Letters: Readers discuss societal cohesion, Atmos Energy rates and a kind stranger
Rules flouted
Although I generally agree with Leonard Pitts Jr. that police wrongdoing needs to be addressed, I do not agree with his final statement that police get too much respect. (Dec. 7, 9A, “William Barr thinks respect should be for just some of us”)
In fact, we shouldn’t even personalize the issue like that. Everyone, on all sides, should heed the law and general rules of good behavior much more than we do now.
For just a few examples: We see reckless behavior on our roads with violations of speed limits almost everywhere. We see littering on our roadsides and countryside and the willful pollution of our water, soil and air. We have widespread tax evasion and a very high rate of homicides compared with other advanced nations.
These scofflaw attitudes go all the way to the head of the current presidential administration openly jeering the rules of polite conduct.
A lot more needs to be done so that social cohesion and good morals are fostered, not weakened.
- Klaus Karbaumer, Platte City
Protect children
Another immigrant child has died in U.S. Border Patrol custody. (Dec. 5, KansasCity.com, “Report: Teen who died in US custody unresponsive for hours”) It was reported that a nurse told Border Patrol agents that a 16-year-old boy, who had a 103-degree temperature, needed to be taken to the hospital. The agents refused.
The boy was found dead the next morning by another boy. He died alone, lying on the floor in his cell.
There is no possible justification for the continued detention of children or the forced separation of children, some under the age of 1, from their families.
As you go about your holiday shopping and celebrations, please take time to think about and pray for these children separated from their families, and remember that our government is doing this.
- Catherine Clauder, Kansas City, Kansas
Nothing but bias
The 2019 case for the impeachment of President Donald Trump will go down in history as political bias not based on any crime as stated in the Constitution. Members of the Democratic Party sold their souls in 2018 with an “Impeach 45” battle cry, electing a new House majority, and the fix was in.
The Mueller probe into Russian collusion fell apart, which is what happened to claims of quid pro quo with Ukraine with the transcript of Trump’s phone call. Instead, dishonesty, a political divide and corruption in the federal intelligence agencies, the State Department and the halls of Congress have been exposed.
The House Judiciary Committee gavels yet another biased hearing while House members dust off their draft of their articles of impeachment. The president will not participate in their political game. Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee were not afforded fair due process.
Trump will be exonerated at the polls in November 2020, when voters will have the final say.
- Violet Corbett, Knob Noster
No rate increase
Kansas utility companies routinely ask for rate increases because they can. This time it is Atmos Energy.
A major problem is that when you live on a fixed income, any increase in the bills you pay each month means you have to cut back somewhere else. That’s why it’s important that the Kansas Corporation Commission hear from customers of Atmos Energy, the company that supplies gas to heat the homes of 135,000 customers in Kansas, including a large number in eastern and southern parts of the state.
Atmos is asking the commission to approve an increase in the customer charge of more than $3 per month. That’s before you even turn on your gas furnace or stove. If granted, Atmos customers would pay one of the highest customer charges in the country. In addition, Atmos is requesting that its customers pay a new surcharge on top of the rate increase.
Enough is enough. Here’s how you can fight back. Tell the KCC to say no to the increase. The price of gas should be affordable to all. Contact the commission by visiting kcc.ks.gov and clicking “Your Opinion Matters,” or call toll-free at 1-800-662-0027.
- Robert J. Roberts, Pittsburg, Kansas
Generous spirit
I would like to thank the kind person who found my billfold Thursday and turned it in at the Old Navy store at Zona Rosa.
Your act was beyond measure and greatly appreciated. You are the spirit of Christmas.
- Connie Heffern, Kansas City