Readers sound off on U.S. presidents, leadership, KC taxes
Next U.S. president
When the ugly presidential campaigns come to an end in November, voters will be faced with a very difficult decision. Unfortunately, it boils down to a choice between a pathological liar and a madman.
History tells us that the world has survived very well with liars at the helm. But history also shows that countries haven’t fared well with madmen in charge.
Based on that information, I guess I will hold my nose and cast my ballot in November.
I’m looking forward to the remaining debates because they will force the candidates to discuss issues instead of the daily barrage of negativism and fear-mongering. I think it would be refreshing to actually have a discussion about what the world is going to do to defeat the Islamic State.
If the U.S. leadership can bring together nearly 200 countries for a climate summit, I would think the next leader of the free world could lead an organized coalition against the radical threat.
Our country can’t and shouldn’t go it alone. But the Islamic State has ticked off most of the nations on Earth, so organizing this type of summit should be job one for our new president.
Todd Rodenberg
Chillicothe, Mo.
U.S. presidents
I map my life by the presidents who have served in my lifetime: President Franklin Roosevelt provided the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration for my dad and Social Security for my grandmother.
Harry Truman was president when World War II ended. Dwight Eisenhower was in the Oval Office when the interstate highways came.
President John Kennedy inspired the nation to go to the moon. Lyndon Johnson was in the White House when Medicare and the Civil Rights Act came.
President Richard Nixon opened up China. President Gerald Ford guided America through Nixon’s resignation. President Jimmy Carter brought a national energy policy. President Ronald Reagan ended the Cold War.
President George H.W. Bush wanted to make America kinder and gentler. President Bill Clinton brought AmeriCorps and a balanced budget.
President George W. Bush provided Medicare prescription drug benefits for seniors and funding for AIDS relief. President Barack Obama gave us the Affordable Care Act, providing health insurance to millions.
I promise to use what influence I have to oppose Donald Trump’s attempt at the presidency. His views, language, proposed actions and approach to problems and people inflame our enemies and grow their numbers, making our success more doubtful and difficult.
Ed Chasteen
Liberty
Leadership change
We the people, over the last decade, have witnessed the importance of leadership in our faith, in the families we love and nurture, in the companies where we work, in the clubs and organizations where we volunteer, in the communities in which we live and in the nation we so dearly cherish.
Leadership is dynamic and motivational. It shapes our culture and the way we live. It can inspire allegiance and loyalty, impart trust and harmony, unite us as a whole and make us feel proud, confident, useful and safe.
Thinking back over the last 10 years, have we witnessed anything of that nature?
I think not. Quite the opposite actually.
Successful people in private enterprise have a few common traits. They’re intelligent, quick learners.
They accurately identify deficiencies, come up with solutions, and set objectives and goals. They surround themselves with people more capable than themselves, providing them with effective leadership and enabling them to achieve objectives and accomplish goals.
They may be outsiders. They’re not always suave, smooth-talking and politically correct.
And enlisting their service is always a gamble. It’s time for a change.
John Wittenborn
Olathe
KC’s tax load
Kudos to our city government for being up front with information regarding the upcoming vote for bonds to finance much needed infrastructure (9-26, A1, ‘Puppies and pavement’ issues move to the front”).
A property tax is the equitable way to pay for it, but it must include all property owners — including those currently enjoying property-tax abatements.
If the property has a 100 percent abatement, the owner would pay 100 percent of the resulting increase. If the property owner had a 50 percent abatement, he would pay 50 percent of the increase.
We need the improvements, so we all need to help pay.
John A Chilcoat
Kansas City
This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Readers sound off on U.S. presidents, leadership, KC taxes."