Rep. Vickie Hartzler, Ted Nugent and Mike Moustakas

Cost of care

Both political parties in Washington seem to be hung up on which of their health plans is best for American citizens. They should be concerned about the horrendous costs associated with health care. And neither party is doing anything about it.

I recently had a heart catheterization at St. Luke’s South. I was hospitalized less than 24 hours. The hospital invoice was for an obscene $51,196 and does not include the cost of physicians.

When will this greed be brought under control?

Harlan E. Brockman

Overland Park

Transgender policy

Thanks to Missouri’s own Rep. Vicky Hartzler for standing up for bigoted and biased Americans everywhere by taking a cheap shot at our transgender troops. (July 27, 1A, “Missouri’s Hartzler pushed for ban on transgender troops”) I’m sure most people had no idea what a huge burden these sad souls have placed on the cost and readiness of our fighting forces.

And thanks to our Tweeter-in-Chief for prioritizing this issue above others. It’s heartening to know he hasn’t lost his willingness to shoot from the hip without bothering to inform anyone about his plans. Chalk this up to another of his diversionary tactics to avoid the big questions about his ties to Russia and his utter lack of understanding about any of the key issues that really affect Americans.

Scott Roby

Lenexa

Founding Father

I am reading Ron Chernow’s “Alexander Hamilton,” and I am so impressed with the intrinsic qualities of these incredible founders of our country.

They valued education and read extensively. They were men of integrity, articulate, with a great command of the language and self-pride. I look today in disbelief at how far we have fallen.

I am reminded that historically great nations were destroyed from within. It is said Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Trump tweets while our nation seems to crumble.

We all need to pray.

Marilyn Harrison

Overland Park

Basic respect

As a young woman, I go about my day expecting respect from my fellow Kansas Citians. In one week, I was the subject of three unsolicited comments on my appearance by men. These comments hurt me and are unacceptable.

Men, it does not matter if you know the woman or not. It does not matter if the comment is positive or negative. Please refrain from commenting on a woman’s appearance.

Eleanor Nash

Kansas City

Party bus safety

July 31’s “Party bus buzzkill” (1A) was a great article by your two reporters. The violations and poor bus maintenance documented were amazing.

If your reporters can dig up all the violations on those party bus companies, you would think the police could also. Seems it would be easy pickings for the police to randomly check buses on the road or nail them before they drive off the lot.

I hope this article gets some traction and The Star follows up.

Bob Dal Bello

Olathe

Rocker rants

When I overheard several of my co-workers, who could barely contain their excitement about attending the recent Ted Nugent concert, I wondered whether Nugent would stick to his word and keep his racist rants and vulgar language to himself while performing.

According to The Star’s concert review, it’s clear this leopard cannot and will not change his spots. (July 30, 18A, “Hard-rock show in Bonner Springs is classic Ted Nugent”)

I take solace in the hopeful thought that his faithful musical followers do not necessarily share his ugly views toward those of us who are of a different ethnicity.

Eddie L. Clay

Grandview

Move, Moose

I can’t remember the last time Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas hustled out a groundball (including two double plays Saturday). Mike, is that the image you want the kids to see and emulate?

All your teammates bust their tails almost all the time. Yes, we see your 30 home runs and are happy for you and put you in the All-Star Game. We love to pull for you, but you get to play this game for only a few years and I wish you’d keep in mind the effect your jogs to first have on the many (especially kids) who look up to you.

We respect your talent and hard work, but you’re also compensated pretty well for doing your job — becoming a multi-millionaire for playing a kids’ game that you clearly love.

I know you realize this. Don’t lose those fans you’ve earned by forgetting what got you there.

Bob Kaeding

Lansing

This story was originally published July 31, 2017 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss Rep. Vickie Hartzler, Ted Nugent and Mike Moustakas."