction.

If fear paralyzes us, we will certainly see earth’s demise. If we join together, help educate one another, change our habits, and demand smart leaders, perhaps we can reverse our destructive course.

Barbara Brede

Kansas City

Longtime Valentines

I would “simply and sweetly” add another category of lovers to Kansas City Star writer Cindy Hoedel’s “Say ‘I love you’ simply, sweetly” (2/10, H+H): The older, more seasoned lovers who still celebrate every day as if it’s Valentine’s Day.

It may not take a “power box” or a keepsake or flowers or even a Valentine card (though those things are nice.)

It may be as simple as saying a prayer of thanksgiving — for still being here and together, for being faithful and responsible, for being in tune to one another, for consideration and cooperation and conversation, for sharing a look or good book or good movie.

And, of course, for saying “I love you” many times during the day and hugs for nothing.

Thank you, Lord, for my Valentine of 45 years.

Mary Pat Miller

Overland Park

Teachers undervalued

“Education majors opt for math and science” (2/11, Local) left out a key issue for school districts today. As boomers retire, districts will see a shortage of teachers in all fields. Inadequate pay fails to lure dedicated workers to the career.

It’s sad when college students turn to teaching only when other jobs are scarce, as though teaching is a bottom-of-the-barrel choice. But to give incentives to just math and science teachers? Where does that leave the rest of us? I hear horror stories from young married teachers, trying to raise a family and pay off student loans. Are they and veteran teachers not worthy of more money, too?

Thank goodness, you left out the old cliché, “I didn’t go into teaching for the money.” We didn’t, but what’s wrong with wanting to be paid well after eight years of college and while working under the pressure of federal testing? No wonder college students shun teaching jobs when contemplating careers.

I am in teaching because I love what I do. I truly wish society would regard teachers as important as doctors and lawyers and pay us accordingly. School districts, look at the big picture and do the right thing for all teachers.

Cindy Dial

Paola, Kan.

Animals and staph

Recently in the news, at least 10 reputable medical studies have reported that antibiotic overuse in concentrated animal factory farms helps breed MRSA, the dreaded antibiotic-resistant superbug that causes deadly staph infections.

Reputable medical organizations, such as the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, have called for a moratorium on building any new concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Missouri until the hazards to the health and welfare of Missouri citizens can be resolved and citizen safety can be reasonably assured.

Yet while we hear of ways to treat the symptoms — wash your hands, avoid overcrowding — we hear nothing about safety measures to prevent MRSA in these crowded meat factories.

Meanwhile, meat factory workers are potentially exposed to these superbugs, and in turn, can expose the rest of the community.

It is fair to ask: What is the state doing to inspect these meat factories, and stop the breeding of deadly antibiotic-resistant staph germs?

Your readers will be disturbed to find out that apparently, little if anything is being done to protect them from this threat.

Maria Chappelle-Nadal

Missouri House of Representatives, District 72

University City, Mo.

Stop bullying

Restorative justice (RJ) practices, especially “circle processes,” have been found to be very effective for adolescents in bullying. These practices are used at the federal level and by the Department of Public Safety in Missouri.

RJ is more effective than traditional counseling or punishment. The goal is to heal the harm, while holding the offender fully accountable. Missouri is considered a forerunner in this area with juveniles.

We are attempting to set up RJ program for adults in Sedalia, Mo., to try to keep the prison population from ever expanding and to address the recidivism rate (estimated at 60 to 70 percent) in our prisons.

For specific information, contact me, the Community Mediation Center in Independence or the Juvenile Justice Specialist (State of Missouri, Department of Public Safety) in Jefferson City.

Margaret L. Harlan

Licensed psychologist

Sedalia, Mo.

Study English

I do not want to take away the language of any immigrant (2/12, Letters). Rather, I ask them to learn English as a second language and use it as a citizen of the United States.

My 7-year-old granddaughter is in an experimental class in Kingwood, Texas. Classes are taught in English three days a week and in Spanish two days. I had the pleasure of visiting her class in December, and 90 percent of the students were Hispanic and were bilingual. I am proud of my granddaughter for her accomplishments.

Paul N. Shy

Kansas City

Stars from KC

I had the great opportunity of seeing Kansas City’s own Eddie Griffin perform a few weeks ago. It was his last show of the weekend and he performed for three hours.

During Eddie’s performance he talked about all the good things about his home town. His observations about the strengths of Kansas City were very accurate. He also pointed out that he and Don Cheadle were successful entertainers from Kansas City and that neither one had ever had a road in Kansas City named after them.

As we continue to add and improve Kansas City’s entertainment areas and other districts, why not recognize our two successful actor/comedians by renaming a street or streets after them?

Norm Dexter

Lee’s Summit

Stormwater, sewer problems

Recent articles in The Star question the costs and, presumably, need for sewer replacements in Kansas City.

Last fall I noticed and photographed toilet paper flushed to the street (Oak Street) during a heavy rain.

Runoff from Kansas City mixes with untreated sewage to flow into streams, gutters and basements after heavy rains.

The problem needs fixing for Kansas City to become a livable and healthy community.

Sure it will cost money, but we’re not talking frivolity here. These are basic services that must be provided to Kansas Citians.

Raymond Coveney

Kansas City

A Star editorial (2/10, “Don’t burden customers when constructing sewer proposal”) says Kansas City should not “burden customers” by passing on the expense of improvements to the sewer system needed “to prevent stormwater from entering sewage lines during heavy rains,” leading to pollution of waterways.

Instead, The Star calls for city officials to lobby for federal funds or increase the sales tax. I disagree.

Much needed momentum is building to curb “earmarks.” This is what earmarks look like from the local point of view. People across America should not be forced to pay for local projects. Shoppers in Kansas City shouldn’t be expected to chip in either. People who use the sewer system should pay for the improvements.

To minimize rate increases the city should make sure city officials have “slimmed down” this “incredibly ambitious” proposal (as your editorial writer puts it) where possible, then pay for it by issuing tax-exempt bonds to be paid off over the life of the improved system.

Winston Apple

Independence

KC smoking ban

To those who support a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants: Congratulations.

Come April, the voters will likely approve such a ban for Kansas City, and you’ll be able to walk into any business in town and enjoy nice, clean air.

At the same time, though, you will have stripped hundreds of small business owners of the ability to decide what legal activities take place within their establishments.

These are small business owners who, in many cases, gave their blood sweat and tears to build their businesses into what they are today.

They have earned the right to decide what goes on inside their establishments, so long as it is legal.

If you don’t like their decisions, you should voice your disapproval by not frequenting that establishment.

After all, nobody is forcing you to walk inside a smoke-filled bar or restaurant!

When you use the power of government to impose your personal preferences on others, we all lose. Today, it’s about smoking, but what might it be about tomorrow?

In this day and age, we should be cherishing each and every last freedom we have, even the ones we’re not particularly fond of.

Michael Keizer

Independence

Vote to end the war

Speaking of President Bush, Charles Krauthammer writes, “He’s kept us safe” (2/10). Not true of 4,000 soldiers who have died in Iraq, or thousands more who have suffered head trauma or lost limbs. By “us,” Krauthammer refers to the wealthy who can avoid sending their children into the military.

One could understand our involvement if Iraq was behind 9/11, but it was not. This ongoing war is about maintaining our access to Iraq’s oil and the multinational oil companies’ record profits. It’s draining our economy in a time when so many families are struggling to stay afloat.

This November voters have a choice. Vote Republican to continue the war, or Democratic to end it.

Alex Migliazzo

Leawood

Elections are coming

In regard to The Star’s article “GOP racing for House’s exit door” (2/12, A-1) it’s clear that many of those departing Republicans who supported Bush and the Iraq war can read the handwriting on the wall, and are choosing to “cut and run” instead of “staying the course” and facing the wrath of angry voters this November.

Eddie L. Clay

Grandview

McCain’s speeches

Would someone please pass it along to John McCain that he and I are not friends?

Vince Milum

Lenexa

Liberty Memorial

With all of these “pork” projects we hear of (“bridge to nowhere,” etc.), our congressional representatives should strongly request that the Liberty Memorial become part of the National Park service.

This is not a pork project. This memorial is truly national in meaning and is the only one in the country.

Stanley Goldman

Fairway

Thank you

Many thanks to the kind couple that stopped Sunday late afternoon and rescued the two stray pups running in the median of south 71 Highway. The traffic was horrific, and several cars narrowly missed hitting the frantic dogs.

We didn’t get your names, but we wanted you to know that they have been reunited with their grateful owners who committed to getting them collars and tags and neutering them.

Susan and Mark Hamilton

Westwood