Posted on Wed, Aug. 27, 2008

Pastor’s talk with candidates

Kathleen Parker’s column (8/25, Opinion, “The only winner here was the powerful pastor”) perfectly expressed the concerns I, and many of my friends, have experienced during this election cycle.

Why, in a country based on the separation of church and state, are questions about a candidate’s faith even being asked? We all hope for a president who is a good human being with good character, good intellect and good intentions. Whether he believes he has been “saved and forgiven,” has a close personal relationship with Jesus or is able to pass some other religious test should have no bearing and no place in our decision-making.

We have just endured 7 1/2 years with a president who passed the “religion test” and yet has supported torture, ignored the right to privacy of our citizens, and has sacrificed thousands of young men and women to an unnecessary war. Is that what we can expect from a “religious” candidate?

Let’s leave religion to our religious leaders and keep it out of the political arena.

Judy Sherry

Kansas City

Regarding Kathleen Parker’s column stating the Saddleback Church interviews with the presidential candidates were un-American: I extend my sympathy to her for missing the point so badly.

Polls have shown that 90 percent of Americans believe in God. Therefore, godly leadership is important to them. It does not mean that they are in favor of establishing a state religion, which is prohibited by the Constitution.

A view of our history would help Parker understand the role faith has had in the formation of the strength and integrity of our nation. If Parker is so concerned about the rights of citizens under the Constitution, why is she tromping on the rights of the 90 percent of her fellow countrymen who have faith?

For further research on the subject, Parker should read the book of John. I hope she will gather understanding and a change of heart and mind.

Dick Wasson

Lee’s Summit

Both candidates should have politely refused to attend the Rev. Warren’s interrogation. The Constitution clearly states there shall be no religious test for office.

This interrogation was just that: a religious test.

Monty Brown

Leawood

Democrats’ dim view of U.S.

Note to the Democrats in Denver: We don’t hate our country!

Why would anyone vote for people with such a negative view of America? All we hear from Barack Obama and Joe Biden is how miserable we are domestically and internationally. If we’re to believe them, all of America’s citizens are suffering and we are hated around the world. I’m tired of politicians telling everyone that my country is terrible.

Biden says we’re not living our dreams. Granted, many people are undergoing tough times, but when has government intervention ever helped? Will more welfare, more public housing or more taxes help? More government is never the answer. Allowing businesses and workers to keep more of their income is a far better plan.

Don’t be suckered this week by celebrities and politicians in Denver who know nothing of what you and I need. We need less government, not more; fewer taxes, regardless of your income, not more; alternative energy sources and more domestic oil.

We need more freedoms, not less; strong national security, not weak. We need our children’s lives and liberties protected, from the earliest moments.

We do not need America-haters leading America.

David Tritsch

Lee’s Summit

Cutting off nose to spite face?

It’s absolutely pathetic and humiliating how the “PUMA” supporters of Hillary Clinton have switched sides in wake of Clinton’s not being able to secure the Democratic nomination. I mean, these individuals backed Clinton on issues of universal health care, abortion rights and ending the war in Iraq.

But when she couldn’t make it, they did a perfect 180 by jumping to the McCain bandwagon and singing to the tune of pro-life and “go war.”

Now, isn’t that something that one would highlight to be the silly season in politics?

Raghvendra Singh

Warrensburg, Mo.

To Hillary Clinton’s unwavering supporters, I ask you, what is it you want? Your candidate made history, but in the end Democratic voters made another strong choice in Barack Obama. His views, policies and plans for a better America are closely aligned with Hillary’s. He picked an equally powerful running mate with a strong history of supporting women.

Hillary supports them and the Democratic platform. So should you, unless what you want is four more divisive, disastrous years of McSame.

Brent Anderson

Fairway

McCain and Teddy Roosevelt

John McCain looks to Teddy Roosevelt as his inspiration. He certainly emulates Teddy in one respect — a lack of computer and Internet experience and savvy.

I do not know for certain, but I strongly suspect from all my study of Theodore Roosevelt that Teddy knew how many homes he owned. Therefore, the favorable comparison ends.

Hal Marshall

Lake Lotawana

Laura, take your husband, please

Jim Kudlinski (8/22, Letters) recommends a method of engaging one’s spouse to effect positive change in the politics of our country. Mr. Kudlinski suggests that Nancy Pelosi’s husband bring her home. I am in favor of this approach.

Following this logic: Mrs. Bush, please bring your husband back to Crawford and keep him there. We have suffered enough. He’s in over his head. A corresponding request could be made of Mrs. Cheney.

Royceann Mather

Overland Park

Chinese gymnast scandal

It appears that an investigation is finally under way to seek more information on the age status of Olympic performers.

Some suggest that if performers do not meet specs, they should lose medals earned. That is bad thinking. On an individual basis these performers earned their medals and should keep them. However, team coaches and retinue should be penalized.

A very mild judgment would prevent the gymnastic team from performing at the next Olympics and any other international meet for five years. That would send a signal and take the onus away from individual performers who have little choice but to perform.

A stronger signal would be to prevent China from participating in the next Summer Olympics. But as we know, that smacks of politics and will never carry any weight to fruition.

Peter Babalian

Kansas City

The world has realized that many of the rumors about China’s female gymnastic stars were true despite the assurances by the 2008 Olympic hosts. Documents have been discovered indicating that three of the gymnasts are under the 16-year-old age requirement.

I find this to be an unbelievable mistake by the Chinese, especially since they were the hosts for the 2008 Olympic Games. I strongly believe the Chinese should face consequences for their unacceptable mistakes.

Hopefully someone with power can do something about this, despite the fact that the Games have officially concluded.

Brice Harrison

Prairie Village

Missing Shirley McKeown

Even after six long years, I still miss my neighbor Shirley McKeown (8/24, Local, “Disappearance still unsolved”).

On Aug. 24, 2002, Shirley left our neighborhood to run over to her daughter’s house. She has not been seen since. Her white Cadillac was recovered later, but no sign of Shirley.

Shirley was a lovely lady who would never hurt anyone or anything (except for the blacksnake she found in her birdhouse once).

Someone knows what happened to Shirley, and they need to call the Kansas City Police Department TIPS Hotline (816-474-TIPS). Then we can have some closure.

Betty Dorrell

Kansas City

Be gracious, Gloria

Kansas Rep. S. Mike Kiegerl (8/21, Letters) describes Gloria Squitiro as a gracious person. She could use that attribute to become a hero for Kansas City by graciously leaving the mayor’s office to do other worthwhile things such as teaching prenatal courses and childbirth classes.

If the mayor needs help in his office, this should be a paid position.

Esther A. Giffin

Kansas City

Restorative justice programs

Jackson County Prosecutor Jim Kanatzar’s goal to reduce offender recidivism through expanded re-entry programs is admirable (8/9, Local, “Kanatzar has plan to reduce homicides”). But that’s only half of the problem. The other half, the more important half, is to keep people out of prison in the first place.

Restorative justice practices, with victim offender mediation as the “flagship,” is proving more and more effective in accomplishing this goal. To date there are more than 300 such restorative justice programs in the U.S.

Mr. Kanatzar should look into them as our own Pettis County prosecutor, Jeff Mittelhauser, is so courageously doing.

Margaret L. Harlan

Director, Sedalia Community

Mediation Center

Sedalia, Mo.

Fire safety in nursing homes

Do not those who are so adamantly against smoke detectors in nursing home and care facilities (8/25, Local, “Fire safety should rank higher in nursing homes”) realize that they themselves may well bear the fruit of their folly?

Nancy M. Ehrlich

Independence

Thanks from Chapman, Kan.

A simple “thank you” seems inadequate to describe what it has meant to see all the support pouring in after the destruction that hit USD 473 and the Chapman community. The donations and hours of hard work that have been given to help everyone affected by the tornado have been phenomenal. Offers of assistance with manpower, equipment, food, donations and just a word of support or caring have been a great encouragement for everyone.

It would be impossible to acknowledge each individual who has made a contribution to the recovery effort, but please know that we are grateful for everyone who has assisted in any way. School started as scheduled on Aug. 18 because of teamwork. Because of everyone’s support, we are looking forward to a wonderful school year.

Thank you again for all that you have done for our schools and our community. The board, administration, staff and students are sincerely grateful for your support.

Tony Frieze

Superintendent, USD 47

Chapman, Kan.

Grateful to Powell Gardens

We would like to publicly thank Powell Gardens for providing free transportation from the satellite facility on Rockhill Road to and from Powell Gardens. A comfortable bus took us to Powell Gardens to see their butterfly exhibits recently. It was a very worthwhile trip.

Apparently some foundations had provided the funds to pay for the transportation. Many people could not make the trip on their own and chose to use the free transportation. We were one of those couples.

Powell Gardens is a beautiful place, and we were greeted by a dedicated staff of people who went out of their way to help us see the sights. The butterfly exhibits were an added feature in addition to the thousands of blooming flowers.

Again our thanks goes out to those who made our visit to the gardens possible.

Paul and Marie Whitmer

Kansas City

---