Letters: KC readers discuss Kansas GOP gerrymander, Fox News, pathetic NFL Pro Bowl
The money trail
What the Kansas Senate has done to override the governor’s veto of Republicans’ patently unfair congressional maps is shameful. (Feb. 9, 10A, “Kansas GOP’s shameless gerrymander power grab”)
Please think twice before you do business with donors to Kansas GOP leaders such as Senate President Ty Masterson and state Sen. Mike Thompson.
- Matty Sweitz, Kansas City, Kansas
Living in the past
Kansas state Sen. Mike Thompson wants to limit renewable energy. (Feb. 4, 7A, “Kansas lawmaker takes aim at wind, solar power in new bills”) My husband and I disagree.
We are frustrated by the power of homeowners associations to deny owners the right to install solar panels on their homes. These restrictions often date back more than 30 years, long before the existence of current solar technology and the overwhelming public recognition of the critical importance of renewable energy.
In 2005, my husband and I were the first homeowners in Johnson County to retrofit our home with solar panels. We were featured in KCP&L’s newsletter highlighting the installation of the first net meter.
In March 2020, we moved to a neighborhood where we found out that the HOA had restrictions against solar panels.
Last year, we and many others were subjected to rolling blackouts because of inclement weather and the inability of the energy companies to provide enough energy to all. We believe if more people had access to solar energy, this would have been less critical.
Times change. HOA restrictions against solar panels do not meet current needs and desires of homeowners who want to make a difference in the world, combat global warming and save on energy costs.
- Ellen Portnoy, Overland Park
The Fox effect
A recent editorial lamented the erosion of critical thinking, citing the proliferation of conspiracy theories. (Feb. 3, 9A, “Mike Parson rages into the darkness as radical Republicans take control”) The robust debate about NFL overtime rules after the Chiefs’ playoff victory over Buffalo, however, demonstrates that more of us can still think critically than one might have guessed. Considering pros and cons on the rules’ fairness, many Chiefs fans support change, even after benefiting from the rules this time.
The problem is that Fox News for decades has trained its followers to turn off critical thinking when it comes to politics. I’ve seen it up close when smart friends suddenly abandon reasoning when the subject turns to politics. “Donald Trump is going to save us,” I’ve heard, with no rationale. I’ve heard cries of “socialism” as a knee-jerk response to almost any government action.
This is the result of entertainment outlets like Fox News inculcating followers with, “Don’t trust the ‘mainstream media’ — only listen to us.” Preventing exposure to inconvenient facts makes their job of fashioning an alternate reality possible — the proverbial bubble. Hence, studies show that Fox News viewers score lower on tests regarding current events than people who watch no news at all.
Critical thinking is alive, but how do we expand its use?
- Christine Gouger, Kansas City
No longer my GOP
From a veteran, and now-former Republican, to the RNC (Repugnant, Repulsive, Revolting National Committee):
You are the supporters of traitors to the United States of America, especially the biggest traitor, Donald J. Trump.
You need to change your moniker to AINO — Americans In Name Only.
- Larry Raymond Swanson, Lee’s Summit
That’s not football
Sunday’s NFL Pro Bowl was an insult to all true football fans. (Feb. 8, 1B, “At the Pro Bowl, Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes says he’s ‘still not over’ loss to Bengals”) Defenses were limited in what they normally could do. Receivers, running backs and quarterbacks were not tackled — they were hugged. Kisses were taboo because of facemasks.
The event, loosely called a game, was played strictly so the players could brag they were selected as one of the best, and they had loads of fun before the event.
It wasn’t played for the enjoyment of football fans.
If they had played flag football, it would have been more authentic.
When Patrick Mahomes threw an interception, I turned off the television. I had already experienced that scenario during the last game of the season.
I’ve heard from people across the country who also turned off the pretend game.
I’ll never waste my time on the Pro Bowl farce again.
- William R. Park Sr., Shawnee