Letters: Readers discuss Greitens’ disappearing messages, harassment and ethanol
Up to date
I read in the Tuesday Star an article regarding Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens’ use of a smartphone app called Confide, which deletes all traces of an electronic message after it has been read. (1A, “Greitens attacks media when asked about his use of secret texting app”)
Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley stated that the Sunshine Law, which requires government business communications to be preserved, is not very clear, because we didn’t have phone-messaging apps when the law was written.
He stated, “This is one of the difficulties we face with a Sunshine Law that was written decades and decades ago and has not been updated to take into account modern technology.”
Why do you suppose that Republicans are not able to apply that same logic to the Second Amendment? When it was written, people had only single-shot muskets.
Selective thinking.
Tom Wolff
Overland Park
Men must change
As a white cisgender male who in our patriarchal society does not suffer the brunt of sexual assault and discrimination but still cares generally about improving the human condition for all, I feel obligated to respond to a Monday letter about accusations of sexual impropriety. (6A)
It is customary for people who have been accused of violating policies such as those on workplace harassment to resign, regardless of any formal or criminal investigation. The concept of “innocent until proven guilty” generally concerns legal charges and has little to do with personal accusations.
Furthermore, and most important, we must understand that there is very little to be gained personally by those who call out their abusers, because it often comes with greater abuse. To do so is actually a great risk and requires bravery.
Essentially, the letter’s argument amounts to the same old garbage: that sexist white men should be given more slack. This is the very logic that perpetuates the problem and creates a culture of male defensiveness that silences women. It endangers women and is counter to a healthy society.
As men, we must accept responsibility and change, not blindly defend each other’s innocence.
Nathan Smith
Bonner Springs
Beefy costs
If Americans desire to continue to eat things that are born, we need to burn more oil in our vehicles and less ethanol made from corn.
Years ago, it made sense to dilute our gasoline with 10 percent corn-derived ethanol during a world oil shortage and an abundance of U.S. corn. But this caused an abnormal rise in the cost of corn, the primary content in many animal feeds, and resulted in much higher meat prices.
In recent years, we have seen an excess of world oil supplies, which should have resulted in our withdrawal from ethanol additives. However, a very strong farm lobby has prevented this.
Don’t blame your butcher for the high cost of steaks.
Steve Cunneen
Leawood
The message
What does it say about Congress when we elect an accused sexual predator, liar, cheat and self-serving egotist as president in rebellion?
Hugh Taylor
Overland Park
Good vets’ home
My parents chose to move to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Mo., in 2011. I have the highest regard for its administrators and staff.
Here’s why: Whenever there is the slightest issue or health concern, I am notified immediately in an open and forthright manner. Regular meetings are held for families to meet with administrators and also to meet individually with residents’ care team. The home is always clean, the food is good and volunteers regularly enrich the daily lives of the heroes who live there.
When Mom passed away, I was awed by the compassion, affection and dignity afforded to her and to our family. We recently celebrated Dad’s 100th birthday there. It was a wonderful event, and the staff made it a special day for Dad.
As I have visited with other family members, all have agreed that we are grateful to have our family members in such a wonderful place (especially those of us who have experienced privately run facilities).
Contrary to opinions in The Star’s Tuesday editorial, “Greitens takes overdue steps to protect aging veterans” (8A), I have never witnessed any “harrowing” mistreatment of a veteran.
Dad is always happiest when his caregivers are around. I think that says it all.
Barbara Hale
Koirtyohann
Lee’s Summit
This story was originally published December 12, 2017 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss Greitens’ disappearing messages, harassment and ethanol."