Election results show that MAGA won decisively, and we all should respect that | Opinion
How it works
Even though I didn’t vote for him, I’m surprisingly at peace with Donald Trump’s reelection despite the enormous amount of baggage he carries. Why? It’s because MAGA won decisively: the Electoral College vote, the Senate, the House and narrowly, the popular vote. This is the direction that most voters chose to go. It must be respected, even if it comes at a hefty price.
For a century, the United States has promoted itself as the model of democratic governance that other countries should emulate. With the election of an authoritarian who claims he alone can fix the problems he blames on scapegoats and political opponents, the rest of the world now watches us succumb to the same forces as many lesser nations.
The world also sees that the most prosperous nation on Earth now wants even more, with no intention of sharing. American exceptionalism is being replaced by America first and redefining our place in the world.
At home, the president-elect has misrepresented his fractional majority as a mandate, setting the stage for a heavy-handed and at times self-involved agenda with cursory regard for the will of the governed. Tumultuous times may be ahead, but they shouldn’t shake our commitment to democracy.
- John McDonald, Ferguson, Missouri
Make peace
Thank you, Melinda Henneberger, for your excellent column on Nov. 19, “Yes, eat turkey with those who didn’t vote like you.” (7A)
Most of my friends and I have struggled after the election. Although I have tried to tell them that some of these people are very nice, I have found myself avoiding a few who I know voted for Donald Trump.
Melinda shared so many reasons we should continue to associate with people who didn’t vote like us. I am sharing her column with several friends.
- Mary-Ann Gaston, Overland Park
Language power
In his Nov. 14, commentary, “Department of Education has never made the grade,” (12A) David Mastio stated, “Immigrants speaking English as a second language do poorly in public schools.” As a recently retired English for speakers of other languages teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas, school district, I strongly disagree.
I know of countless English learners who have gone on to get college degrees and have become contributing members within their communities. Mr. Mastio, you owe apologies to the dedicated teachers, to the parents who have sacrificed and worked hard to give their children a good education and a better life, and to the students who have succeeded in making this world a better place.
- Ann Bode Rodriguez, Kansas City
Let it go
Why do some professional athletes hang on well past their primes? Is it financial woes? Is it competitiveness? Is it greed and power?
Muhammad Ali took way too many shots to the head in his last few fights. Aaron Rodgers has been a shell of his former self this season with the New York Jets. Tiger Woods continues to taint his legacy in every PGA event he plays in.
Then there’s Mike Tyson, who stumbled around the ring for eight rounds last weekend looking old, slow, confused and sedated in his fight with internet celebrity Logan Paul. (Nov. 20, 5B, “Netflix jokes about Mike Tyson-Jake Paul issues but Chiefs game could be a problem”)
These athletes think they are adding value to our viewership, but it’s gimmicky at best.
- Greg Schoen, Lenexa
Our wallets
For those of us who like “sticking it to the man,” let’s stop buying anything we don’t need, then saving the money we don’t spend. This will take a bite out of the man’s economy, while contributing to our own.
- Jim Turner, Independence
This isn’t justice
Mark Dupree has a very poor record as Wyandotte County’s district attorney. Anyone elected to that office must maintain a commitment to prosecute criminals to protect the people. Thus far, Dupree has failed.
In the case of Deleisha Kelley’s murder, Dupree had an immediate conflict of interest because the accused was his nephew, Billy Dupree. The DA should have called in state and federal authorities to investigate and prosecute the potential criminal conduct. He did neither, and his nephew received a plea deal.
This is tragic for the Kelley family and others who are simply trying to survive a culture of corruption and dangerous behavior by government officials and law enforcement officials. Sadly, this case is not the only transgression against justice in Wyandotte County.
Dupree also failed to fully prosecute Robert Aaron Milan, a multiply convicted felon accused of aggravated battery of a former girlfriend. Milan — the son of Dupree’s fellow pastor Robert L. Milan and the grandson of longtime Board of Public Utilities president Robert L. Milan Sr. — also received a plea deal.
One thing is clear to local taxpayers and residents: Wyandotte County is more dangerous because of Mark Dupree.
- Tscher “Cece” Manck, Kansas City, Kansas
Editor’s note: Billy Dupree was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Nov. 22 for involuntary manslaughter for Kelley’s death, to be served concurrently with his current term, meaning he will be incarcerated less than 12 more years.
Families first
Before becoming a pediatrician, I worked at an after-school program. I’ve seen children thrive when in positive, safe and stimulating environments, and I know that creating these surroundings takes passion and hard work, all while operating within a tight budget.
Many families rely on Missouri’s child care subsidy program to afford care, and many child care centers rely on these subsidies to stay open. Unfortunately, because of a backlog in payments, for months the Missouri child care subsidy program has not paid these small businesses. This may lead to closures of high-quality facilities when there is already a scarcity.
It is important that we let Missouri state officials and legislators know that this problem needs to be addressed so we can help those who support our children and families.
- Jason Lach, Kansas City
An old idea
Then-Kansas City Mayor William Kemp and his downtown planning committee reviewed a proposal to build a 33,000-seat stadium on Pershing Road, between Grand and Main, merging into Washington Square, Liberty Memorial, Penn Valley and Union Station. The year was 1948 (see the first page of the Nov. 21, 1948, edition of The Kansas City Star, Section D, available at newspapers.com or your public library), and they estimated it would take a decade to secure public funding and build the stadium. Eventually, J.C. Hall built Crown Center, complete with shops, restaurants, theaters, offices, stacked parking and a hotel — all with private investments.
Many years have rolled by, and downtown planners are again considering almost that exact location for a new ballpark. Perhaps an all-purpose stadium could be merged into Crown Center and take advantage of existing facilities. Maybe some entrepreneur could build a future-looking mass transport system to connect Kansas City International Airport with Crown Center.
- Kenneth Alonzo Lee, Raytown