Readers share views on politics, President Obama’s community college plan and the minimum wage
Historical context
I find it ironic that many have boasted that the midterm elections and the Republican control of the House and Senate this year will signal the end of liberalism. About two years ago, after the loss by GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, many were saying the same thing about the Republicans.
Pay attention to historical context, and no matter what side you’re on, don’t get too cocky.
Stephen DeHart
Olathe
Obama’s college plan
I am writing on President Barack Obama’s plan to make community college free for those who are willing to work for it. As a foreign student at Metropolitan Community College-Blue River, I find this plan to be a great way to educate more people.
I was born and raised in Jordan, a country in Asia, and in Jordan there are hardly any scholarships, no financial aid and no student loans.
There is one scholarship provided by King Abdullah. But to get this kind of scholarship, a student had to be born in Jordan and had to be in the upper class. Not many students fit that category.
On the other hand, here in the United States, there are many scholarships, financial aid and student loans for those who are willing to attend school and become educated. Even though there are many opportunities to get educated in the U.S., President Obama’s plan would motivate many more people to attend college and become more educated.
With this plan, students would be able to graduate from community colleges without many loans.
Lara Elmughrabi
Independence
Minimum wage
I read with wry amusement and some sadness the letter on the minimum wage (5-27, Letters).
According to the writer, the simple answer for all economic success is to become a skilled laborer by sacrifice and personal investment.
So the single father of two kids, working two minimum-wage jobs, wakes up one morning and says, “Eureka, I have it. I just haven’t been making a large enough sacrifice.” Or maybe he means the 7-year-old who says, “Today I’m going to sacrifice for my own self-interest and become a plumber.”
The sad part of this simplistic world view is not the inability of many to pull themselves up by the bootstraps, but that so many can look upon others as “losers who didn’t try” and therefore look the other way.
Bruce Hibbs
Yellville, Ark.
Great Royals job
I know who has the easiest job in Kansas City — the guy who puts together the highlight reel for the Royals. Go Royals!
Richard Bradford
Kansas City
Global terrorism
This is a message to all global terrorists, al-Qaida, Boko Haram, the Islamic State and others. These are killers of babies, children, business owners just trying to make a living and all other innocents.
Because these terrorists are not the creators of life, what makes them think they’ve got the right to take any life? This is the question that may be asked on the day of the terrorists’ reckoning when they meet their maker right before the creator assigns their souls to a burning hell to be tormented for eternity.
It’s something to think about.
Rev. David W. Brown
Grandview
Costly hog farm
We are greatly concerned about a hog farm that would be built about three miles from our home near a creek and the Thompson River. With a capacity of 7,000 sows, the potential waste would be astronomical.
Besides potentially contaminating the water supply, the effect on our roads and bridges would be costly. The hog farm will make money, and we get the problems.
Mr. and Mrs.
Jimmie Martin
Trenton, Mo.
Changing elections
When the Democratic/socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced that he was running against Hillary Clinton for president, he took a big slap at the Koch brothers for spending so much money to help candidates. He made a dig at Clinton for the money received by the Clinton Foundation and how it’s not very transparent as to who it was from and how it was used.
At the same time, he chose to ignore the money that billionaire Democrats and labor unions spend to put their viewpoints in front of the American public.
It should be tit for tat. Require that all funding for elected offices be government-sponsored. Require donations at a set level for all citizens, and then have a commission distribute the funds so that all candidates are financed equally.
Everyone would receive the same level of funding, and no personal or third-party financing of campaign ads, etc. would be allowed.
This would require a constitutional amendment to level the playing field, taking the influence of funding out of the election process.
Donald Darling Jr.
Kansas City, Kan.
Guns trigger trouble
Guns. We have too many guns and too much fear. Acting on this combination leaves a legacy of violence, pain and distrust.
The availability of guns suggests that some people will use force to handle problems from a distance. Actually, guns are only instruments that send forward projectiles.
But for some, guns trigger aggression and impulsive responses. Usually, the use of force by a gun causes more problems than it solves.
I guess it depends on the kind of society we want. Guns take no real courage to use.
Perhaps we would find alternatives to violence and demonstrate the courage necessary for a compassionate world. It’s not that way yet.
Well, more guns is not the answer.
Ron Faust
Gladstone
Raising great kids
Do you remember the last time your child did something that upset you and required discipline? Was your initial reaction to yell or use hurtful words or physical punishment?
Although children require discipline on a daily basis to help them grow and learn, discipline isn’t solely about punishment. It can be a great opportunity to model, connect, teach and praise.
When your child acts out, take the time to pause, get on your child’s level, state your expectations in a neutral tone and then redirect the young person with the appropriate behavior. For example: “No biting; biting hurts. Sharing is nice.”
If your child becomes angry or upset, show the youngster how to self-sooth and overcome his aggressive impulses by taking deep breaths. Offer praise as soon as the child is able to be calm. Afterward, you can explore with the youngster why he acted out and what he was feeling. You can also remind your child that your love for him is unchanged.
In doing so, we can raise children to become mature and productive members of society who are slow to anger, respectful of others and able to handle themselves in the face of hardship.
For more tips on disciplining your child, visit www.healthychildren.org.
Hannah Johnson, M.D.
Mission
Feeling life’s joys
Having joy in your life is so wonderful. Life is too short to not have joy.
Your joy helps you to know what wonder-working joy really is. Joy is contagious, and when you share it, it returns in a wonderful manner and you have good and thankful feelings.
Isn’t it great? Life is better when you have joy. Look at me. I am all wound up about joy, and it is so exciting to share this feeling with others. No matter what the age, joy is out there.
I find wonderful joy when I’m not expecting it. My precious wife who has Alzheimer’s disease is now in an advanced stage. When sleeping, she suddenly opened her eyes, looked at me, smiled, kissed my hand and said, “You are my sweetheart.”
For just this moment, let joy be in your thoughts, too. Remember when you conquered a bad habit?
Feel the joy and excitement when the soldier returns home and is greeted by family.
Curl up in a comfortable chair and get engulfed in a good book.
Listen to the kind of music that thrills you.
Exchange with another loving thoughts.
In your daily walk, let joy be felt and seen.
Doug Sutherland
Raymore
This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Readers share views on politics, President Obama’s community college plan and the minimum wage."