Letters: Readers discuss Chiefs officiating, policing WyCo and senators’ obligations
High marks
One category was missing from the “Chiefs Report Card” on Page 5B of Monday’s sports section: the officiating, which deserved an A-plus.
- Joel Grammatico, Kansas City
How we’re policed
Survivors of abuse at the hands of the police are crying out in Wyandotte County. Again, last week, we heard another story: This time, a former officer is suing for a rampant culture of racism and sexism in the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. (Dec. 4, 6A, “Police officer files federal discrimination lawsuit”)
We wish this were surprising news, yet it is sadly one more example of a larger pattern. Our organization has been listening to and collecting stories of abuse of black and brown women at the hands of the department for years. And those abusers have been protected by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas..
As the government seeks a new police chief, we’ve demanded that officials simply incorporate opportunities for open and public input in this process. Mayor David Alvey and his administration have refused.
We hear and honor the brave and powerful voices of survivors, and we will stand with them until our officials stop ignoring, marginalizing and covering up the voices of those brave enough to speak out.
- Rick Behrens and Kiku Brooks, Co-chairs, Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity, Kansas City, Kansas
Senators’ duty
Senators exist for many reasons. But most critically, they have final say in our Constitution’s preservation and protection. That’s the centerpiece of their oath of office and their most sacred responsibility.
Our most sacred responsibility is voting them in or out.
Voting is our barrier between democracy and dictatorship. An especially eloquent defender of that right was professor Pamela Karlan, who testified before the House Judiciary Committee last week. Karlan’s unimpeachable credentials include representing the Judiciary Committee in two Supreme Court voting rights cases.
Her argument is simple and straightforward: President Donald Trump used his presidential powers to bribe and extort a foreign president to enter into a conspiracy to trump up charges against Trump’s possible opponent. This would hoodwink U.S. voters to vote for Trump, thus violating our right to fair and free elections.
Sens. Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts are now our only barrier between democracy and dictatorship. Voting against Trump’s removal would abdicate their responsibility to Constitution, country and constituents. They can transcend party politics or sink beneath it. Their choices will determine if they are mere parrots — or patriots. Their oath demands the latter.
After all, what are senators for?
- David Norlin, Salina, Kansas
Needs teeth
Missouri state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer’s Senate Bill 600 to control gun crime might be politically expedient, but if passed, it would have no effect on gun crimes. Most criminals don’t fear longer prison sentences because they don’t expect to get caught.
Legal gun owners, whom Luektemeyer pledges to protect, are the source of most of the weapons used in crimes. Virtually all guns are purchased legally, then are stolen and end up in the black market. The Bureau of Justice Statistics has estimated that about 230,000 guns are stolen each year.
If Luetkemeyer and his ilk refuse to pass laws that outlaw, require registration or monitor the sale of weapons, or that limit who can carry concealed firearms, then we need laws that make gun owners more responsible.
It should be a felony for anyone, including parents, to make a gun available to a teenager. Laws should force gun owners to store their weapons out of the reach of thieves — including in vehicles, which have become a rich source of illegal firearms.
It is simply far too easy to obtain weapons in Missouri. Until that is remedied, the gun murders and threats will continue, here and nationwide.
- Keith Evans, St. Joseph
Take a breath
At times, we find descriptions of our heartfelt hopes in unexpected places. In Monday’s Star, the “Prickly City” comic strip poignantly expressed what we all hope for: normalcy. (7B) And in “Pearls Before Swine,” there was a beautiful expression of thanks for our brave-beyond-belief first responders. (6B) Thank you, indeed.
At all times, but perhaps especially at this time of year when we reflect on that for which we are thankful, we should appreciate touching reminders that we are all in this together. May we join hands and make it so.
Think: Tomorrow, what can I do to promote normalcy, and to whom will I say, “Thanks”?
- Merrill Stiles, Overland Park