Readers react to MU resignations, Mayor Sly James, Kansas City Royals
MU reflects state
Gov. Jay Nixon says the University of Missouri in Columbia must address concerns over “racism and intolerance.” Way to go, Jay, leading from behind, again.
Nixon said MU President Tim Wolfe’s resignation was a necessary step toward “healing and reconciliation” at the school.
Now what, Jay? Try addressing concerns in the state over racism and intolerance everywhere, rather than just addressing this issue because it gained national attention.
The core problem is not fixed because Wolfe resigned.
After the racist comments that surrounded the suicide of former State Auditor Tom Schweich and the events in Ferguson, Mo., Nixon should have addressed discrimination for all Missourians rather than issuing more meaningless statements.
Jay won’t even address the built-in prejudices among the politicians and employees of the state. For example, state laws protect bureaucracies such as the Division of Social Services so it can ignore questions concerning its actions.
Jay, if you want to be a real leader, do something unusual and different for a politician — actually lead instead of issuing statements.
Tom Dean
Nevada, Mo.
Column oversteps
At first glance, I was delighted to see Mayor Sly James’ Nov. 9 As I See It column, “Ask candidates: What's the plan for gun safety?” Upon reading the column, however, I discovered that it was a thinly veiled effort to promote Hillary Clinton's run for the presidency.
James asserts that Clinton is proposing the “smartest and toughest” gun control policy, but he offers no evidence of this, and in fact does not discuss any other candidate’s stance. He refers to Clinton as “his friend,” which suggests a potential for a conflict of interest in his policy analysis. Mayor James, an effective and well-regarded local politician, seems to be trading on his popularity as mayor to build support for Clinton’s campaign.
I find this concerning. I think of op-eds as a forum for ideas that can help citizens to think more deeply about civic issues.
The As I See It column should not be used as a way to give a candidate free publicity. I think James’ commentary crosses a line and is a misuse of the mayor’s privilege.
I doubt The Star would have printed this op-ed if it had been written by an average citizen. I hope that The Star’s editorial board will more carefully in the future and take greater care to ensure that social issues columns aren’t candidate endorsements in disguise.
Edward Scanlon
Lawrence
Royals, The Star
Our Kansas City Royals deserve the praise the team has received since its outstanding defeat of the New York Mets, making the Royals this year’s world champions of baseball. The players and management staff have made us all very proud.
We also believe the staff of The Kansas City Star should be recognized for continuing to publish our daily paper and somehow managing to get it circulated early in the morning despite the late deadlines that the various Royals’ playoff games caused.
Those of us who need to read the newspaper at the beginning of the day are both pleased and grateful to The Star for the extra effort this must have taken. Thank you very much.
Anita and Gerald
Gorman
Kansas City
Southwest High
The headline, “Southwest High on KC’s closing list,” in the Nov. 5 paper shocked me. But only for a moment. When I read the story behind it, I understood why.
No parents in the Brookside or surrounding area would send their child to a school that is graduating only 51 percent of its students if any other choices are available.
The lack of good teaching, student participation and parental guidance must be obvious.
It was very disappointing to have the proposal by Academie Lafayette rejected. Can it be revisited or is it too late?
And what about Hale Cook and Hartman elementary schools? Each has worked so hard to attract neighborhood kids and provide a good education.
African-Centered College Preparatory Academy (formerly Southeast High School) is not a neighborhood high school to the Brookside and surrounding area.
The closing of Southwest essentially gives the education of our children and grandchildren to neighborhood church and private schools. We are part of the city, too, and want an opportunity to have good public education.
How can we solve this problem?
June Padgett
(Southwest class of 1954)
Kansas City
This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers react to MU resignations, Mayor Sly James, Kansas City Royals."