Trump’s ‘continuation,’ ‘Brian’s Song’ and elders’ abilities

Not how we work

The president will not commit to the peaceful transfer of power after the election, but he will commit to the peaceful “continuation” of power. (Sept. 24, KansasCity.com, “Trump won’t commit to peaceful transfer of power if he loses”)

I did not realize the United States is a banana republic.

- Michael Hyde, Overland Park

Feet to fire

We are counting on you, the journalists of The Kansas City Star and all other local journalists. Please interview on the record all our representatives and senators and publish on the front page the responses to these very important constitutional questions:

1. Will you ensure that the state counts all legal ballots?

2. Will you ensure that the Electoral College electors will be selected based on the outcome of the votes that represent the will of the people?

3. Will you protect the Constitution of the United States of America and the peaceful transition of power?

- Sandra Van Wagner, Smithville

Movie memories

I much enjoyed Vahe Gregorian’s tribute to Brian Piccolo and Buzz Kulik’s 1971 film “Brian’s Song” upon the death of Gale Sayers. (Sept. 24, 1A, “‘Brian’s Song’ movie made Gale Sayers an immortal on field and off” ) Gregorian quotes Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, saying, “It’s still one of the movies, you watch it today, you cry.”

For me, the most tearjerking part has always been when Sayers asks Piccolo in his hospital bed how he is doing. Piccolo replies: “I’m feeling a little punk, so I think I’ll try to get some sack, OK?” — still trying to be macho for his friend.

- Larry Heffel, Lenexa

Why the rush?

Dear Republicans: Are you so afraid that President Donald Trump will not be reelected that you think you must push through his Supreme Court nominee before the election? If you are confident he will be re-elected in November, take the high road and wait for the new term.

- Marcia Young, Kansas City

Older, not out

A July 12 letter to the editor about young people having too much negativity about older people was interesting and true. (20A)

Even though some of us are past 80 years old, we can still get around. The older you get, the more you know about everything. You never stop learning.

I am 93 years old. I live by myself and can do anything I like. I do my own housekeeping, cooking, laundry and grocery shopping. I am an artist, and I still paint pictures. I do whatever I need to do. I have my yearly physical checkup with my doctor.

When young people get older, they will change their minds and not be so negative.

You don’t stop living because you are older.

- Hellen Sanderson, Kansas City

Need for speed

Recently, I waited for my doctor to mail me medical information. It took six days from the postmark date to be delivered from Lee’s Summit to Raymore, which is less than 12 miles. I forwarded mail to Paducah, Kentucky, and it took two weeks to arrive.

I believe this is thanks to our members of Congress who are making the U.S. Postal Service the private bathroom for King Donald and the postmaster general.

Do not trust your ballot to be on time if you vote by mail. And God bless America.

- Don McRoberts, Raymore

Hypocrisy, simple

I believe Michael Ryan’s Tuesday commentary, “Of course it’s fair for Senate to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” (9A) failed to address the reason Americans are upset with the nomination procedure for the vacant U. S. Supreme Court position. It’s because of the actions and words of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

In 2016, McConnell didn’t allow a vote on the floor of the Senate when there was a Supreme Court vacancy during the Obama administration. McConnell’s argument was that because it was an election year, American voters should have a voice in the decision. This occurred about eight months before the election.

Now, a similar thing has occurred. There is a vacancy for the Supreme Court, but this time it’s about six weeks before the election. McConnell has stated there will be a vote on the floor of the Senate.

President Barack Obama nominated a person for the Supreme Court. And President Donald Trump is doing the same thing. However, in 2016, there was no vote. But now, in 2020, there will be a vote.

This is all due to the actions of McConnell. McConnell is being hypocritical.

- John A. McGeehan, Overland Park