Mercy for Courtney, Chiefs’ name and unfairly blaming Trump

Grave injustice

I am fuming, livid and outraged to learn of Robert Courtney’s early release. (July 15, 1A, “Families upset by early release of former pharmacist”) He murdered my aunt — my second mother — among hundreds of others and probably more. This was a man in the medical profession who swore an oath to protect lives — an oath he violated for his own greed.

To my mind, he is a Josef Mengele and deserves to die in prison and not walk among the living. The insult to the descendants of those whose lives he took is beyond description.

- Richard Daniels, New York, New York

We’re left out

My sister was a victim of Robert Courtney’s greed, as were untold others. Her children, my children and I are appalled that Courtney is getting an early release.

He effectively terminated many cancer patients’ lives, but there is concern for his welfare? How can this occur without our input?

Please help us understand how the justice system can do this without contacting his victims’ relatives. My sister has been dead 19 years, but the loss remains.

- Sharon Mays, Overland Park

In a name

Vahe Gregorian’s lengthy commentary in Sunday’s Star cited a Native American activist who gave reasons the Kansas City Chiefs should change their name. (1B, “Chiefs need changes and should reflect on very name”) Points well taken, but what then would be an acceptable name?

Names such as the Czars, Emperors, Monarchs or even Royalists refer to European, often non-elected rulers, with supreme power. So those names are out — can’t have anything that indicates supremacy over others. Animal mascots might be safe because they can’t complain and don’t vote (supposedly).

An inanimate object might be more acceptable. I submit the Kansas City Stars. I guess our local newspaper sportswriters and political pundits would approve of that one.

- Robert Devine, Excelsior Springs

Game changers

Washington’s NFL team is searching for a new name. How about the Washington Russets? Perhaps the Chiefs can become the Kansas City Commanders.

- Jonathan Frazier, Kansas City

The bottom line

President Donald Trump is approaching the COVID-19 pandemic like the ultimate wealthy tycoon of old. Reminiscent of the barons of the past, his concern is the bottom line and damned if employees’ health gets in the way.

Some business owners (such as his cronies in the meatpacking business) do not care that many workers will be maimed or killed because of their crowded work spaces and lack of personal protective equipment.

Damn regulations only save a few lives. What is a life worth compared with my bottom line?

Trump’s bottom line is the now-failing economy and his hopes of re-election. So, let’s get this ball rolling, regardless of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say. Minimal regulations all around.

Get the kids back to school and daycare so my workers can work. Don’t worry about the virus. A few thousand of your deaths are worth the sacrifice.

Just don’t let my base realize everyone will be affected by these policies — but what the heck, it’s only a few thousand who won’t be around to vote in November.

Where is writer Upton Sinclair when we need him to expose “The New Jungle”? Trump is not original; he only repackages old ideas to maintain his wealth and (white) power.

- Steve Williamson, Kansas City

Show the depth

You report daily on COVID-19 cases and deaths. However, I would like to read about the course of the disease, the time it takes to recover from all symptoms and what symptoms might linger for a long time.

My hope is that people who are lax about wearing masks and protecting others will start to understand the true nature of this disease.

Reporting on this over time would be valuable, because scientists learn more all the time and gather more data with each passing week.

- Teresa Orr, Westwood

Look at men

What an interesting commentary on July 9, “The fight over paying for birth control is not over.” (9A) What I find interesting is that nowhere in this argument are men mentioned. After all, they are the impregnators. Why not create birth control for them — take it once and done? Then women would not have to endanger their health by taking the pill, which has many side effects.

Or is it easier to blame President Donald Trump for another so-called injustice?

- Janey Langley, Kansas City