Letters: KC readers discuss NASCAR confusion, erasing history and Cerner ‘s commitment
Make it clearer
NASCAR should list drivers by the nameplates of their cars more often. There are too many drivers to remember all their names. More people would watch NASCAR, and it would generate more interest in the races.
- Joe Sportsman, Marceline, Missouri
Question of quality
Occasionally, you print letters decrying the absence of conservative opinion pieces in this paper. I assume you get more than you print. Most of these letters boil down to “Why are you always picking on President Donald Trump?” rather than actually objecting to the absence of conservative writers.
You do print conservative authors, such as George Will, Michael Gerson, Cynthia M. Allen, Ross Douthat and David Brooks. The problem is that most conservatives who can still think logically and have a modicum of objectivity are just as critical of the president as the most unabashed liberals.
And on the occasion when a conservative writer actually supports Trump, like Friday’s commentary by Beverly Hallberg, it is so shallow that it must embarrass thinkers such as George Will. (11A, “Journalists just can’t quit trying to steal Trump’s spotlight”)
Keep up your efforts.
- Richard Sumpter, Lenexa
Chance to learn
This rush to remove statues, rename military posts and the like strikes me as patently ignorant.
Every nation experienced historical events that helped form the basis of its founding. These events need to be understood contextually, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Do families erase their histories? Do they ignore the fact that Granddad had two wives? Ignore the fact that Aunt Sally had an abortion? Ignore the fact that Dad was a child abuser? Ignore the fact that Mom was a drunk?
No, most families would love to forget the past, but the past shapes the future. The past provides lessons upon which a better future can be built.
I’m a Black guy in my 70s, and I cherish the mosaic of the history of this country. I think it is great that Boston celebrates Patriots’ Day and Virginians have Lee-Jackson Day.
It is the fool who doesn’t learn from history but tries to bury it, for the lessons will be forgotten and the horrors of the past repeated for sure.
- Gregory A. Akridge, Shawnee
It isn’t over
I believe individuals who refuse to wear masks to protect themselves and others are similar to those who disregarded the warnings of a tornado approaching Joplin, Missouri, in 2011 when 158 people lost their lives. Do they think nothing will happen to them, or are they following the misguided actions of the president? He has been wrong on so many issues it amazes me that anyone would do or say as he does.
Medical experts tell us the pandemic is not even close to being over. In fact, it is getting worse in some parts of the country.
It is troubling to shop for essential wares and be one of the few wearing masks. Social distancing is tough and wearing a mask is not pleasant, but we owe our fellow citizens the protection they can gain from our consideration — not to mention the hope that I will be in less danger of being infected.
- Harold Wears, Lowry City, Missouri
Cerner’s diversity
The Star’s recent editorial about Cerner’s willingness for discussions about cultural and societal issues ignores the substantial progress we’ve made to strengthen our culture. (June 25, 10A, “Cerner shut down Black Lives Matter page”) Let us be unequivocal: Black lives matter.
Cerner has no tolerance for racism and has taken significant steps in recent years to advance diversity and inclusion strategies. This accelerated in 2018 when Cerner staffed a senior diversity leader and built teams to drive success. This year, Forbes named Cerner one of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity.”
There is still work to do supporting people of color at Cerner. We’re actively addressing practices that may perpetuate inequality. We’re also inviting employees to inform actions to create a more inclusive culture.
Driven by creating a seamless, connected world where everyone thrives, Cerner works worldwide with health providers for equal care access for all, further magnified with COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on minorities, including hospitalization rates five times higher for Black people than white. Cerner is addressing these issues without discrimination by race, ethnicity, military service or economics.
We’ve made progress. More important, we’re committed to much more. Recent events require us to reappraise conventional thinking and engage in a comprehensive assessment across all aspects of business — both for our workforce and as a health care technology leader.
- Brent Shafer, CEO, Cerner, Kansas City