Letters: KC readers discuss ‘mainstream media’ label, COVID-19 testing and haircuts

The free press

Why are legitimate news organizations labeled “mainstream media”? Maybe because they present accurate, truthful articles that are fact-checked and vetted. They owe no blind loyalty to any political party, individual, subject or issue. They are science-based.

They aren’t perfect and make mistakes. And they run corrections and apologies when they do. They are “mainstream” because most people trust and read and listen to them instead of purpose-directed outlets.

So, friends and neighbors, “mainstream media” is a compliment, not a criticism. These organizations are the backbone of democracy and freedom.

- Ed Stine, Prairie Village

Just don’t know

Friends in Cleveland, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, New York City — they all have walk-up or drive-thru coronavirus testing. Kansas City has almost none. We simply pretend that infections are low.

The mayor stepped up with an early stay-at-home order, which should be extended. But without testing, we have no information about community spread. And how about some screening (even just taking temperatures) at Kansas City International Airport for people coming in and going out of the city?

- Karen Williams, Kansas City

Looking good

What is “essential”? Beauty and barber shops are right at the top of the list, along with guns and ammo stores.

- Mary Barber, Blue Springs