Letters: KC readers discuss putting kids first and waving guns in the COVID-19 crisis

Prioritize kids

A national conversation is happening around the impact of COVID-19 on our communities and how our leaders should respond. What will we do to get people back to work? How can we boost the economy?

But we must not forget the health and safety needs of our children in these conversations. What do kids need right now? What helps keep them safe? Child abuse is a complex issue that affects all types of families, and during times of crisis and economic instability, child abuse rates increase.

We don’t yet know the impact this pandemic has had on child abuse in Missouri, but we do know that reducing economic stress in the home is one way to help prevent violence against our children.

Any federal relief package must consider stabilizing factors for families, including but not limited to access to affordable housing and food. It is imperative that we prevent the trauma children face when they experience eviction and homelessness. It must also be a priority to invest in nutrition programs in order to meet the most basic needs of children and families.

It’s time for our senators to center kids in their coronavirus response.

- Jessica Seitz, Director of public policy, Missouri Kids First, Jefferson City

Sign of the times

What does it say about our country when people without masks also brandish guns in stores and restaurants? (July 14, 1A, “Man flashes gun when told to wear mask at barbecue restaurant”)

Even sadder: What does that say about our lack of leadership?

- Dennis Way, Roeland Park