Letters: KC readers discuss children’s behavior, COVID-19 politics and Desmond Tutu
Help needed
Children’s Mercy President Paul Kempinski wrote an eye-opening, red-flag guest commentary about the 1,300% increase in “Code Strongs” at the hospital — children acting disruptively beyond deescalation — since the pandemic began. (Dec. 27, 7A, “The ‘shadow pandemic’ we must address”)
As a retired teacher, I immediately realized how pervasive that “shadow pandemic” must also be in the school setting. Teachers are far less equipped than medical professionals to assist children in emotional distress and are expected to educate all students while comforting and controlling those in crisis.
So I second Kempinski’s motion for immediate, intensive governmental and community aid for our children’s mental health and emotional needs, and I further extend that plea to include our schools.
- Anita Macek, Roeland Park
America first
What do we know about COVID-19? We know vaccines work, masks help and that with large numbers of unvaccinated, the virus continues to evolve and mutate. The continuing spikes of the virus cause economic disruption as well as health care workers and educators leaving their professions.
Why are Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and other GOP officeholders so adamant about preventing mass inoculations and the use of masks, causing more illness, death and disruption?
Their argument based on freedom of choice is specious. Civilization prohibits us from drinking and driving, speeding, and intentionally or unintentionally doing harm to others.
Elected officeholders have a unique responsibility to protect, not destroy, our nation. So why are Schmitt and others dedicated to expanding the virus? The only conclusion is that they see it in their self-interest. By prolonging COVID-19, the GOP can run against President Joe Biden, saying, “He didn’t end the virus,” and pointing to school closures and economic disruption.
Many years ago, John Erskine penned an essay, “The Moral Obligation to Be Intelligent.” I recommend these leaders read it and start acting morally and intelligently to end the COVID-19 scourge. Put America first for a change.
- Bond R. Faulwell, Overland Park
Ground stood
Thank you, Kansas City Star Editorial Board, for calling balls and strikes on Sen. Roger Marshall. (Dec. 13, 11A, “Threat to US democracy won’t end itself, Senator”)
Whether it was acknowledging that Marshall knew there was no proof of election fraud claims at the time he “sid(ed) with the insurrectionists,” or recognizing that there is an election “controversy” only because Marshall and others are dishonest with their constituents, or that “moving on” from Jan. 6 starts with Marshall “apologizing for being one of the leading proponents of the Big Lie,” the Editorial Board has not wavered from its duty to its readers. (May 3, 11A, “Sen. Roger Marshall, the Big Lie won’t let the US ‘move on’)
Recently, a federal judge charged with sentencing the insurrectionists called them “pawns,” while acknowledging that the officials who incited them “are not being held to account.” That is why the Editorial Board’s decision to stand its ground is so critical.
Media outlets are forced to decide whether to go along, curry favor and look the other way, or call out the unfounded denigration of America’s most cherished institution and bypass benefits in certain quarters.
Thank you, Kansas City Star Editorial Board, for putting your readers first, telling them the truth and never acquiescing to the Big Lie and those like Roger Marshall who refuse to repudiate it.
- Curtis A. Loub, Manhattan
Support justice
Desmond Tutu would want to be remembered for his staunch support for Palestinians. He denounced the Israeli occupation, denounced Israeli apartheid and supported boycotts, sanctions and divestment. He knew that ending the occupation would benefit all of us: Jews and non-Jews, Israelis and Palestinians.
“If change seems impossible, consider our experience in South Africa,” he said. “You can make it happen in Palestine and Israel, too.”
The Star’s repudiation this year of its past silence on injustices to Black people in Kansas City is laudable. Don’t now join those who wrongly dismiss current injustices to Palestinians.
- Joyce Jamie Jackson, Kansas City
This story was originally published December 29, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Letters: KC readers discuss children’s behavior, COVID-19 politics and Desmond Tutu."