Letters: Readers discuss Walmart’s duty, Mellinger’s choices and Cass County’s levy
Walmart success
A challenge to Walmart: During the 1980s, you showed American businesses how to wad up a factory and ship it to China. Now in 2020, we need you to show America how to wad up a factory and ship it back to the United States.
With your spectacular success, how about adding a few thousand full-time jobs and substantial wage increases for your existing workers?
Until we read about these changes, we will remain out of your stores.
- Ken C. Janes, Kansas City, Kansas
Faurot forgotten
I thought Sam Mellinger should have mentioned former Missouri football coach Don Faurot in his column ranking people who have made a difference in our local sports world. (May 24, B1, “Ranking the most influential people in KC sports history)
He mentioned Gary Pinkel and Norm Stewart, but the University of Missouri put Faurot’s name on its stadium. I enjoy Mellinger’s columns.
- Donna Huston, Marshall, Missouri
Watson’s legacy
I enjoyed Sam Mellinger’s commentary on those who influenced Kansas City sports, as owners, players or otherwise. I can’t say I agree with all his rankings, but it’s his opinion.
However, I was disappointed that Tom Watson wasn’t ranked higher and that Mellinger left out one of Watson’s most precious contributions to Kansas City: the millions of dollars raised for Children’s Mercy Hospital through his annual charity golf tournament at Blue Hills Country Club.
No shaming, but this is such a wonderful piece of Watson’s legacy, sports or otherwise, that went unmentioned here.
- Julie Smith, Leawood
Out of order
I agree with Sam Mellinger’s first two choices of Lamar Hunt and Ewing Kauffman among the most influential local sports figures. However, putting his third choice of Patrick Mahomes ahead of the fourth and fifth, George Brett and Len Dawson, was so very wrong.
I have enjoyed most sports in Kansas City for 78 years. My opinion of this ranking is that it was very poor.
- Robert O. Yunghans, Kansas City, Kansas
Beyond the mask
There’s no doubt that the world needs more love and peace, and nobody can see our smiles behind our corona masks.
I suggest there are plenty of reasons it’s time to revive the peace sign.
▪ The unfair and numerous racial confrontations we see, all based on unreasonable fear and ignorance, sadden me.
▪ The fear of COVID-19 calls for social distancing.
▪ The massive job losses have brought on genuine economic distress.
▪ There are far too many hostile feelings being drummed up internationally, which put us all at risk
▪ Profit over people has become an official policy.
▪ We are shamelessly disregarding the sacredness of the environment.
▪ “Me first” political divisions cry out for understanding that we’re all in this together.
Way back at the beginning of my teaching career, my first principal distrustfully called me a hippie, though I never identified as such. Yet I think the “peace and love” Weltanschauung could really use more of our collective energy today.
So, here’s to flashing a virtual peace sign to everyone.
- Marlen Beach, Kansas City
Libraries’ worth
On June 2, the people of Cass County will be asked to support the Cass County Public Library with an increase of 12 cents to the levy. We completed a planning process informed by residents, our staff and the best practices of comparably sized libraries. The current level of funding is not sufficient to maintain and improve the operations of our branches.
Technology: We will improve internet bandwidth for all branches. We are a resource for connectivity, job development, research and skill-building for those in rural areas.
Programming: We will offer more opportunities for all ages. Our summer reading program will be virtual this year. More than 4,400 individuals participated in 2019. When we are able, we will resume book clubs, story times, discussion groups, tax preparation help and activities of interest.
Expanding library collections: We will purchase more books and periodical resources in both physical and digital forms.
Branch improvements and expansion: We will create inviting spaces through the expansion of branches and establish new presences in growing communities.
Our current health crisis proves how important our libraries are for the education, entertainment and community building for the people of Cass County. Please vote on June 2.
- Rebecca Klein, President, Cass County Public Library Board of Trustees, Raymore