Letters to the editor: Where’s the protest outrage over black community killings?

A counter-narrative

Why have hundreds of people taken to the streets because of the horrific death of a stranger in Minnesota? Every year, hundreds of black people are killed in shootings in Kansas City and St. Louis, on an almost daily basis, and yet I see only a few family members holding hands and praying until the next shooting occurs.

If black lives really matter, then why are so many black youths shooting and killing each other so regularly? The current outrage, energy and grief for one black man from Minnesota should be harnessed and put to good use right here in our hometown. Looting, setting fires and shooting other innocent victims is defeating the message.

Innocent small-business owners are not to blame for the crimes committed in Minnesota, Kansas City or St. Louis. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in peaceful protest and positive actions to change hearts, minds and lives — not killing, stealing and setting family-owned businesses on fire.

Black lives do matter, but the message gets lost when there are shootings involving black youths almost every day.

- Lynn Pierce, Independence

The wrong path

Have Kansas City police lost their minds? Saturday’s Plaza protest against the killing of George Floyd was peaceful. Then we all witnessed police fire tear gas into the crowd without reason, leading to mayhem.

Our police need to work skillfully clearing space, allowing gatherings and de-escalating tensions. Instead, they deliberately provoked escalation and chaos.

What is going on? Do the police want violence? They sure acted like they did this weekend.

- Wilton Hall Kansas City