Letters: Readers discuss 2nd Amendment absurdity, Andy Reid’s plans, vote restriction

Another side

The absurdity of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial has brought to a head America’s unwillingness to modernize its firearms regulations. (Nov. 11, 2A, “Rittenhouse lawyers ask for a mistrial”) As always, a key stumbling block is the political argument injected into a debate that should be solely about balancing individual rights and public safety.

Rittenhouse’s defense — that he felt threatened by the people he shot (probably because he was an untrained civilian with an automatic weapon roaming through an unruly crowd of protesters) — is a throwback to Wild West vigilantes.

Whether that is perceived as a good or bad thing depends largely on someone’s politics, but what about considering another scenario? What if people who worked at the Capitol, bystanders who saw the mayhem or even card-carrying antifa members pulled out guns to ostensibly help the battered police defend Congress on Jan. 6? Would they have been justified shooting protesters, many of whom were captured on video engaging in physical violence as they stormed into the building? I imagine this outcome would also be viewed differently by those with opposing political beliefs.

The Second Amendment was written to keep every American safe. That should always be at the heart of its interpretation and application.

- John McDonald, Ferguson, Missouri

Reid’s big plan?

I wonder: Is there room for counterpoint in the saga of the Chiefs’ demise and resurrection? Expert opinions have been bandied about from all corners, but so far all seem to miss the elephant in the room.

The Chiefs and their fans enjoyed two stellar seasons, winning most games and one Super Bowl. Then, in response to one loss in another Super Bowl, Supreme Leader Andy Reid hatched a grandiose plan. First, fire the entire offensive line (to fix blame?) and then spend we know not how much to hire a new line that can protect even your grandmother. Second, instruct Patrick Mahomes to be a “pocket passer” and so dink and dunk the way along, just like Tom Brady or Big Ben.

Alas, Reid seems to have ignored two important facts. Mahomes is not a pocket passer, nor does he want to be Tom Brady. Also, Reid must now somehow train all the other members of the team on how to execute 10 or 12 or even 15 consecutive plays without an error of any kind — no penalty, fumble, dropped pass, interception, injury, bad call or lost temper.

We are watching to see if he can do that.

- Ron Platt, Overland Park

Tell us why not

What are politicians not telling you?

Three area politicians voted no on H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, on Nov. 5. (Nov. 7, 26A, “Congress just passed the infrastructure bill. Here's five ways it will help Kansas and Missouri”) This bill succeeded because 13 Republicans crossed over to help the Democrats pass this once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure legislation. Our three area representatives must not have read the act or considered the needs of all their constituents. Missouri will receive more than $9 billion for highways, bridges, high-speed internet.

The American Society of Civil Engineering gave Missouri a C-minus on its last infrastructure report card. It determined we have 2,190 bridges and more than 7,567 miles of highways in poor condition. Since 2011, commute times have increased by 5.9% in Missouri and drivers pay an average of $743 per year in costs by driving on roads in need of repair.

Based on the formula funding alone, Missouri would expect to receive $6.5 billion for federal highway apportioned programs. There is more, but here is my question: Why did these three area representatives vote no to improving Missouri highways, bridges and other infrastructure programs with real dollars attached to this act?

- Bob G. Gaw, Warrensburg

Simple logic

With all the controversy these days about voting, I’d like to address absentee voting in Missouri. I am old. If I request an absentee ballot, I am required to get it notarized.

Here’s the catch: If I could get out to find a notary, I could get out to go to my polling place.

That seems restrictive to me.

- Steven C. Lesan, Kansas City

This story was originally published November 12, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss 2nd Amendment absurdity, Andy Reid’s plans, vote restriction."