Letters: Readers discuss Michael Vick, military transgender policy and the Boy Scouts
Scout dishonor
After listening to President Donald Trump’s Monday speech to the Boy Scouts, I was furious.
Instead of talking about the good things Scouts represent, he held an election rally. He used profanity and made disparaging remarks about a number of people. Is this the Boy Scout way?
The worst part is that no one in the Republican Party will call him on it.
Susie Rawlings
Leawood
As an Eagle Scout and father of an Eagle Scout, I was saddened that the Boy Scouts of America allowed the Jamboree to be used for a campaign rally and to insult our former president in front of 30,000 boys of all backgrounds.
You would think the president would talk about how Boy Scouts teach young men to love and serve their country, but that probably didn’t cross his mind.
I hope the Boy Scout leaders have the courage to ask for a public apology and, unless they receive it, refuse future invitations to the president.
William Kenney
Kansas City
Transgender policy
In response to the president stating transgender individuals cannot serve in our military, Rep. Vickie Hartzler of Missouri once again embarrasses the state she purports to represent. (July 26, KansasCity.com, “Trump blocking transgender troops comes after pressure from Missouri’s Vicky Hartzler”)
She praised the president’s decision, stating her opinion that transgender people hurt military readiness. However, Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa, John McCain of Arizona and Dan Sullivan of Alaska — all of whom have served in the military during wartime — think it is a bad idea to ban anyone capable from service, and publicly oppose this policy.
Why does Hartzler, who has never served, hold a draft-dodger’s opinion in greater esteem than military veterans’? It’s clear she’s pandering to fanatics in her base. Again.
Daniel Donath
Lee’s Summit
Vick unacceptable
I am speechless (the clean word to describe how I feel). As a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, I am sickened to hear of any association with Michael Vick. (July 26, 1B, “Coach in training”)
He has coaching aspirations? A coach is someone to be admired, to provide leadership — everything this sorry excuse for a human being is not.
I cannot believe such a classy organization, and specifically the Hunt family, would associate with such a disgusting man.
I beg of you to Google what he did to dogs for sport and money. Then tell me you don’t agree. And speaking of money, sadly, it will be a while before I spend any on my hometown team.
Stacy Curtis
Mission Hills
This story was originally published July 26, 2017 at 2:44 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss Michael Vick, military transgender policy and the Boy Scouts."