Readers sound off on flying, the Plaza, KC Royals
Dead weight flying
Are airline prices rising? Obviously, but what is the cause? Percentagewise, who is raising it more? The airlines or the government? I want to know.
Under the title of transparency, the government now requires airline ticket prices to include all government taxes, fees and charges. This is great to know the total price at the time of purchase and not just the advertised price.
However, total transparency would show a breakdown of the charges. Most people don’t know they are paying transportation taxes, segment fees, 9/11 security fees and passenger-facility fees, and perhaps more.
All of these, which are now hidden in our total ticket prices, may lead us erroneously to believe that only the airlines are raising their prices, when in fact, the government also is increasing our taxes and fees. Yes, we need transparency, showing the total price of the ticket, but that should include a breakdown of just how much our government is charging us in fees and taxes. Then, percentagewise, we can correctly identify the sources behind these increased ticket prices.
Cathy Svacina
Kansas City
News media, Plaza
The news media do more harm to Country Club Plaza merchants than all those young people who descend there some evenings.
John Clements
Roeland Park
Royals coverage
Imagine my surprise and delight when I opened my newspaper on Wednesday and saw that the Royals had actually won the game, which I had given up on several hours before it ended. Not only was there a great front page story and exceptional pictures throughout, but the sports section featured many long and well-written stories about the game, which didn't end until almost midnight. (My paper was on the sidewalk at 5:30 a.m.)
Especially interesting was the special section, which told me exactly what I had missed in each inning.
I don't know how you did it all, but thanks to each and every one of you who worked so hard so Kansas City Royals fans could smile just a bit wider on Wednesday.
June Padgett
Kansas City
Penalty for prayer
I was a little surprised and more than a little disappointed to see that Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah was flagged for a penalty for assuming a prostrate position and thanking his God after his interception return for a touchdown (9-30, B5, “Chiefs Buzz”).
I never saw a Tim Tebow prayer in which he was penalized. It really seems like a double standard.
Muslims are not our enemy. Abdullah seems to be a very talented player with deep religious conviction and moral character. I didn’t see anything about his actions that would indicate taunting or flamboyant behavior.
The NFL issued a statement saying the penalty shouldn’t have been called, but I think both the NFL and the country need to take a hard look at such poor judgments.
It was wrong — just plain wrong.
I hope I’m not the only fan (or American) who feels this way.
Russ Bennett
Kansas City
VA services lacking
There is no question that the Secret Service failed to protect the White House from an intruder (9-30, A2, “Intruder at White House got as far as East Room”).
However, the larger question is did the Department of Veterans Affairs and ultimately all of us fail this man who had served in the military? He seemed to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Did we fail to recognize and treat this problem? Are we giving enough resources to care for those we damaged through war?
John Bishop
Atchison, Kan.
Orman’s candidacy
Well, I am a Steve Kraske junkie, but Steve, do I miss the understanding of the word “independent” (9-27, A4, “Roberts can still cash in on queries regarding Orman”)? One of the reasons I support Greg Orman is that I believe he is independent from both parties.
Do I agree with all of his positions? No. Do I trust that for the first time since Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum and Rep. Dennis Moore came home we’d have someone from Kansas who would at least listen to my concerns and address how he agrees or disagrees with my opinion? Yes.
I am tired of sending letters to my representatives and having the reply be a form letter restating the position I had questions about. I am tired of being represented by U.S. senators who probably have no intention of ever returning to Kansas and who consider a Senate seat a lifetime appointment.
Help me out here. What am I missing about an independent candidate?
Lastly, remember when Kansans could actually register as independents?
Karen Booth
Roeland Park
Kudos to The Star
When election time comes around, Kansas City Star staff writer and columnist Dave Helling is at his best. And whether or not I agree with The Star’s recommendations, I still print the articles and take them with me to the voting booth. Thank you Mr. Helling, your fellow journalists and The Star for your comprehensive and informative articles.
Scott Tubbesing
Independence
Putin’s aggression
With Russia’s takeover of Crimea complete, Russian President Vladimir Putin is now concerned about maintaining the right of way for his petro pipelines into Europe. Why wouldn’t Putin attempt to work out a deal granting permanent access with the caveat that his ally in Syria join him, along with U.S. and Eurozone forces, in eradicating the Islamic State thugs, who apparently feel immune to any consequences for their war crimes?
Perhaps if we would stand up to Israel over its unlawful appropriation of Palestinian land, we might even persuade some of the overwhelmingly Muslim countries in the Gulf to join in, if not materially, then at least with political support.
Rich Leppert
Kansas City
Huntington’s disease
I am writing to strongly urge my U.S. representative to co-sponsor the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act of 2013 (H.R. 1015) and to ask my U.S. senators to cosponsor the Senate companion, S. 723.
If passed, the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act would make it easier for people with Huntington’s disease to receive Social Security disability and Medicare benefits.
Huntington’s disease is a hereditary, degenerative brain disorder for which there is, at present, no effective treatment or cure. The disease slowly diminishes an individual’s ability to walk, talk and reason.
Eventually, every person with Huntington’s disease becomes totally dependent upon others for his or her care. The disease profoundly affects the lives of entire families — emotionally, socially and economically.
By co-sponsoring the Huntington’s Disease Parity Act of 2013, members of Congress can show their support not only for this family but the nearly 1 million Americans who are touched by this terrible disease.
Cathy Kanniainen
Chillicothe, Mo.
Thanks to Watson
Tom Watson has won 39 PGA tournaments, including eight major championships. He has been the No. 1 player in the world, played on four Ryder Cup teams and captained the winning Ryder Cup team in 1993.
He has many other accolades too numerous to mention. More than his golf accomplishments, Tom has generously supported many humanitarian causes, including Children’s Mercy Hospital. Ask any parent who has had a child treated there about their respect and gratitude for Tom’s generosity.
The U.S. Ryder Cup team lost this past weekend. It would have been nice to bring home the Ryder Cup. It did not happen. Tom was the captain, and some are critiquing his decisions (9-29, B2, “Watson takes hit in loss”).
The world is full of Monday morning quarterbacks. Instead of criticizing, it is more appropriate to say, “Thank you, Tom. You have been a great ambassador for golf, a great ambassador for our city and a generous supporter of our community. Job well done.”
James Cox
Louisburg, Kan.
Retirement advice
Retirement is when you either sit on the porch and watch the grass grow or get on your riding mower to cut away.
Carolyn Wheat
Knob Noster, Mo.
This story was originally published October 1, 2014 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Readers sound off on flying, the Plaza, KC Royals."