Liberal losers, silent leaders and justice for Courtney

Almost over

It has been said that what goes around comes around.

The Roman empire controlled a big part of the world centuries ago. But in less than 200 years, it fell — from within, at the hands of its own people.

We are on that same road, except we are not an empire. We have had democracy for 244 years, longer than any other nation. Now, our beautiful country is jeopardized by lawlessness, disrespect and anarchy in the name of liberalism and socialism.

Liberalism and socialism never win. Those on the left will eventually be brought to justice. Not enough can be said about all law enforcement agencies working to protect this great country. What a wonderful job they do to protect us all.

Liberal politicians of both parties need to start working for the betterment of this beautiful country and realize that as nation, we are on the brink of our own destruction.

Does this sound familiar?

Wake up, America, before it is too late. God’s mercy is coming to a close.

- Ron Thompson, Blue Springs

Outmoded idea

I can remember when people could say what they believed without fear of losing their jobs or having their businesses boycotted. It was called “free speech,” and I believe it was protected by the First Amendment to our Constitution.

But that was long ago. Young people won’t remember.

- Ed Geither, Overland Park

Kids hurt most

Because of the dire state of Missouri’s revenue stream, a $448 million budget cut is forcing difficult decisions. CASA, Jackson County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates, is deeply concerned that 67% of the positions cut will come from one department, the Department of Social Services, specifically the Children’s Division, which serves about 20,000 children in foster care annually. We also are concerned about the millions of dollars to be cut that would have gone directly to serving children and families.

Nonprofit CASA staff and volunteers work closely with the Children’s Division. Last year, we provided advocacy and guardian services for 1,264 of the nearly 3,000 children under court protection in Jackson County.

These job cuts coincide with an expected surge of children entering care. Calls to the abuse hotline — which plummeted as COVID-19 meant those who report possible problems (teachers, doctors, pastors) weren’t seeing the children — are expected to increase as children emerge.

Ultimately, service to this vulnerable population is at stake. It is our duty to understand why children are the first to suffer losses during this budget crisis. We are deeply concerned how cuts affect child safety, stability and permanency.

We hope any future cuts will not affect Missouri children and families.

- Angie Blumel, President and CEO, Jackson County CASA, Kansas City

Why so silent?

Where is the national outrage over Russia offering bounties on killing our soldiers in Afghanistan? President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence are all so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

What does this say to our military members who put their lives at risk when our government seems not to care? I, who served in the Air Force, am appalled at the non-response.

- Sanford Sherman, Overland Park

I’m not clapping

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has brought death, illness, financial hardship and many other losses to the people of Missouri. Yet Gov. Mike Parson does not take his own recommendation to wear a mask seriously enough to do it himself consistently.

I was particularly appalled to read in the Wednesday paper that the governor used his refusal to issue a statewide mask order as an applause line at a recent event. (4A, “Parson defends his unmasked events”)

After replacing Eric Greitens, Parson struck me as a reasonable adult who was probably capable of governing a state. Now I see that he’s a pusillanimous placeholder politician. I will be voting against him in November.

- Lyn Elliot, Kansas City

Injustice averted

Thank you for exposing the fact that federal authorities were planning to release Robert Courtney early. Enough people opposed that plan, and the decision was rescinded. (July 17, 1A, “Victims’ families react after Courtney’s release is halted”)

It is my hope that you will follow up on this travesty of justice by investigating who was responsible for trying to push through this proposal. I wonder if someone was paid off — and if that’s the case, it needs to be brought to light. The person or people responsible need to be exposed and brought to justice if something illegal took place.

Thank you again for your work on this story.

- Stan Hinnah, Slater, Missouri