Letters: Readers discuss no accountability, a KC landmark and Facebook’s greed
Scot free?
I have been reading about so many men accused of sexual misconduct lately: religious leaders, a gymnastics doctor, a billionaire party animal, a Hollywood bigwig, military leaders and now a women’s soccer coach. (Oct. 7, 1B, “USWNT coach Andonovski condemns breach of trust”) Words such as horrifying, disturbing, sick and deviant are used to describe them and their actions. Almost all were immediately dismissed from their positions. Investigations are ongoing, and the media publishes new information that comes to light. Some of these people are even serving time in prison.
So, how is it that one person, whom at least 26 women have accused of nonconsensual kissing, groping, sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape, was not fired from his government position? In fact, he has suffered no real consequences — nothing. These accusations are flipped away with comments such as, “She’s not my type.”
Tell me why this person is allowed to get away with these awful accusations — from 26 women? Why is that?
- Lilly Jones, Centerview, Missouri
Let’s build it
Kansas City and its surroundings have much to offer. However, we lack an iconic monument that visitors can experience when they come to our city. Consider the Gateway Arch, the Eiffel Tower, the Washington Monument, the Golden Gate Bridge and other majestic structures. There is no need to mention what cities they are located in, as they are well known and attract millions of tourists each year.
The purpose of having a world-class, tourist-worthy structure in Kansas City is not to compete with St. Louis. It is to complement the eastern side of Missouri with an equally compelling monument at its western border. It could beautify the skyline and symbolize our area for decades to come.
Uniqueness and creativity in its design are paramount. It could appeal to tourists and other visitors, leading to additional development. It would provide a unique reason for people to visit and get to know our great metropolitan area.
- Anjum Shariff, Overland Park
Respect lost
Here we are, more than a century and a half after a civil war divided our country, uprooted and destroyed lives of Americans, turned family against family and friends against friends, and we have learned nothing. Now, not only do we have race and the treatment of others at issue — we have a pandemic, economic concerns, foreign affairs, nuclear threats, masks, vaccinations and on and on. We are in a political civil war, which reached a boiling point on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol.
I have no answers or solutions, only a personal observation about the condition of our country. When did we lose respect for our elected offices, not the office holder, but the office?
I enjoyed politics when candidates could discuss and present their positions and qualifications to hold the office. Then citizens seemed to work with the person elected on matters to better their community, state or nation. When did it change from candidates presenting their credentials, viewpoints and plans to criticizing, degrading and lying about their opponents in order to be elected? Are we not better than that?
Starting with respecting others’ opinions without degradation or lies and showing civility may be a solution. Respect America by respecting others.
- Terry L. Campbell, Basehor
Health hazard
Facebook’s own internal research has found that the use of its Instagram platform by teen girls causes mental health issues, including an increased risk of suicide.
Knowing this, Facebook has decided to place profits over the mental health of impressionable teens. Profits or mental health. FB executives made the choice, and through that choice they have become a public health hazard. When do we say enough is enough?
- Michael Laddin, Shawnee