Letters: I’m not concerned about long sentence for breaking Kansas’ marijuana laws
Zero sympathy
Too bad, so sad. Don’t do the crime if you’re not prepared to suffer the consequences. Feigning ignorance of the law doesn’t cut it.
Donte Westmoreland was found guilty of possession of marijuana with intent and conspiracy to distribute it, garnering a 92-month prison sentence. Enough said. (Sept. 7, 1A, “Kansas man serving time calls pot sentencing laws unjust”) He put himself in that jam.
So do the time. Don’t blame the judge or Kansas lawmakers for your own poor conduct.
- Marsha Gray, Buffalo, Kansas
Nothing to cheer
There are so many things wrong with the Blue Springs School District’s decision to file a lawsuit against Jackson County. (Sept. 10, 1A, “Blue Springs district sues county over football crowd limit”) What a selfish, spoiled group sitting in the stands, watching cheerleaders and dance teams while insisting they are being cheated out of their ability to fill the stands with cheering family members.
What a sad lesson they are sending their children: If you don’t get your way (even though that decision is in your best interest), buck authority and force your selfishness onto the system.
I imagine these same people will be the first in line seeking the best health care when they test positive for the coronavirus.
- Leasa M. Caron, Kansas City
Outside assistance
In other countries where the integrity of elections is in question, international monitors — including former President Jimmy Carter — have been appointed to oversee the process and help ensure the integrity of the results. In view of the conspiracy theories and scenarios circulating in the media and cyberspace about our own election, perhaps the same oversight is needed in the United States this year. I personally would welcome it.
But who decides to invite this kind of help? Maybe the United Nations? I don’t know. But I do know we need assistance, and I hope those in authority also know it and find it. Our democracy depends on it.
- Jeanne Levy, Prairie Village
Enduring service
As a U.S. citizen, I pay my taxes. I have been mailing my tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service for decades. The U.S. Treasury depends on the U.S. Postal Service to safely and diligently deliver millions of dollars every year.
As a Kansas resident, I have been voting in advance or mailing in my ballot for years, with nary a problem — no fear of having my vote disregarded. I voted by mail in the August primary. I checked online and saw that my ballot was received and accepted. The Postal Service both delivered and returned my ballot to the correct locations.
As a customer, I have used my local post office for more than 35 years. I have mailed packages and letters across the country and around the world. Thousands of letters and packages safely arrived at their destinations.
As a voter, I trust the mail. The Postal Service has been integral since the 1700s. In fact, Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the Constitution is known as the Postal Clause.
As a concerned citizen, I say: Don’t fall for scare tactics. I believe the U.S. Postal Service will exist long after the current administration.
- Ellen Portnoy, Overland Park
Above and beyond
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in numerous heroes stepping up to help us cope with the pandemic. One unsung group consists of those conducting COVID-19 testing. They often perform this vital service outside, in inclement weather.
Many are volunteers, giving their time to help those who may be sick and helping to contain the spread of the disease. Employees of public and private health services are equally praiseworthy, as they must show up and perform no matter what the weather holds in store.
These people all deserve our recognition and applause. They are truly heroes.
- D. Michael McConnell, Lenexa
Blind trust
I have come to believe than many, many churches do more harm than good. After reading the article about Circle of Hope Christian boarding school in southwest Missouri on the front page of Sunday’s Star, (“Girls removed from Missouri reform school before search”) and also Facebook posts about an allegedly abusive, cult-like Kansas City congregation, I suggest that when entering a church, you don’t check your brain at the door.
Be very cautious about the word “Christian.” A lot of people are taken in by that, rather than using the wisdom that God or the universe gives to each of us. Discernment is the key. And always ask yourself: Is this really good for the children?
- Rosemary Atkinson Boudreaux, Raytown