816 readers reflect on the election
Milk the cow
“The federal government is a watchdog that must be fed, not a cow to be milked.”
That statement was made to me several times by a now-deceased relative who was one of the most highly principled, staunch conservative Republicans I have ever known. He was so principled that he refused to participate in farm programs even though his entire family income came from farming.
I wonder what he would think of Sen. Roy Blunt, who has become very wealthy by milking the government cow.
Michael G. Trier
Unionville, Mo.
Hijacked GOP
Donald Trump, a Republican in name only, has hijacked our party and is destroying the principled foundation that Republicans have spent years developing.
Trump rejects the Republican principle of free trade and wants to start job-killing trade wars everywhere. Trump rejects the Republican principle of freedom abroad and threatens to abandon our democratic allies in favor of brutal dictators like Vladimir Putin. Most of all, Trump rejects the bedrock Republican principle that the character of a politician matters above all else.
This election is already lost, but unless we act boldly, Trump will be back in 2020, driving out even more Republican voters and relegating us to minority status for generations. We need a crushing Trump defeat in November to eject this pretender from our ranks permanently.
If you love the Republican Party, vote against Trump and vote against the cowards who refuse to condemn him.
Steve Simon
Leawood
Amendment 3
This November, you have an opportunity to make an unprecedented investment in Missouri’s future. When casting your ballot, vote yes for Amendment 3 in Missouri.
A yes on Amendment 3, a cigarette tax, will provide an estimated average of $300 million annually for children’s education and health — increasing access to high-quality child care and preschool programs, and fostering healthy child development.
Because 90 percent of brain development occurs by age 5, quality early education is the key to creating opportunities for our children. It sets the stage for a successful entrance into kindergarten, which increases the likelihood of literacy in third grade, which leads to high school graduation — and a successful future.
Research shows every dollar invested in early education yields a return between $7 and $12 — by creating more productive citizens and reducing demands on social service and criminal justice systems. And yet, Missouri ranks among the lowest of states — 38th — for public pre-K funding.
By voting yes on Amendment 3, you are giving hope to all Missouri children, regardless of their ZIP code or socioeconomic status.
Be on the right side of history as we advocate for Missouri’s youngest citizens and our future.
Dean Olson
Lee’s Summit
Experience counts
Sen. Roy Blunt has shown that he has the skills to put Missouri first by working quietly to develop bipartisan support.
He did not have to shoot or assemble a gun to help military families with the Military Family Stability Act. He works to restore manufacturing job to Missouri.
Blunt led the fight to pass the five-year highway bill. he sponsored major health reform plans with the Excellence in Mental Health Act.
Blunt’s inexperienced opponent is not able to state his own record as it does not exit and hopes he can pull the wool over our eyes. Even blindfolded Missourians can see that Blunt has earned the right to represent Missourians again.
Betty Allen
Blue Springs
This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "816 readers reflect on the election."