Letters: KC readers discuss peaceful discussion, Jesus’ call and gutting Clean Missouri
Peaceful words
The headline on Wednesday’s front-page article about the J.C. Nichols fountain used the verb “strip.” (“Panel votes to strip Nichols name from fountain, street”) Words carry attitude. Does this verb suggest we want revenge or retribution toward J. C. Nichols and his reprehensible restrictions?
Neutral words such as rename, replace or remove might suggest the reconciliation that could lead us to reasonable discussions and peaceful solutions.
- Sally Frederick, Kansas City
It’s not names
The Lewis and Clark Viaduct is still the Intercity Viaduct. The Three Trails Crossing is still the Grandview Triangle. And the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain will always be the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain.
Renaming landmarks will not solve our problems. Only we can change our attitudes.
- William C. Gulick, Olathe
Simple solution
Let’s rename the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain “The Fountain” — that shouldn’t offend anyone.
- Shari Latto, Paola, Kansas
Follow Christ
If all those good Christian conservatives who hate to be told what to do by the government would read the New Testament and take to heart the commandment to love their neighbors, they would be wearing masks and the government wouldn’t need to issue mandates to behave responsibly.
They might also note that Christ’s most scathing comments were directed at hypocrites.
- Robert Powell, Independence
Everyone’s welfare
It is commonly illegal to take actions that endanger the health of others. I cannot spit in your water glass or add poison to a public water supply. If I had tuberculosis, I would certainly be quarantined.
Unless I am absolutely certain I am not a carrier of a contagious disease — nor in the presence of one — I have moral responsibility to do what I can to protect others and myself.
Please, wear a mask. You do not have any right to jeopardize the health of others. COVID-19 is highly contagious and being spread by many who do not know they are infected.
- Charles E Downing, Roeland Park
Keep it clean
I spent a few hot, sweaty days in 2018 asking voters to sign a petition to put Clean Missouri on the ballot. I was impressed with the response and elated in November when the constitutional amendment won with more than 62 percent of the vote. It won in every state Senate district.
If you believe that people get the government they deserve, Missouri voters have earned a government that reduces the power of special interests and allows us a true choice in who represents us in Jefferson City.
Amendment 3 is a slap to the face of Missouri voters. It would create a more partisan redistricting process than Missouri has ever had, giving political consultants the chance to chop up communities to make it easy for their candidates to win. It would even eliminate our constitutional rights to see data used for drawing rigged maps.
Gerrymandering produces gridlock. It means that the primary is the only election that matters. This leads elected officials to focus more on ideological purity than finding workable solutions. It produces a government by the extremes.
Make politicians work for their seats. Make them honor the will of Missouri’s people. Vote no on Amendment 3.
- Jennifer Wilding, Kansas City
That’s insight
During these challenging times and in the midst of a global health crisis, who are our front-line heroes? You might be surprised to learn that radiologic technologists play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.
Chest X-rays and CT scans are critical diagnostic tools in identifying the pneumonia-like complications of coronavirus. When patients are placed on ventilators for breathing assistance, radiologic technologists perform imaging procedures so appropriate placement can be verified.
Each of these imaging procedures is performed by a professional radiologic technologist. Radiation therapists are also essential workers on the front lines in the fight against cancer. Their work with oncology patients is crucial, and it continues every day, even during a pandemic.
So let’s give a big salute to the doctors, nurses and other hard-working health care professionals. But here’s a special tip of the hat to the more than 3,000 registered and certified radiologic technologists making a difference for patients every day in Kansas.
To us, they’re unsung heroes, and we offer our heartfelt thanks for everything they do.
- Harmony Ibarra, President, Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists, Junction City