Letters: KC readers discuss the passion of the protesters — and their destruction
Safe at home?
As I sat observing a neighbor’s moving day last week, I was appalled by the three movers’ failure to wear face masks. I have used this moving company but will definitely not use it again, because it appears not to care about the safety of its customers.
No one comes in my home without a mask that shows they care for my well-being as well as their own. Please show your concern for others when you enter their homes.
- Amber White, Overland Park
The way forward
Monday was a watershed moment, with the jarring juxtaposition of President Donald Trump’s announcement of his intention to use the U.S. military to combat unrest triggered by the death of George Floyd while law enforcement in riot gear dispersed protesters in Washington, D.C., with rubber bullets and tear gas, punctuated finally by Trump’s photo op brandishing a Bible in front of a church.
Are things “disrupted” enough yet? Did those of us who voted for a “disrupter” envision some useful shake-up representing their own special interests — such as reducing corporate taxes, reversing Roe v. Wade, blurring the separation of church and state or retaining the right to bear automatic weapons?
It has turned out to be not that type of disruption at all. It is an ongoing amputation with a saw, as opposed to laser surgery. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan said, “No, democracy is not a fragile flower. Still it needs cultivating.” Democracy is threatened today, but the case is not terminal. We can heal ourselves, cultivating our people, institutions and Constitution. We can support those grieving and reject egregious displays of force against our neighbors. We can seek dignity and compassion in our leaders, as well as the self-confidence to take thoughtful advice.
That will be the way out of the Trump disruption.
- Claire LaBrunerie, Kansas City
Sad advice to give
As a white former public school teacher in Kansas City, I imagine that the author of a recent letter to the editor offering advice on how not to get shot by a police officer is also white — and probably clueless about being black in the city. (May 29, 10A)
Here are some rules I’ve come up for interactions with the police, particularly for my black male students:
1. Don’t cover your head.
2. Don’t touch your body. Spread your arms and legs away from your body.
3. Don’t walk at night — and never alone or with a group of other black men.
4. “Yes, sir or madam” or “No, sir or madam.”
5. Many black youths do not have cars. Stay near bus lines or other public transport and in well-lit areas.
6. If in a group, choose one to record the event on a smartphone.
7. Memorize the phone number of a priest, minister, chaplain, rabbi or imam.
8. Have a valid state or school ID on you at all times.
Please share this. It might save black lives.
- Rose Fulton, Kansas City
Get them out
Everyone should take note: The vast majority of the crowds we see on our TV screens protesting are people who really care about this country and are committed to justice and fairness. Unfortunately, there are others who for some reason want to cause disruption and chaos. I don’t know for sure who they are or why they do what they do, but it’s important to be aware these agitators are there.
In my heart, I do believe that good will overcome evil. The concept of democracy is a beautiful thing, and our freedoms are treasures. I remember 9/11 and Flight 93 over Pennsylvania. The heroes took over the plane and saved thousands of lives and prevented massive destruction.
There are so many good people in these crowds who could sort out the troublemakers — the ones wanting to harm and destroy — and oust them with the help of the police.
Hopefully, a good result will come from this.
- Barbara Alley, Olathe
Just asking
During this period of lawlessness we are seeing throughout the U.S. and in Kansas City, there are a number of questions I have, which readers of The Star may be interested in as well. Do protesters need a permit? If so, how does the process happen? Does the protest group post a bond to cover the trash or damage to public property that may ensue? Can a group be refused a permit to protest?
When a protest gets out of control and rioting, looting and vandalism occur, like we see on TV, what can private property owners do to protect their rights, their property and their livelihood? Do mayors take an oath to protect the citizens and their property as part of their acceptance of the job?
- John Lodge, Olathe