Letters: Readers discuss Rep. Vicky Hartzler, flooding and Michael Vick coaching
Be responsive
I was recently in Washington, D.C., and planned to visit Rep. Vicky Hartzler along with a small group of constituents. We made a reservation and were told we would meet with a member of her staff instead.
During the meeting, Rep. Hartzler came in, heading for the back door. As she walked by me, I called her name and she stopped. I told her I brought her a message from Harrisonville, her hometown (and mine as well). My message was simple: Your constituents want you to come home and hold a public town hall meeting. Why won’t you come home and see us?
Hartzler exchanged pleasantries and left without answering my question. Her staffer later told us the congresswoman wasn’t doing town halls because tempers can flare and people might get upset.
When, as head of food services, I attended many town halls at a local retirement center and my customers raised sharp concerns, it was part of my job to hear their complaints. And so, it is Rep. Hartzler’s job to meet with her constituents and hear them out.
So when will she start doing it?
Joan Shores
Harrisonville
Flood risk
It amazes me that people continue to build a business or home in a flood plain. I just don’t know what to say .
An old farmer told me once, “Don’t buy no bottomland — it will flood.”
Emergency water rescue is important and must be done. But when you do something dumb like going into a building during a raging flood, which results in an unnecessary situation and causes others to risk life and limb, and don’t forget the expense — well, I’ve already addressed that.
Pardon the pun, but as a taxpayer I am getting tired of bailing you out.
Michael Smith
Independence
Guiding ideals
This nation was founded on principles our Founding Fathers fiercely debated. Some principles dated from classical times, and unknown numbers of men — and women — died for these ideals.
Three principles apply specifically to our present challenges. One is “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” The second is: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free … and the homeless.” The last one asks, “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”
These come from the Constitution, the Statue of Liberty and the Revised Standard Version Bible. The words of President Harry S. Truman also must be included: “Not all readers become leaders, but all leaders must be readers.” How many of today’s government officials qualify under Truman’s statement?
America must meet today’s challenges, or suffer tomorrow’s consequences. Our eyes must open soon, before our priceless democracy is overtaken by those who use it to satisfy their greed and hunger for power.
Nancy Cramer
Independence
Vick, Chiefs
I read your editorial on Michael Vick and appreciate your opinion, although I don’t agree with it. (July 28, 14A, “Michael Vick as a Chiefs coach: No and no”)
Just as Vick was in a position of power and influence and made mistakes, you also are in a position of power and influence within the media. Your editorial, meant to argue against a man getting a second chance, may have lasting results. Anything I write carries nowhere near that type of influence. You had the opportunity to write about the power of forgiveness but chose not to, which I find disappointing.
I’m a big fan of pets, and we have two cats and two dogs. I just took out a loan of $2,100 to save the life of my Great Dane, Tina. I have friends and family members who think that is absurd. My point is that I’m an animal lover, so I abhor what Vick did.
I am 51 years old and have done many things that in hindsight I am not proud of and that make me feel ashamed. I have learned to forgive myself, and I would hate to have those constantly brought up and scrutinized. I can’t change what has happened in the past, but I can choose to do things differently going forward.
I am betting you have incidents in your past that you wouldn’t want discussed every time your name is mentioned.
Joe Jacobson
Richmond
Parallels
That was a very insightful letter by Sen. Ron Richard, president pro tem of the Missouri Senate. (July 28, 14A)
Just substitute “taxpayer” for “worker” and “taxes” for “dues,” and you might have a feeling of how the citizens of our great country feel.
Dan Deasy
Overland Park
This story was originally published July 30, 2017 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss Rep. Vicky Hartzler, flooding and Michael Vick coaching."