Never mind the facts or stats — Missouri’s treasurer just complains MU is too ‘woke’ | Opinion

Woke up?

Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek concludes his Star guest commentary of Oct. 23 with, “Fairness and equality should never be replaced by division and discrimination, at Mizzou or anywhere else.” (7A, “Missouri Treasurer: Reps. Cleaver and Bush wrong on race”)

But when has fairness and equality been the norm, or even occurred regularly, in this state? He cites no statistical or other information to support his opinions, but just complains about others being “woke.”

Seems to me he’s definitely somnolent.

- Charles E. Downing, Roeland Park

Help, Sen. Moran

Clean energy is growing in the Sunflower State. A recent report found Kansas is among the top five states for wind power, and operations just began at Sunflower Wind, a 200-megawatt wind farm in Marion County.

With the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act’s renewable-energy incentives, it has never been easier — or cheaper — for Kansans to switch to clean energy. Homeowners who want to go solar, install an efficient heat pump or make other upgrades can get 30% of the cost of these projects covered by federal tax credits.

Sen. Jerry Moran has been a vocal advocate of investing in clean energy in Kansas. However, his colleagues in Congress are trying to cut funding for clean energy programs. We need Sen. Moran to defend clean energy tax credits and rebates before the Nov. 17 appropriations deadline so that all Kansans can save money and energy while participating in their state’s positive progress on renewables.

- Sadie Rogerson, Environment America, Denver

Protect children

It’s heartbreaking to read about youngsters being abused — physically, sexually and emotionally — at often-unaccredited and supposedly Bible-based schools for so-called “troubled kids” such as Agape Boarding School in southern Missouri.

My now-deceased father violated similarly helpless children, mostly in the developing world overseas, where he worked for many years as a Lutheran missionary. I know just how vulnerable and powerless kids in these settings can be.

Thank heavens there are brave and responsible adults like Kathleen Britt who are shining sorely needed light on these horrors. (Oct. 23, KansasCity.com, “Mother sues Missouri boarding school, alleging gang rape and abuse led to son’s death”) I hope state legislators are listening and will respond to these scandals by reforming archaic, predator-friendly laws that deny victims their day in court.

- Denise R. Knights, Mound, Minnesota

In the groove

Not that I have any knowledge of the music industry (or anything else for that matter), but I believe Taylor Swift could have some fun and sell a few 45 rpm records if she covered two songs with a little rework of the lyrics. The first would be “My Boyfriend’s Back” by the Angels. With the Chiefs’ tagline of “Back to Back,” it wouldn’t take much to alter the lyrics to include this reference. Besides, Travis Kelce is “kinda big and he’s awful strong.”

On the flip side of the 45 could be another oldie that is my favorite of all time: “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes. “We’ll make them turn their heads every place we go” is as true as it gets.

Vinyl records are enjoying a renaissance right now, so a limited pressing would be in every Swiftie’s collection. And so much fun!

- Bob Mika, Overland Park

Better choice

It seems Mr. Ex-President still holds sway over the GOP. Anyone who doesn’t get in line with him risks threats and more. If a potential speaker of the House voted to certify the people’s choice in the 2020 election result, that person is considered an enemy. (Oct. 26, 1A, “GOP lawmakers unite around Johnson for House speaker”)

Republicans need to grow up. They should have elected Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer as House speaker. It is time they quit kowtowing to you-know-who.

- Tom Fournier, Lee’s Summit