Letters: Readers discuss KC’s 311 center, help from Pat Roberts and protecting others
Got me help
A storm last week brought down a massive tree on our property. I called 311 and got an immediate response from Richard. He was both courteous and efficient. Within a half hour, a representative from Kansas City Parks and Recreation arrived and assured me his crew was on its way.
Three men worked in the rain, thoroughly cleared our yard, sidewalk and drive of debris and never even broke for lunch. Wow — hats off for a job well done.
- Ann Bode Rodriguez, Kansas City
Thanks, senator
As my fellow U.S. Postal Service workers and I know, we are public servants charged with carrying out a vital service for our fellow Americans. This coronavirus ordeal is something the world has never experienced, and it has changed life for everyone for the time being. As postal workers, we know we must continue to do our jobs and keep this country running as normally as possible — even if it comes with risk to our health and our families’ health and welfare.
I want to thank Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts for signing a bipartisan letter May 7 supporting emergency cash relief to help the postal service survive this crisis. We need this help because, while our package deliveries are increasing, our mail volume has plummeted as a result of the economic slowdown.
Postal workers will continue to do our jobs because we know how vitally important we are to this country. We need all our political leaders to support us in this time of need. God bless America.
- John Tanner, Kansas City
Like it’s loaded
The No. 1 rule for the safe handling of a firearm is to always assume it is loaded. This is not only for one’s own safety but the safety of those around you. It is reckless to handle a firearm without regard for those around you.
I think this is a great analogy for wearing a mask in public. Wearing a mask is not primarily for the protection of the one wearing it — it is for the protection of those around the person wearing it. Many people are infected with no outward symptoms. Consider the number of people you have contacted today, followed by the number those have subsequently contacted, ad infinitum. There will be at least one in that chain who can’t fight the infection and could die.
Much like assuming a firearm is loaded and ensuring it is never pointed at someone, assuming you can be a carrier of this highly infectious virus and wearing a mask are simple ways to help minimize the spread. It is not about being afraid. It is about acting in a safe and responsible way to minimize harm to others.
- Steven Brown, Kansas City
Choosing for you
In Sunday’s front-page story, “Emotions unmasked: Do you wear a mask? Kansas City and the nation divided over this COVID-19 question,” the owner of Gene’s Cleaners in Liberty doth protest too much by choosing not to wear a protective mask during the pandemic, saying he doesn’t care whether he gets the coronavirus. How about him possibly giving the virus to someone?
Gene’s has been my cleaners of choice for 50 years. Now it’s my turn to choose — so will I choose a different cleaning establishment that cares more for its customers than this owner does.
- Cheri McCoy, Pleasant Valley
Out of the dark
I would like everyone to talk more about eating disorder awareness. An estimated 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from these devastating illnesses. I myself have recovered from anorexia nervosa. Eating disorders are illnesses shrouded in secrecy, with a ton of myths surrounding them. One is that they are just vanity diseases. This is not true, since they are illnesses with genetic and biological components that can be triggered by environmental factors, much like cancer or Alzheimer’s.
I want to get rid of some of the shame about eating disorders so others feel freer to come forward and get help. I firmly believe in the power of journalism to create a better world, and The Star should help correct some of these inaccuracies. I’m even in a journalism class right now, so I know how important it is to bring light to these issues.
And if you’re suffering with an eating disorder, remember you aren’t alone. People need to know there is a brighter future out there. Recovery is possible.
- Addison Vallier, Liberty
Editor’s note: The National Eating Disorders Association operates its Helpline at 800-931-2237
Too late now
An open letter to Kansas Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran:
Don’t you now wish you had voted to convict when you had the chance?
- Cheryl Weber, Topeka