Hey, Walmart: You could play a big role in saving Ukraine and democracy from Russia
A big nudge
Somebody needs to get ahold of Walmart with this idea: The company needs to tell the Chinese that if they invade Taiwan or give military assistance to the Russians in Ukraine, Walmart will quit buying what they produce. If other businesses did the same thing, it would stop the Chinese dead in their tracks. They don’t want to lose a huge chunk of their business.
And if we quit buying all that junk, it might bring more manufacturing jobs back to America.
- Dennis Bonnewitz, Clinton, Missouri
We can pitch in
Those of us of a certain age remember civilian involvement in World War II. Rosie the Riveter did her part, of course, and all ordinary citizens were asked to sacrifice in some way. Though not all of us had a family member in the fighting war, all of us knew someone who did — your postman’s son, the butcher’s, the editor’s — and we contributed in many ways. We gathered scrap metal, tended victory gardens and canned vegetables, accepted rationing of many necessary commodities — gasoline, tires, sugar, meat. We bought savings stamps at school and filled books with them that became savings bonds to help fund the war effort. Surely, others remember other activities.
But how can we help in this war Ukraine is fighting, seemingly for us, an autocracy against democracy? Very little, yet contributions of any size could make a difference. Please give what you can to the aid agency of your choice — Save the Children, International Red Cross, the relief effort of your faith community — or help provide housing for refugees relocating to the Kansas City area.
You get the idea. There is something each of us can do, and the time is now.
- Judy Lockett, Prairie Village
Full disclosure
Congress must go deeper than banning members from stock trading. In light of Business Insider’s ongoing “Conflicted Congress” investigation into violations of 2012’s STOCK Act, Democratic and Republican members are calling for a ban on trading individual securities via several bills circulating through both chambers.
Legislation meant to strengthen the STOCK Act should mandate all federal elected officials and their spouses publicly disclose full tax returns (even those under audit) dating to when they declared candidacy, current credit scores and credit reports, and real-time reporting of securities held and traded through automated brokerage feeds — a standard for employees at professional service firms with stringent independence requirements.
Enhanced transparency might make officials or potential candidates uncomfortable, but it is not about them. Voters and the public deserve to know to whom their lawmakers owe money and how much.
We are getting what we deserve from today’s officials: gridlock and bottomless partisanship. If we want the snakes out of the garden, if we want the swamp drained, the first meaningful step is exposing and repelling those who would use public service to enrich themselves. It’s time to admit our children deserve better than we are setting them up to receive.
- Peter Gariepy, Richmond Heights, Missouri
Look here
The Star is very good at investigating all kinds of social or criminal failures. Why doesn’t it take on the United States Postal Service? It is my understanding that the mail is to be delivered six day a week, regardless of the weather. In recent weeks, we have had four days, all with little or no snow, when no mail carriers have come to our house in eastern Brookside.
- Donald Hoffmann, Kansas City
Women can lead
This Women’s History Month is a good time to reflect on the past and acknowledge the difference women have made in critical industries, specifically the renewable energy sector. To continue making progress, we must recognize the challenges we have overcome to establish a strong path forward.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, renewable energy employs about 32% women, compared with 22% in the energy sector overall. As a project developer for EDP Renewables North America, I work to promote the benefits of renewable energy, and the responsibility is personal. To make an impact, I joined my company’s Women Synergy Group, which focuses on promoting the growth and success of our women.
Growing up in Namibia, I witnessed scarce electricity’s negative impacts. Renewable energy offers our neighbors, both local and international, reliable and sustainable sources of energy. The future transition to renewable energy has become clear, and women bring essential perspectives to every role.
The principles of Women’s History Month — empowerment, inclusion and hope for a better future — can be translated to renewable energy leadership. I’m looking optimistically toward a brighter future, as we celebrate the strides women are making to ensure these goals are met.
- Peyavali Hashipala, Overland Park
Shut out?
Recent actions by the conservative Missouri legislature are worrisome. Voting restrictions are in many proposed bills, as are ways to impede residents from putting their own questions on the ballot.
It’s difficult to keep track of how many restrictions are making their way through to the state Senate. Restricting mail-in voting is probably at the top of the list of changes lawmakers are seeking. Taking a cue from other Republican-controlled states, Missouri lawmakers are falling in line, as lies about election fraud spread.
Initiative petitions are also being attacked, full bore. Currently, signatures for each ballot initiative must be collected from 8% of voters in six of our state’s eight districts. One proposal in Jefferson City would expand that requirement to all eight districts, increasing the number of signatures needed to about 500,000. But a simple majority in the General Assembly allows legislators to place innumerable bills on the ballot.
These attempts to silence Missourians are close to autocracy. It is ironic, this using the rule of law to silence democracy. It’s almost as if they don’t want to hear from voters.
Keep asking this: Which party wants you to vote?
- Joyce Nowak, Shrewsbury, Missouri