Letters: Readers discuss Chiefs drinking at the parade and recovery from addiction

Parade poopers

Individuals who felt the need to complain about how Chiefs players conducted themselves during the championship celebration parade blew me away.

I get it — drinking was specifically discouraged by the city. But I guarantee you parade watchers were partaking. The very people who complained probably have family members who drink with kids around, so I don’t see a major difference. Role models start at home.

Quit the sour grapes and let these men have the time of their lives. They deserve it.

- Twila Samborski, Kansas City

The steps ahead

For almost 40 years, D.A.R.E. has taught kids about ways to resist drugs and alcohol. This program has changed the way we talk about addiction in schools and has helped broach a topic that many are scared to talk about. But what happens when the resistance doesn’t work and a child becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol?

We need the D.A.R.E. program in schools, but we also need to give information on what to do if you start to become addicted. According to the Center on Addiction, addiction is a complex and often chronic disease. It is not the product of a lack of willpower. It is necessary to tell children help is available and where to find it.

As a nurse for more than 11 years, a D.A.R.E. essay winner in elementary school and a person in alcohol and drug recovery, I know the awareness can’t begin and stop with resistance. It has to include what happens next.

- MacKenzie Edwards, Lee’s Summit

This story was originally published February 11, 2020 at 5:00 AM.