Letters: Readers discuss Rand Paul’s priority, IRS workers and ‘wartime’ leadership
Unequal testing
After reading about the death of Dennis Wilson and his inability to be tested for COVID-19, even after an X-ray confirmed he had bilateral pneumonia, (March 23, 1A, “Johnson County’s first coronavirus death is retired superintendent”) I was appalled to read that GOP Sen. Rand Paul tested positive — while displaying no symptoms. (March 23, 5A, “Blazer at the ready, Davids reflects on life in quarantine”)
We are supposed to be treated with equity. This is just wrong. My sympathies go out to Wilson’s family members, not only for Dennis’ death, but for the way they were treated.
Step up testing for anyone displaying symptoms.
- Susan Dye, Overland Park
A great loss
Dennis Wilson, Johnson County’s first COVID-19 fatality, was a forward-thinking educator who made time and money available for the development of teachers and building administrators when it was neither easy nor popular. A gentleman always, a respected colleague committed to Kansas kids, likable even during policy disputes, he will live for many more years through those he served.
Dennis’ best magic — his caring for others — started long before the entertaining magic tricks he performed. For his family, friends and colleagues, that caring will be missed the most.
- Dave Winans, Kansas City
Protect workers
The March 21 story “Kansas City IRS employees say agency slow on COVID-19 safety” (4A) noted IRS employee union concerns about safety precautions for workers at the IRS Kansas City campus. The National Treasury Employee Union noted that the IRS does not appear to be following CDC guidelines.
The Star did not mention that the NTEU is asking the administration to extend the tax due date to Oct. 15. If approved, this would be a logical way to relieve pressure on the IRS, its employees and the taxpayers.
I had a sister who was a seasonal worker at the IRS campus for many years before she died. She worked long, hard hours and told of cramped quarters where large groups of employees had little protection — thus if one person had a virus, everyone in the work area would catch it, too. But she was deeply proud of helping taxpayers get their money. She was equally proud of the union pressing for a safer, healthier workplace.
My thanks to the NTEU for taking the lead on this. In my view, an October filing deadline would be in the public’s interest and would help every taxpayer.
My thanks also to all the unseen public servants placing themselves at risk for the rest of us.
- Clyde Waltermate, Raytown
Work and pray
It’s so disheartening when I read letters to the editor full of finger-pointing, complaining about this and that. Good grief, people, we are all in this together. Where did we ever get the mentality that it’s the government’s responsibility to take care of us?
Come on, guys. Put your big boy or girl pants on, and let’s get through this together by caring and looking out for each other. So many people are hurting right now, and we all know it could get worse before it gets better. When the going gets tough, the tough get going — and pray.
- Peggy Corlee, Kansas City
Revealing truth
President Donald Trump’s recent classification of himself as our “wartime president” led this U.S. Army veteran to think: You never know how good a military officer is until combat, and the same is true with our elected officials.
This is a great opportunity for voters to identify the real leaders. Who is more interested in self-protection, and who is getting out in front and leading? Issues now aside, their real character showing. This emergency is why we chose whom we did.
I am seeing good and bad leaders on both sides. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is proving to be a great leader. Take note, voters.
- Thomas H. Leland, Overland Park
Real sacrifices
During the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, my grandmother and the local doctor were the only adults in town who did not fall ill. My grandmother had nurse’s training, and the doctor begged her to help him. Because of the desperate emergency, she agreed and left my 5-year-old mother in charge of her two little sisters, ages 3 and about 6 months.
My mother remembered it all her life — how proud she was that she had done a good job, the only “catastrophe” being spilling the water when she tried to bathe the baby.
My grandmother remembered that many people died no matter what they did and how terribly tired she was when it was over. Even 40 years later, she would tear up when talking about it.
- Barbara Young, Independence