Letters: KC readers discuss Mike Pompeo’s role, ‘Obamagate’ and hydroxychloroquine
Clarity needed
I am very concerned about the White House’s decision to fire State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, who was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s alleged misuse of a political appointee to perform personal tasks for himself and his wife, Susan. (May 19, 1A, “Fired State Department watchdog investigated arms sales”)
I hope Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley find this action suspicious, because Pompeo himself suggested the firing. As GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley stated, “Congress requires written reasons justifying an IG’s removal. A general lack of confidence simply is not sufficient detail to satisfy Congress.”
Our senators must request full transparency from the White House in this matter.
- McKenzie Adkins, Kansas City
Look over there
Attempting his usual ploy of trying to deflect attention from his record of poor leadership and performance, President Donald Trump has created another bogus conspiracy theory he titled “Obamagate,” accusing former President Barack Obama and projected electoral opponent Joe Biden of illegal actions.
Even his normally sycophantic Attorney General William Barr and most Republican members of the Senate and House recognize this as a phony issue that would be a waste of time, resulting in no charges.
- John S. Savella Jr., Overland Park
Reach further
Although we see hopeful progress in developing a vaccine, COVID-19 will hurt communities around the world for many months. Sadly, the recent coronavirus relief bill from the House of Representatives included no international aid, as U.S. Global Leadership Coalition president and CEO Liz Schrayer points out.
The Senate must now make sure our country joins the worldwide fight. A global pandemic requires a global response. The next relief bill should include support for lower-income countries to deal with the immediate crisis and should strengthen health care systems.
The U.S. already supports international organizations such as the Global Fund and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as well as the United States Agency for International Development’s global health programs. We’ll need their reliable, far-reaching systems to save lives and distribute an eventual vaccine. We should build on these efforts with an emergency international relief package of at least $12 billion.
I urge Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley to help make it happen.
- Cynthia Changyit Levin, Town and Country, Missouri
Malpractice
President Donald Trump told reporters Monday that he is taking hydroxychloroquine. (May 19, KansasCity.com, “Despite risks, Trump says he’s taking hydroxychloroquine”)
If true (and you can never tell with Trump), the irresponsible doctor supplying it should lose his or her license.
- Wili McKinney, Lenexa
Can’t get in
I would like to thank a May 15 letter writer for pointing out the extremely flawed Kansas unemployment system. (10A) I was on unemployment and might lose my benefits because of a ridiculous misunderstanding.
You cannot reach the Kansas Department of Labor except by phone. Monday, the phone system was down. How am I and the thousands of other people who need assistance supposed to reach the bureau that is supposed to help?
I’ve gone three weeks without the pay I was promised. I’m sure I’ll get it in about six months.
Get your act together, Kansas. People need you. Lives are at stake here. Or maybe you want more houses to sell once we all get foreclosed on.
- Katie Klose, Kansas City
Get them online
Thank you for covering the challenges of educating students during the pandemic. I am director of technology for Grain Valley schools, and I’m asking that Congress step in to solve the digital divide now, before students miss out on more of the education they need to succeed.
We have provided many hot spots to staff and families that need them, with help from Source for Learning, but we have not gotten enough because of high demand. Our district has rural areas where broadband service does not reach, unfortunately.
Since getting more hot spots is not an option, we are working to install outdoor-rated access points on the exteriors of buildings in our district so families could travel to schools, remain in their cars and get connected to our network.
It is sad that we have so many students without access to a quality broadband connection at home. With schools being closed, it’s a real equity issue that has the spotlight shined on it more than ever.
- Kyle Pace, Grain Valley