Letters: Readers discuss Union Station, erasing history and equity for Black mothers
We are one
Watching Kansas City, my home of 50-plus years, as it has discussions that are happening all over this country, I think: We can tear down statues and rename streets and fountains, change policing laws and demonstrate every single day.
But until we all learn that we are all one race and love each other unconditionally all the time, nothing will change.
- Allen Carl, Palm Coast, Florida
KC’s front door
Where do we gather in celebration in Kansas City? Where do our most diverse crowds come together? Remember the blues and jazz festivals, Mayor Sly James’ Rock the Block, candidate Barack Obama’s rally, the Celebration at the Station — and of course the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration and the Royals’ World Series bash?
They all happened in front of Union Station. It is truly our front door, and it is the best and most worthy place to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The expanse from the station to the Liberty Memorial could be named the King Promenade, and the blank pedestal at the station’s entrance that has waited more than 100 years for a worthy person would be perfectly filled with a statue of King.
Most important, a real commemoration of King should be much more than a place or a name — it should help effect change and enable us to learn from each other. A permanent endowment should be funded to host events in this space so we are more routinely brought together in this great community. Then we can “join hands as sisters and brothers,” as Dr. King exhorted us to do.
- Eric Youngberg, Kansas City
It’s just history
As an Army veteran, I am opposed to changing the names of the posts that I was assigned to. I have good memories of these forts. It is my heritage that I served while defending my country.
Changing the names will not change history. Must we change history to appease a few disgruntled people?
Confederate soldiers died to protect their homes. It’s the South’s heritage to their forefathers. It’s not all about slavery. President George Washington was a slave owner. Let’s change the name of Washington, D.C., and remove him from our currency.
How about the Native Americans? Let’s change the name of your beloved Chiefs, the Indians, the Seminoles and so many more. Let’s just bend over backward and rename everything for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Where will it end? You can’t change history.
- John Myers, Warrensburg, Missouri
Funny stuff
I found the cartoon on Thursday’s op-ed page depicting a man being hauled away by “cancel culture” and the “thought police” for writing a letter to the editor to be very appropriate in today’s times, although I seldom agree with Lisa Benson’s work. (11A)
I also found the headline on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ commentary under it very amusing: “Trump’s leadership will help U.S. recover from this recession.” A headline containing an oxymoronic statement such as this would be better placed in the comics pages.
Thanks for the laugh.
- Linda K. Foster, Oak Grove, Missouri
Rightly named
When considering renaming the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, I suggest calling it the Peace Fountain, alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. It is long overdue to fulfill King’s dream and advocate for peace, empathy, kindness and unity in the heart of our city and the heart of America. What a message that would send to our community and our country.
- Rebecca Ofiesh, Kansas City
This is disparity
The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and too many others to list shine a light on the deeply entrenched racism and disparities in our society. Statistics have shown that black women are three to four times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as white women. This has been known for far too long, but not corrected.
As perinatal outreach supervisor at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, I know we health care professionals can no longer accept these statics. Action needs to be taken to pass the federal Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 as a highest priority. It would end preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity as well as disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Severe maternal illness and death rates remain remarkably high in the United States compared with other developed countries. The United States ranks 49th of 184 countries for maternal deaths and is one of eight countries where rates are on the rise. We must stand up for our patients and demand better for them.
- Seabrin Jensen, Kansas City