Letters: Readers discuss giving up Facebook, Schlitterbahn designs and ending poverty
A Facebook break
I gave up Facebook for Lent. Now the observance has just ended, and I am happy to report that the withdrawal has been (mostly) painless.
Since Feb. 14, I have not maligned nor been maligned by political adversaries. I have not tested my IQ, found out my celebrity crush or investigated the amazing array of skin-rejuvenation products.
I have not snarked or jeered at the fates of the basketball teams of my friends.
Not once have I pined for a life other than the one I am living right now.
On the other hand, I also have not congratulated any people on their children’s piano recitals, seen the photos of my siblings’ European vacation, wished a high school buddy happy birthday or marveled at the wit and faith of one of my online friends.
In the end, I must conclude that Facebook is a lot like fire: Kept under control and used judiciously, it has an enormous capacity for good. Used mindlessly, it can cause great harm.
Facebook — and all other forms of social media — are tools. Nothing more. Nothing less.
It is up to you and me to use them wisely.
Russell Brown
Overland Park
Basic physics
The tragedy at Schlitterbahn was the result of mismanagement and poor design with no knowledge of weights and balances. Anyone who is familiar with aircraft is taught these concepts.
Too much weight forward, and the nose can never lift. Too much too far back, and the tail will never level out.
The unsecured raft, loaded with the heaviest occupant in the rear, was apparently fatally tail-heavy. As it began its ascent, the rearward center of gravity lifted the front and resulted in Caleb Schwab’s death.
Ronald D. Burri
Pleasant Hill
Dubious wisdom
Teens protesting gun violence should be learning CPR instead, said ex-senator Rick Santorum. (March 26, 3A “Rick Santorum: Learn CPR, don’t seek gun laws”)
I guess that way they could pump the blood out of the bullet holes faster.
Suzanne Conaway
Kansas City
We need trucking
As a transportation professional, I cannot disagree more with the guest commentary, “We don’t need larger trucks on Missouri roads” by Stacy Washington. (March 25, 21A)
First, heavier weights would permit fewer trucks as the freight markets grow. Maintaining current weight and length rules would require more tractor trailers as the economy expands.
As for taxpayers subsidizing the trucking industry, truckers pay for roads through fuel taxes. And even if they don’t buy fuel in Missouri, they are paying apportioned taxes on the mileage reported driven in the state.
The industry has been begging to pay more in taxes, because its leaders know that well-maintained roads help safety and maintenance.
Safety? The vast majority of truck-related accidents result from car drivers being inattentive or cutting off trucks.
If the author wants to buy groceries, shop or order online, then she needs to thank a truck driver.
I have always believed that people would be less afraid of trucks if trailers were transparent so others could see the appliances, apparel, machinery and food that consumers depend on for their way of life.
John Wagner
Prairie Village
Fight poverty
I am a supporter, intern and volunteer for The Borgen Project, which fights to end global poverty and hunger.
The United States has the unique opportunity to end global poverty. The Borgen Project says $30 billion per year could end world hunger.
The U.S. will allocate nearly $700 billion for military spending in 2018. If $30 billion of that shifted toward ending global poverty, the U.S. would still have the most generously funded military forces on the planet.
According to the 2017 Commitment to Development Index, the U.S. offers only 0.18 percent of its national income and ranks near the bottom among the 27 wealthiest countries.
Offering more aid to countries in need also would help the U.S. It would boost our economy by increasing the number of consumers and strengthen our national security by providing resources and education to some of the world’s most war-prone regions.
Hunger affects 11 percent of the global population — 815 million people.
The world needs our help. Lend a hand by donating to The Borgen Project and by contacting your members of Congress.
We are enough. We just have to take action.
Kelley O’Conor
Morgan
Overland Park
This story was originally published March 30, 2018 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss giving up Facebook, Schlitterbahn designs and ending poverty."