I like Christmas lights as much as anyone, but putting them up so early is ridiculous
The first Noel
Growing up with a military dad, there were always rules to abide by. One of his holiday rules was no Christmas decorations until after the Thanksgiving turkey was carved. I totally understand people getting into the Christmas spirit early, but can we get through one holiday before starting on the next?
I don’t want to come across as a Scrooge, but it seems that Turkey Day is getting watered down more and more every year. I have neighbors who put up lights two days after Halloween.
Maybe we should combine the two, call it Thanx-mas and hang wreaths on our doors with holly and little turkeys. People already string cranberries in their trees, so we can just add orange tinsel to give them some pilgrimage flavor.
- Greg Schoen, Lenexa
Gilded throne
On Oct. 15, I attended a homes tour in northeast Kansas City. St. Anthony Parish church was open for viewing as part of this event. As a Catholic, I was shocked when I saw a gold-gilded throne at the front for the priest to sit on. I was greatly surprised at this glorification and separation between the ministry of the priesthood and the worshiping community.
I hope it was a gag or something. Maybe some well-meaning patron bought this for the church, but it will not be permanent? If it is permanent, it brings about fundamental questions for the leadership of the Catholic Church.
Vatican II brought about a recalling of the ministry for all members of the church. All are called. All are ministers, not just a select few. Popes have simplified the pomp used around priests and prelates to create a sense of them being apostles — simple but called individuals. Pope Francis has insisted that we declericalize the church.
Clergy come from among us not to be above us or to be lords over us. I implore Bishop James Vann Johnston Jr. and the priests at St. Anthony to remove this contradiction of our Christian faith.
- Paul Helmer, Kansas City
Bar lowered
Was it really necessary to run an entire commentary praising Derek Schmidt for doing the bare minimum in conceding that he lost to Kansas governor’s race to Laura Kelly? (Nov. 17, 9A, “Thank you, Derek Schmidt, simply for being normal”) How far has the party on the right slid toward fascism when it takes so many words to laud a public official for not throwing a cable-TV hissy fit and vowing to investigate and sue anyone who has the temerity to suggest that he lost a free and fair election? Why do we need to congratulate a man who would have kept mum when those around him scream nonexistent fraud? How is it helpful to make “acted like an adult” the new abnormal?
Let’s praise leaders who actually accomplish things that benefit the people who vote for them, and not for doing what until six years ago was considered the bare minimum of civil conduct.
- Richard Romero, Kansas City
Municipal pain
I’ve watched all the hype about a new ballpark downtown with great interest. I enjoy attending a few games each season, so this catches my attention.
I’m curious: How many others remember the parking situation at old Municipal Stadium? Finding a spot on the narrow streets or in someone’s backyard was always an adventure. Surely anyone who has ventured downtown lately knows that the availability of parking has not improved since then.
I wonder if Royals CEO John Sherman has considered the inconvenience of this issue as he pushes for the new stadium. Please think carefully about all options.
- Burt Walker, Raymore
No-brain drain
Could it be that Elon Musk is flushing billions of dollars down the drain to ensure that there is no Twitter for the next presidential election cycle? (Nov. 21, 7A, “Musk restores Trump’s Twitter account after online poll”) Wouldn’t it be a shame if all the trolls and bots didn’t have a town square to promote their misinformation?
- Robert McKaig, Blue Springs