Missouri Republicans who seek to charge women over abortions outrages reader | Opinion
Abortion inanity
Republicans in the Missouri General Assembly have introduced a bill that would allow women who have abortions to be charged with murder. (Dec. 11, 1A, “GOP bills propose murder charges for getting abortions”) Part of their bill reads: “Unless specifically provided otherwise, enforcement is subject to the same presumptions, defenses, justifications, laws of parties, immunities, and clemencies as would apply where the victim is a person who had been born alive.”
There is no statute of limitations for murder. So if they have their way, it appears that any woman living in Missouri who ever had an abortion could be arrested and tried for homicide. What if she had more than one abortion? Would that make her a serial “murderer” subject to the death penalty? What if she had her abortion in another state? Would Missouri try to extradite her? What if the state where she had the abortion did not legally equate abortion with murder? Would Missouri try to extradite her anyway, or would she get a pass?
This is one of the most pea-brained, poorly thought-out ideas our Republican friends in Jefferson City have come up with yet. Vote them out!
Christina Peterson, Kansas City
One-way street
A thought for those of us who were raised in the Christian faith: In the eight decades I have lived, I have never heard a Jewish person make an anti-Christian remark.
- Joe McMillian, Olathe
Hamas’ endgame
Regarding Karen Attiah’s commentary of Dec. 6 on Gaza’s cultural heritage losses: When Hamas’ terrorists planned to attack Israel on Oct. 7, didn’t they realize Israel would react? (9A, “With loss of Gaza’s cultural heritage, humanity loses”) Because of this attack, Israel too suffered cultural losses, as well as losses of many lives.
To survive as a country, Israel must continue to fight until Hamas no longer exists. Israel wants to turn government back to the people of Gaza with security maintained by Israel to avoid future attacks.
- Helen Bushman, Leawood
Not a stand
A cease-fire would be a free pass for Hamas and those who elected them. There are no easy answers to problems or conflicts among people and even countries. Everyone feels justified in believing they are righteous in their thinking and sense of fairness. It is no secret that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Protesting and creating a display of rebellion is sure to garner attention.
When politicians are pressed for a solution, they are quick to say it is complicated or complex. Hedging your bet by straddling the fence might keep both sides of an issue at bay, but it is a cowardly stance because nothing gets accomplished and it only makes matters worse.
- Steve Shaw, Kansas City
Only in America
A recent dream: Travis Kelce catches a pass and scores from 90 yards to win the Super Bowl as time expires. During the subsequent mayhem, he and Taylor Swift embrace at midfield, where he falls to one knee and Taylor tearfully nods “Yes!” seen by millions.
A few months later, the Democratic National Convention nominates a Swift-Kelce ticket. Immediately after taking the oaths of office in January 2025, their wedding is held at the White House and a spectacular reception is televised. At the end of the reception, President Swift announces there will be a new baby soon while displaying a personal check made out to the U.S. Treasury paying off the national debt. Then the new president and veep, along with Jason Kelce, sing the song “Only in America!”
I’m not crying! You’re crying! (Except for viewers of Fox News, who are unaware of any of this because the network is covering a new Benghazi bombshell.)
Tonight, I will scan the heavens for a shooting star. Anyone can dream and make a wish, can’t they?
- Steve Klein, Overland Park