We all have our own truths. But there’s a definite difference between fact and fiction | Opinion
And that’s a fact
Well, now in 2023, we have, depending on our sources, logged some 70 to 200 millennia of Homo sapiens’ residency on Planet Earth. After all these years, I think it long past time that we discontinue our search for truth. It has made for far too much tumult and hardship — pain, suffering, fear and loneliness — likely largely due to its grounding in ages of folklore, superstition and conjecture, as is so much of everything.
I think we will do ourselves much favor by focusing greater efforts at deciphering fact from fiction. That is no easy task in itself, fiction being so pervasive, so stifling. Fact does not necessarily equate to truth, but it does seem to reduce doubt, confusion and paranoia when sought and determined. These efforts will likely best be served when we wrest ourselves from our respective familial, social, academic, religious and political silos. Yes, almost to a person, we reside in one or another of them, or several that, in my view, effect a deafness and blindness, each maintained in its illusions of truth.
Where are the courageous among us — the seekers of facts, the dispellers of fiction and conspiracy?
- Martin Dressman, Prairie Village
For one another
I have a simple letter to write. One that I hope will resonate with readers.
What we need more of in our world is for people and businesses to truly care for one another and our communities.
We were better off with the old model of our hospitals, staffed by those who care for people. What we have is a disaster. There are so many technically nonprofit hospitals that take advantage of the most vulnerable. If you do not have insurance, you are stuck with 100% of the bill and are on your own to negotiate. I just had a one-week hospital stay. My total bill was $150,000, and the discounted rate insurance paid was $28,000. (I was lucky: My out-of-pocket share was only $7,000.) That is immoral and should be criminal.
We need more people instead of robots to answer phones, and those who answer need to live in our communities. We need to nurture and support family-owned businesses that care about both their employees and their customers. And so much more, but I am limited to 200 words.
Government is not the solution. We all are.
- Cathi Brain, Kansas City
It’s our home
I want to express my concern about the increasing number of ozone days in Kansas City and the link to climate change. (July 11, KansasCity.com, “Smog warning issued as poor air quality expected in Kansas City for 12th time this season”) Our communities don’t deserve to endure preventable asthma attacks, worsened lung diseases and permanent damage to our lungs and airways caused by high ozone.
Ozone is created when pollutants stemming from coal-fired power plants and engine exhaust react in the sunlight. Heat makes ozone toxic to our lungs. With each summer getting hotter and hotter, we need to confront this problem now.
Kansas City is ranked fifth among U.S. cities in being the most threatened by climate change. Meanwhile, Evergy just released a long-term planning document that doubles down on fossil fuels and delays building renewable energy resources.
We need to be honest about why we keep seeing ozone pollution on the news and not shy away from the solutions we know are needed for breathable air and a sustainable future. Climate change isn’t limited to extreme weather and unbearably hot summers, and it is already here. It’s time for our local leaders to take action.
- Claus Wawrzinek, Chair, Sierra Club, Thomas Hart Benton Group, Kansas City
Help wanted
Why is it so difficult for our wealthy, dedicated owner of the Royals to find and pay a couple closing pitchers for the bullpen? I don’t get it. (July 19, 6B, “Royals’ Lyles pitches a gem, but Tigers solve KC bullpen”)
- Ed Regan, Overland Park