Kansas liquor laws, shackling women prisoners, McCaskill

Open market

Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer recently signed a bill allowing bars to serve liquor starting at 6 a.m. (May 15, 3A, “In Kansas, 6 a.m. drinking can begin within days”) However, you still cannot buy a bottle of wine at the grocery store.

The liquor lobby claims that allowing the sale of liquor in grocery stores would put independently owned liquor stores out of business.

The last time I checked, selling liquor in grocery stores in Missouri was legal, and there still seem to be quite a few liquor stores in business.

Carol Kelly

Overland Park

Break the chains

As medical and public health practitioners in Kansas City, we are thrilled that the Missouri legislature has outlawed the shackling of prisoners who are in active labor. Our greatest concern now is that although the law applies to prisons that are part of the Missouri Department of Corrections, the rules won’t apply to city or county jails in the state.

Putting chains around a pregnant woman’s ankles, belly or wrists is risky. A fall during pregnancy could hurt the mother and the baby and, in serious cases, result in stillbirth. Shackling during labor could cause unnecessary and potentially deadly delays.

Some folks worry that incarcerated women pose a danger if brought to community hospitals. But an incarcerated woman would never be brought to the hospital without an armed correctional officer. Also, most women in county jails — 85 percent — are non-violent offenders.

We realize that local law enforcement has a duty to serve and protect. But in our work with county sheriffs, wardens and our own public health staff, we have found that all parties can be safe through careful communication, planning and collaboration.

It’s time for Missouri to protect the health of all women in its care.

Valerie French

Megha Ramaswamy

Kansas City

The whole thing

Why do goofy right-wingers think we liberals are against guns? We believe in the Second Amendment, but we read the whole amendment — not just the first half.

Guyen Morrison

North Kansas City

Get the message?

An open letter to our members of Congress:

My children are my most prized possessions. I’m sure you have something you value, too. Tell me, how do you treat it? I’m sure you’re very particular about who has access to it.

Well, I’m going to do the same with mine.

Our public schools are danger zones. I’m not doing it anymore. I don’t think anyone should.

If the March for Our Lives didn’t help you get the message, I wonder: Would empty classrooms and deserted playgrounds convey it better?

What would you do if the first day of school came around and no one was sitting at the desks, swinging on the swings or stepping off the school buses?

And all the teachers who are being told to carry guns while they read kindergartners a story or speak to high school students about the greatness of America — what if they didn’t show up?

Throughout history, citizens have staged protests, sit-ins and walkouts to send a message. If our kids are being shot while they are in school, then I propose that not being in a school building is the best solution for keeping them safe.

Unless, of course, you have some suggestions to offer.

Heather Brinkley

Wichita

Not my vote

Sen. Claire McCaskill: Once again, you go against the wishes of the people of Missouri by voting with the Democrats. You will be turned out of office, and what a great day it will be.

Dan Meier

Lake Winnebago

Think ahead

As I read updates regarding the proposed streetcar expansion south along Main Street, I have noted that little has been mentioned about parking along the route.

As we have already seen in the City Market area, a lack of foresight concerning this issue may lead to congestion and areas with restricted parking along the expanded route.

Most pressing to Midtown residents may be the proposed 51st Street terminus, just south of the Plaza near the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Brookside Boulevard and Oak Street.

A parking structure at the south end of the line to accommodate ridership seems an essential element but is not apparent in the plans.

Come on, Kansas City, let’s try to act instead of react for a change.

Rebecca Ofiesh