Listen to the ideas without the ‘R’ or the ‘D’ first, then decide whether you agree
Ideas, not party
I was pleasantly surprised and grateful when I finished reading the May 1 column by Crystal Quade, “Political attacks on children don’t help Missourians.” (20A) The endnote indicated that the author is the minority leader of the Missouri House of Representatives but didn’t indicate her party affiliation. Though it may be obvious to many which party she belongs to, some will read the column and decide for themselves whether they agree with its content or not.
Not identifying the author’s party affiliation reduces the confirmation bias that our country is struggling with. I hope it becomes an regular practice.
- Frank Fernholz, Overland Park
A basic right
What makes us human? Is it not the ability to reason? What makes us free? I would say it is using our ability to reason and make individual choices.
Self-determination and the pursuit of happiness are basic to us as citizens of this country. Whereas some choices affect others, motherhood is a personal choice. Motherhood is a decision that affects a woman for her lifetime, every day, every year.
Mandatory motherhood dictated by the state reduces a woman to a position below that of human. The state knows best? Really?
- Anita B. Malott, Kansas City
A richer city
Imagine arriving in a foreign country with a new language and different customs, carrying only the contents of a small suitcase. What would you feel? Wonder? Hope for your future? This is the beginning of life in the U.S. for thousands of immigrants and refugees every year.
Jewish Vocational Service in Kansas City has welcomed more than 500 people as new neighbors since last June. JVS supports individuals and families arriving in Kansas City for a wide variety of reasons, from fleeing war to seeking educational opportunities for their children.
Since its inception in 1949, JVS has been guided by the beliefs that all people have intrinsic worth and dignity and that all people can flourish with support. JVS seeks to engage, encourage and empower each newcomer to achieve social, cultural and economic integration, creating a thriving community strengthened by diversity.
Kansas City is fortunate to have a unique assortment of dynamic cultures. Many immigrant and refugee families enrich our city by sharing their cultures. This exposure grants residents of our great city an opportunity to learn, grow and encompass the wonderful blurring of borders. Learn more, including about our 10th annual Global Table TO GO fundraiser, at jvskc.org
- Doty Hoffman, Kansas City
Lay off him
Royals fans, leave your criticisms of our talented defensive shortstop, Adalberto Mondesi, under wraps. He is hurting enough.
- Betty Swisher, Kansas City
Pay the price
Mothers Against Drunk Driving calls on the Missouri Senate to swiftly pass Bentley’s Law, HB 1954, from state Rep. Mike Henderson. Too often, impaired drivers who destroy families serve short sentences and move on with their lives. Bentley’s Law would require convicted impaired drivers who kill a parent or guardian to pay child support to surviving minor children. It would provide a sense of justice to victims and serve as a reminder to impaired driving offenders of the lifelong heartbreak caused by their choices.
Bentley’s Law is championed by Bonne Terre resident Cecilia Williams, whose son Cordell Williams, his fiancée Lacey Newton and their 4-month-old son Cordell II killed in a crash caused by an alleged impaired driver. The bill is named after the older of two surviving sons of Cordell and Lacey.
In addition to raising her grandchildren, Cecilia Williams has launched a nationwide movement to help families suffering similar tragedies. Bentley’s Law has caught the attention of legislators in more than 20 states. In Tennessee, the bill awaits the governor’s signature.
The Missouri General Assembly has the opportunity to lead this nationwide effort born out of tragedy on a Missouri road. Bentley’s Law must pass before May 13, or it will be pushed to next year. Why wait? Victims should not be the only ones paying the price for impaired driving.
- Alex Otte, National president, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Lexington, Kentucky
This story was originally published May 5, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Listen to the ideas without the ‘R’ or the ‘D’ first, then decide whether you agree."