Rockhurt High apologies, KC’s 311 Action Center and STDs

Sins of the past?

After Kelly Gerling asked for an in absentia apology from Rockhurst High School for abuse he alleges there during the 1967-68 school year (Sept. 12, 1A, “Alumni split over quest for apology”), I wonder: Should we also try Confederate soldiers posthumously for treason?

Answer: I don’t know.

But I went to high school in the late 1950s, when corporal punishment was the norm. Most of my teachers were from the “Greatest Generation,” having survived the Great Depression and World War II. Our chemistry teacher was a one-armed Korean War vet. And lest we forget our female teachers, many served as Rosie the Riveters with no formal degrees.

These folks were not only inspirational teachers of life lessons, but they also were heroes. (Read their obituaries.)

Sure, I got my swats and suspensions, but I also got an undying love and respect for these teachers.

James L. Atkinson

Kansas City, Kan.

Problem solved

I recently reported significantly low water pressure to Kansas City’s customer service 311 Action Center.

Workers were swamped with calls because of several major water line breaks, but I could not have been treated more professionally.

Service at the Action Center has improved significantly.

The problem was corrected in 24 hours.

Is the Kansas City Water Services Department where it wants to be? Probably not, but it appears to be headed in the right direction.

Bob Washburn

Kansas City

Broken promises

I’m an independent. Along with millions of others, I was promised by President Donald Trump and the Republicans that they would put Americans first, conduct mass deportations of illegal immigrants and revoke Obamacare. I voted for Trump and every Republican so that they would have a clear path to meeting these objectives.

They haven’t done away with DACA or Obamacare. They’ve done nothing to put Americans first.

They lied. I’m going to vote against every Republican from dog catcher to senator. Others who are like-minded: Prove that betrayal has consequences.

Randy Maddox

Kansas City

No voice for her?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of American women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

Judge Brett Kavanaugh has made sure we all know that he has a wife and two daughters. Statistically speaking, one of those three will be sexually assaulted.

If she turns out to be one of the rare women to speak out, should her claims be investigated?

If it’s a powerful man she makes her claims against, it’s possible that she will be doubted, dismissed and told that the man will get what he has coming to him, regardless of what she says?

So his daughter or wife should what — just stay silent? Watch a man who has assaulted her attain higher and higher social status without even an investigation into his alleged assault?

Tom Hall

Rea, Mo.

Where’s that plan?

As a candidate for president, Donald Trump promised he would eliminate Obamacare and come up with a much better health care plan for all Americans.

I’m still waiting.

Domenic Poretta

Leawood

Make votes count

Because of the Electoral College system, Missouri doesn’t matter in presidential elections. I ask you to support Missouri HB 1921, part of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.

The candidate who gets the most votes should become president. This is not only fairer than the current way, but it would make candidates come to Missouri.

Kelley Keisch

Troy, Mo.

More than just one

The Star’s Andy Marso was right about the fight against sexually transmitted diseases. (Sept. 19, 1A, “STDs are on the rise; med students have treatment plan, but law is a hurdle”) Chlamydia and gonorrhea are rising not only locally but nationally as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, once a patient is diagnosed with an STD, the provider should write a prescription not only for the patient but also for his or her sexual partners. This is known as “expedited partner therapy,” and it is limited in seven states, including Kansas and Oklahoma. It is banned in Kentucky and South Carolina. In Missouri, this practice is allowed. However, health officials here tread carefully.

We registered nurses in the emergency room experience our fair share of STD checks and results. This is most definitely a growing issue and will continue without further education and change of regulations on prescriptions to exposed sexual partners.

The rates will only continue to rise if no action is taken.

Shelby Jackson

Raymore