Letters: KC readers discuss gassing protesters, Kent State and saying no to kneeling
Let’s hear it
As a Kansas voter, I would like to ask all candidates for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat to explain their views on the president violating Americans’ First Amendment rights to free speech by attacking them with tear gas and rubber bullets to clear the way for his photo op.
I’m sure I am not the only voter wanting their views on this. I look forward to seeing your responses in The Star.
- Bob Rodarte Jr., Lenexa
End of our ropes
Moms are tired. We have reached our patience limit.
We are tired of gun violence and worrying about the safety of our children as we send them to school. The mass shootings and active-shooter drills our children have to endure are simply unacceptable.
We are tired of racism. We should not have to teach children whose skin is non-white how to stay alive if they have encounters with police.
We are tired of the nasty discourse in our society and politics. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
Like everyone, we’re tired of the pandemic, but we’re more tired of people refusing to do their part to help public health. Masks, social distancing and increased hygiene are not political arguments.
It’s time to grow up, America. Start acting like responsible citizens instead of selfish toddlers. Listen to your mothers and treat others as you want to be treated.
- Denise Brown, Kansas City
Get a rise
On Wednesday, your paper had a delicious-looking bread in the Chow Town section. (4B, “Rich, savory babka is a gorgeous delight”)
Why am I distressed? There is no yeast to be found in the area where I live. If you are going to publish a recipe I can’t make, please include a source where I can find yeast.
How about some recipes that don’t include yeast?
- Doris Foley, Independence
Historical question
I recently watched a documentary on the tragedy when National Guard soldiers shot 13 unarmed protesters at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, in 1970, and I did learn one surprising fact: President Richard Nixon, for all his faults, left the White House in the middle of the night and spoke with and listened to protesters at the Lincoln Memorial just days after this event. An act like this took, at minimum, emotional and physical courage, as well as a certain degree of empathy.
Juxtapose the actions of “Tricky Dick” with those of the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: surrounding our house with fencing, moving to the safety of a bunker, calling protesters “thugs” on Twitter and using force to clear a path for a photo op at a church.
Can anyone imagine this president showing the emotional and physical courage, as well as empathy, that Nixon did?
What our country needs is leadership with a moral compass directed at all men and women. That comes from the moral courage of voters to do what is right, which is to vote on the side of social justice.
We did not get the leaders we have by chance. It is our responsibility if we want a brighter future for all Americans.
- Chuck Zavos, Liberty
The only defense
Lawyer G. Taylor Wilson defended an unnamed Lee’s Summit teenager who tweeted video of girlfriends leaning and kneeling on one another’s necks while laughing as they said, “I can’t breathe,” by saying the young women were “in no way were making a reference to Mr. (George) Floyd’s death.”
Is he really that stupid, or just unconscionably lying? The only possible defense would be that the society they grew up in and their families have taught their evil lessons well.
- Ruth E. Johnson, Shawnee
No kneeling
I am (or was) a four-sport watcher. I was crushed when COVID-19 canceled March Madness. I was upset when the start of Major League Baseball was postponed and totally bummed when pro golf came to an abrupt halt. Thankfully, the Chiefs sneaked in a Super Bowl win before the world spun out of control.
With that said, I couldn’t care less if and when Major League Baseball starts back up. I am tired of listening to greedy millionaires and billionaires squabble over money while those who line their pockets sit and wait. I fear for college basketball and football that the stadiums and arenas will never be full until a vaccine is available, causing serious revenue losses.
And finally, if NFL players start taking a knee again before games, I’m done watching. Yes, I think black lives matter, and, yes, I am against police brutality and support change. However, I am not for showing disrespect to the flag and what it stands for.
- Greg Schoen, Overland Park