Petty crime: Johnson County residents protest Kamala Harris sign theft | Opinion

Property theft

Super glue, rabbit repellent, thumbtacks, Vaseline and zip ties sound like a Lowe’s shopping list. They’re all proposed ideas by outraged citizens to discourage Kamala Harris-Tim Walz sign-stealers in Johnson County. Earlier this month, people who visited the Johnson County Democrats office reported 82 signs had been stolen from private front lawns just in Mission Hills, with reports of hundreds more throughout the metropolitan area.

In the scheme of things, it’s a petty issue. However, it’s vandalism and potentially criminal trespassing.

Stop the steal? Yes. Stop stealing signs.

- Kristin Wing, Leawood

Two greats

Kansas City has lost two extraordinary women. Both should be celebrated. Todi Hughes, longtime Rockhill area resident, was an artist. SuEllen Fried of Prairie Village was an author and an advocate for spreading kindness. (Oct. 16, 1A, “SuEllen Fried, who gave joy, said we can all change lives”) Todi was my friend of many years, and although I met SuEllen in an exercise class, I knew of her work mainly through news stories.

Todi was a master of igniting enthusiasm for art. She mentored many young people and created beautiful portraits. Children at Operation Breakthrough were her models at one time, going home with those portraits. Todi danced at the easel while painting.

SuEllen’s books focused on bullying and its prevention. She was active in working for prison reform and gave talks on both topics. She received voluminous awards for her work.

These two women, who were much more than I have described, will be missed by those who loved them, and the greater community will be diminished by their passings. The life of each is a testament to the fact that one person can make a difference in his or her community. Both lived into their 90s. Never, ever underestimate the influence of a nonagenarian.

- Karen I. Johnson, Westwood

Fighting words

Vice President Kamala Harris was recently interviewed by Fox News host Bret Baier. It appears that boxers in the ring and politicians in a debate or an interview have a lot in common. They are trying to protect themselves from getting hurt. A boxer needs to avoid physical punches, and a politician needs to avoid incorrectly answering the onslaught of critical questions.

Harris was like the champion boxer Muhammad Ali, who was quick and nimble on his feet. During the interview, Harris dodged, weaved, ducked and pivoted masterfully with finesse. She avoided any verbal abrasions or a knockout, unlike her current boss.

- Steve Shaw, Kansas City

Stand up?

You would think that a man who had sexually assaulted a woman, defrauded students of his university, incited a mob that caused loss of life and tremendous damage to the U.S. Capitol and committed tax fraud might be able to stand up to a smart woman who speaks only what is true (unlike the man) without whining.

But apparently not.

- Louise M. Bannister, Lansing

Christ forgotten

I fear that we have become an anti-Christ, communistic nation. Through our schools, media, courts, legislators and other factors, we have lost our biblical understanding. Some young people do not know where we originated or our destination. His story, called the Bible, gets limited use today.

Our devices are the source of our communications and knowledge for many. Christians are still being persecuted as they have been for centuries. Christians are labeled falsely as haters. However, in 1 John, the father’s command is to love his son and love one another.

Abortion has lost the stigma of being murder. In Psalms, we read that we are knit together in our mother’s womb and are fearfully and wonderfully made. The Fifth Commandment states that we are not to kill another human being.

All of us will stand before the judgment throne of God on the last day. Of course, grace is always available to those who seek him, no matter your past.

- James E. Rosander, Shawnee

Simple questions

People who don’t vote can’t complain. You’re letting others make those decisions for you.

There are times when you must put country over party — when one party spreads hatred and lies, threatening to abolish the rule of law and to destroy the Constitution.

I am a Republican. The MAGA movement and Trumpism have gone down a path so dark I can’t believe what I am hearing. As a Republican and a patriot, I will always put country over party.

Because I am a Republican standing against MAGA and Trumpism, I have lost lifelong friends, some family members and people I thought were good Christians, who turn their backs on others just because of their skin tone or accent, or for being a woman in need of obstetric care in Missouri unless she is at death’s door.

Here are some simple questions, a test:

If I lie to you, would you buy a car from me?

If I steal from you, would you trust me to watch you house?

If I sexually abuse your daughter, would you trust her to go with me?

Then why would you trust Trump? Don’t put party over country. I’m a Republican for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

- Eric Schaberg, Paola

What a season

Yay, Kansas City Royals. Thanks for an exciting year. You are the champions in my eyes.

- Lorraine Bennetts, Kansas City

Let them vote

Wendy Sullivan’s guest commentary about the barriers facing Missouri voters with disabilities was right on point. (Sept. 27, 6A, “Mo. voting system fails to include people with disabilities. Here’s what can be done”)

In addition to inadequately trained poll workers, blind voters must contend with the fact that not all jurisdictions in state and local elections provide ballot-marking devices allowing us to vote privately and independently, though Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act clearly requires it. This means blind Missourians who wish to vote by mail have no way to fill out the ballots in an accessible manner.

The solution to this is electronic delivery and return of ballots, a secure voting system used by folks serving in the military and Americans living abroad. If astronauts on the International Space Station can vote in this manner, there is no reason blind Missourians should not be afforded this opportunity.

- Daniel Garcia, President, Kansas City Chapter, National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, Kansas City

An investment

Reducing crime is now the rallying cry of Kansas City’s leaders, according to the Oct. 14 front-page story, “Kansas City leaders release roadmap for cutting crime.”

The truth is the only way to reduce crime is through education. You won’t get instant results politicians want, but you will get real and long-lasting results. Provide year-round preschool, elementary school and high school. Make needed public trade school and college courses free.

Build better schools today or more prisons tomorrow. That is our choice.

- Ed Stine, Prairie Village