Letters: Readers discuss child abuse in Kansas, editing the Bible and Walmart theft
Head off abuse
Congratulations on the excellent editorial calling on the Kansas Legislature to update laws to better protect children. (Dec. 23, 7A, “‘It absolutely shocks the senses’: Kansas child abuse law failed baby with 31 fractures”) Although some lawmakers interviewed want to toughen penalties and lower the bar for convictions, a far simpler method is to prevent the abuse in the first place.
In more than 50 nations, including most of Europe, it is illegal to use any form of physical punishment against a child — no spanking, whipping or paddling by teachers, parents or caregivers of whatever sort.
And in Canada it is illegal to hit a child under 3 or over 12, to use any object in hitting a child or to hit a child in the face or head.
The word “discipline” comes from the Latin root word meaning to educate, not to punish. Others around the world, and right here, are bringing up healthy, well-behaved children without the infliction of any physical pain.
- Robert Fathman, Dublin, Ohio
Personal paths
In the Dec. 27 letters to the editor, (8A) there was a criticism of Michael Gerson’s column supporting Christianity Today’s negative view of evangelical Christians who back the president. (Dec. 26, 9A, “Christianity Today was right. Evangelicals know it”) The letter writer called for prayer and reading the Bible as the means by which unvarnished Christian truth is found.
The facts are that the Bible was edited many times. The first five books of the Old Testament were edited four times. Isaiah was edited at least twice. Matthew and Luke were editorial revisions of Mark. John was an editorial interpolation of the story of Christ. Paul’s works were edited by the writers of Galatians and Ephesians. The Book of Revelation is an allegory about the end times.
Personal prayer is a filter of sorts, an edited conversation with a deity tailored to our own spiritual needs. Those who claim the inerrant scriptures are editors in their own right. They edit out inconsistencies and diversity in the Bible as a means by which to ease their unease with a broad and divergent Bible — one whose main message is compassion, restorative justice, mercy and care for the “least of these.” Evangelical Christians who support President Donald Trump appear to be just the opposite.
- Robert Terrill, Overland Park
Make it real
When the jury coordinates with the defendant, that is not a trial. It is a mockery.
When a jury goes in determined that no matter the evidence, the defendant is innocent. That is collusion.
When people say that following the Constitution is wrong, that is autocracy.
Sens. Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts were elected to represent the people of Kansas, not the Republican Party. They swore an oath to the Constitution, not a man.
I demand that our senators stand up for justice and liberty, call witnesses, hold a real trial, judge the evidence, and support the Constitution and the rule of law. If not, our country will be a laughingstock.
- Bridgette Moore, Olathe
Heal us
To my Kansas members of Congress:
Our country is hurting, and we need our elected officials to step up and begin to close the divide.
We are sick and tired of the partisan politics taking priority over the good of the people. I, for one, must believe that your conscience must be conflicted with the party line. I can’t imagine how anyone with a shred of civility continues to endorse the current behavior in the House and Senate. Yes, by not calling your colleagues to task for their shameful demeanor, you are saying it is acceptable.
What kind of example of leadership is this for our children? Our allies? Are you saying this is your hope for the future of how we govern?
I fault both sides of the proverbial aisle and believe many of your past supporters are as fed up as I am. You were elected to uphold the Constitution and represent your constituents.
When the polls open, I, for one, will ask whether the incumbents represent their party first or the people they represent. We expect you to have differences, but the current tenor on the Hill is unacceptable.
I remain an embarrassed and ashamed citizen in Kansas.
- Patrick O’Donnell, Olathe
Not a problem
I am white. At my local Walmart, a pleasant black lady often asks me to produce a receipt as I depart. I willingly comply, we exchange pleasantries and I leave.
What’s there to whine about? Walmart has a big theft problem. (Dec. 31, 7A, “Council member reports ‘humiliating’ racial profiling at Walmart”)
- Janet Allen, Warrensburg, Missouri
This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 4:59 AM.