Letters: Readers discuss gutting Clean Missouri, oppressing Christians and unemployment

Not listening

While the residents of Missouri face all the fallout from the coronavirus crisis, we would assume the politicians in Jefferson City would be dealing with issues affecting our health, work and future.

But instead, the House was voting to put an item on the ballot to remove the redistricting reforms voters approved not even two years ago in the Clean Missouri initiative. (May 14, 1A, “State House approves Missouri amendment election on redistricting”)

Are the Republicans in Jefferson City that out of touch? Our voice was heard clearly in November 2018, so the will of the people should stand. We expect our lawmakers to stop playing partisan games while Missourians are in need of help right now.

- Paul Budd, Sugar Creek

It’s oppression

If we as a nation have learned anything during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that progressive government officials will try anything to oppress select people with onerous and unequal rules beyond the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These rules and mandates are not law and have nothing to do with the economic recovery or providing for the reasonable health and safety of Americans.

Let’s hope, like Kansas City, that Jackson County will back down on its inappropriate tactic before it has to waste taxpayer money defending a necessary lawsuit.

- Russ Klement, Lee’s Summit

For one another

Why haven’t Kansas and Missouri made it mandatory to wear masks in public places? There are already these requirements in all or parts of more than 35 states. The governors who have not made it mandatory have no justification for not doing so.

In Pennsylvania, people are denied entry to essential businesses if not wearing masks. In Hawaii, it’s up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine. Stores are responsible for setting their own policies, as Costco did.

We are all in this to help our fellow man. Those of us who show no interest in being part of this serious effort by blatantly walking around stores, possibly spreading the virus, can only be described as having no conscience. There is no justification for these selfish actions.

A few weeks ago, The Star published a story about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. (March 18, 1A, “Deathly 1918 flu in Kansas City offers coronavirus lesson”) There was a very simple, wise statement made by an Army captain in response to Kansas City reopening too soon: “A dead man cannot accept your apology.”

Think about this the next time you don’t wear a mask. And remember the virus can hit anyone’s family — even yours.

- Deana Petty, Leawood

No help

Kansans should be ashamed of how their state is treating those who have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I challenge any Kansan who still has a job to try and dial into one of the customer support numbers provided by the Kansas Department of Labor for unemployment claims. You will not be able to talk to a soul.

State officials are neglectful and have compounded the situation tenfold with their inadequacy. It’s not just the support lines. The website is of no value — it is inaccessible more often than not and an embarrassment to the state.

I encourage the governor to take action and request federal support. You have thousands of people who have not been compensated and thousands more losing hope.

I am embarrassed for the state I used to live in and ashamed in my fellow man’s lack of compassion.

- Richard Malley, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Sealed advice

Watching Donald Trump’s leadership style these three-plus years of his presidency reminds me of a story often told by coaches. A new coach goes to his office on the first day of his tenure. On the desk is a note with two envelopes. The note says when things are going tough, open the first envelope. When things get really tough, open the second envelope.

After a few months, the team is struggling and fans are getting restless, so the coach opens the first envelope. Inside, a letter says, “Blame your predecessor.” A few weeks later, the press is openly questioning the coach’s decisions and support is starting to go south. The coach opens the second envelope, and the note inside states, “Prepare two envelopes.”

Do you suppose Trump walked away from Tuesday’s news conference to look for envelopes?

- Dennis Way, Roeland Park