Readers sound off on Republicans, Sarah Palin, Roeland Park | The Kansas City Star

Republican takeover

American Christian extremists have been taken over by the Republican Party and have adopted the Republican propaganda hook, line and sinker. Christians now believe Medicare and Social Security must be abolished.

They think that any regulations or programs that help American workers or the poor and needy are bad and that regulations that control businesses are bad. They think that corporations and the rich should pay no taxes and that all government programs except the military should be cut.

They think that no one except them has constitutional rights, that women are too stupid to control their own bodies and that if you believe in the liberal teachings of Jesus Christ you are a Muslim, a Satan-worshiping commie or one of them Democrats.

If moderates do not get out and vote in every election, our government will end up being controlled by these extremists on the right, who won’t rest until the United States is a theocracy, and then the next thing you know the religious police will be knocking at your door to force you to attend church.

I’ve seen Republican television ads. Surely no Christians would have that kind of hate in their hearts, minds or thoughts.

Dean Anderson

Belton

Palin-Pelosi debate

I may have a solution for the inaction in Washington, D.C. I propose a three-hour, nationally televised debate between House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

After listening to the inane drivel of the far left and far right, we will all become moderates, and Washington will get stuff done. Problem solved.

Gerry Leonard

Parkville

Praise for Poppa

As a longtime resident of Roeland Park, I am pleased to endorse Michael Poppa as a candidate in the March 3 election to represent Ward 4 on the City Council.

Poppa is energetic, inclusive and eager to work for community involvement, open communication and an enhanced quality of life for all residents.

He has proved to be an effective leader on the city’s Community Events Committee. His forward-looking vision and appreciation for the diversity among the residents would be a great asset to Roeland Park as it retains its enduring attributes and is open to new growth.

Janelle Lazzo

Roeland Park

Paycheck protection

The “paycheck protection” bill being considered in the Missouri legislature would weaken unions and cause friction with workers. It should not be passed.

I began working at age 17. For five years, I worked hard at minimum-wage jobs.

It was only after I got a union job that I was able to earn a living wage. I had insurance, bought a house and a new car and was able to provide for my growing family.

These are things I never could have done without union affiliation.

I realize private-sector jobs are better now, but I attribute much of this to an effort to stay competitive with union wages.

I am sure that some workers, if given the chance, would be greedy enough to choose not to pay dues while still enjoying all the benefits afforded through union negotiations.

If Missouri elects to become a right-to-work state, we will see lower wages prevail. Prices for goods and services will keep increasing while wages stagnate or decrease.

I hope our elected officials do not vote for this bill.

Jim Buerky

Belton

Potentially awesome

All Kansans and Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback should read an article written for Forbes by Amy Rees Anderson titled, “Admitting You Were Wrong Doesn’t Make You Weak — It Makes You Awesome.”

Many people don’t like to admit they are wrong because it shows weakness or ineptness or lack of intelligence. Rather than admitting they are wrong, even if they know they are, they would rather place blame on others or just stick their heads in the sand.

This is particularly dangerous when the finger-pointer is in a position of power.

Come on, Sam, you’ve got four years to convince us you are awesome.

Bill Grossnickle

Kansas City

Brownbackistan

Well, our Brownbackistan Republican Taliban are at work again here in Kansas.

Our supreme leader claims he did not know the budget shortfall was as big as it is so let’s cut taxes and put a consumption tax in place that seriously affects the poor.

The Legislature, with the supreme leader’s help, says let’s take money needed for infrastructure, health and welfare, and education. We don’t need roads and bridges when we go back to riding horses and goats.

We don’t have to worry about the health of our citizens because they will die early. Don’t worry about education because we can have our Taliban-sponsored charter schools and home schools and can attract our religious believers and make Kansas a paradise.

Oh, by the way, let’s forget the fact there are three equal branches of government and take over the Supreme Court because we know better and it follows the law rather than the supreme leader’s beliefs.

Wake up, citizens of Kansas, before the day comes when you will have to sign a loyalty oath to live here.

Jon Frega

Prairie Village

Smoke screen

In the 1960s, my partner complained that we don’t severely penalize people convicted of driving while intoxicated because our legislators drank heavily themselves.

Now here we are with the lowest tobacco tax in the country.

I wonder what percentage of our legislators smoke or are helped by the tobacco industry? Is it any wonder that we are fed up with politicians?

David Zoller

Kansas City

Plastic bag debate

Lee’s Summit is considering joining Columbia and other communities in proposing bans on plastic bags at grocery stores. Suddenly, the state House is pushing a bill that would prohibit local communities from issuing such bans (HB 722).

Isn’t is interesting that our so-called leaders in Jefferson City do not want the federal government telling them what they can and cannot do, but they have no problem placing restrictions on controls by elected officials in every town?

The people of Lee’s Summit should approve or disapprove such a ban, not the lobbyist-influenced politicians in Jefferson City.

Robert Fuerst

Lee’s Summit

Homeland Security

What good is Homeland Security anyway? The president doesn’t protect the borders.

The FBI, National Guard and state and local law enforcement are available to protect our country’s borders to the extent that others want it to be done. So let’s not get too excited about funding this agency.

Better yet, why don’t we redistribute its funds to the border states?

Carl Stuart

Independence

Raising chickens

This last fall my husband and I bought five laying hens for our enjoyment and for the fresh eggs. We made a chicken coop underneath the deck. We made a little pen for them to come out to the yard to get sunshine.

Our hens are pampered, and we enjoy coffee while watching them scratch and go about their business. We also enjoy the organic eggs.

Then we got a notice from the city of O’Fallon to remove any farm animals. People are concerned about their housing values.

Pampered chickens are hardly to blame. Many cities in Missouri allow backyard birds. Children are able to see where food comes from.

Watching and caring for the birds provides a welcomed alternative to video games and social media.

In 2014, Missourians passed the Right to Farm constitutional amendment that ensures citizens have the right to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices and that right shall not be infringed.

I grow fruit trees, tomato and pepper plants, kale, green beans and herbs. Backyard hens have become popular in recent years. Many people have found they enhance our lives and don’t detract from our health or well-being.

Juli Viel

O’Fallon, Mo.