Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, readers say thanks, but no thanks to recent words, actions | Opinion

Graves’ words

It was disappointing, but not surprising, to receive an email newsletter from Rep. Sam Graves touting his support for police officers and law enforcement. Yet, out of the other side of his mouth, Graves enthusiastically supports President Donald Trump, whose actions and words before Jan. 6, 2021, led to the deaths of five Capitol Police officers and injuries to more than 100 more.

I eagerly await Rep. Graves’ next newsletter in which he “backs the blue” by condemning Trump’s pardons of the Jan. 6 MAGA rioters who were responsible for the deaths and injuries of those police officers.

Because hypocrisy and sycophancy are now embedded in the modern GOP, I won’t hold my breath.

- David Schrag, Kansas City

Graves’ acts

On behalf of the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce, I want to express our appreciation that Congressman Sam Graves will continue as chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and for his ongoing efforts to strengthen our nation’s transportation systems, support rural communities and promote economic development. In particular, he is a strong champion for general aviation and the small and rural businesses that use our local airports.

General aviation is critical for the country’s economic growth and opportunity, with $247 billion in annual economic impact, more than $2.6 billion in Missouri. It is an important connector for rural communities, supporting agriculture and other critical sectors and providing good jobs in our small towns.

We are grateful for his leadership and the meaningful impact it has on communities like ours.

-Marie Murphree, Executive director, Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce, Kirksville

Not for us

For those of you who wonder about the equality of justice in the United States, wonder no more. There are, most definitely, two legal systems alive and well: one for those connected to the ruling class and the other for those who aren’t.

To illustrate:

• A newly elected president, convicted of 34 felonies with essentially no apparent accountability for anything, who pardons 1,500 people convicted in connection with the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
• A former president who pardons his son for numerous felonies on the pretext of protecting him from the new administration.
• A former Missouri governor who commutes the sentence of a convicted policeman who murdered an unarmed man and happens to be a friend of the new governor.

It truly is disgusting, reprehensible and absolutely frightening what can and does happen when those in power are given this type of legal discretion. I pray for all of us who are not so connected as to what these next four years have in store.

Unfortunately, it appears very obvious.

- Jeff Clayton, Mission Hills

Doubly damaging

I agree with David Mastio that Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump both abused the pardon power of the presidency. (Jan. 23, 11A, “Biden pardons threaten a reputation. Trump’s threaten a nation”) I would add that Biden’s blanket pardons are more institutionally damaging than Mastio suggested, however, because they provide precedent for Trump’s potential worse abuse of the pardon power.

Look, we all need to put Jan. 6 in the past. The pardoning of nonviolent participants could help with national reconciliation, but those convicted of assaulting police should do their time. Meanwhile, the dissenting voices are too few, some in Congress and the media, when we badly need to hear from the truth-tellers.

In Trump’s own retelling, he rationalizes the events of Jan. 6. No, it was not a “day of love.” No, the participants are not “J6 hostages.” It was a shameful day in our nation’s history. Lies of this magnitude are meant to disorient, to make us question what we know. Lies of this magnitude can cover something darker, such as the subtle endorsement of political violence.

A friend of mine insisted, “No, I watched the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. I know what I saw.”

- Gregory Ellermann, Kansas City

What an insult

I am a retired U.S. Army officer who served our country for more than 24 years. To watch the cowards in the Republican Party sell their souls to almighty Donald Trump shows only that they prize their jobs more than they serve the needs of the country.

Trump’s choices for Cabinet positions and their support show them to be nothing but individuals who are willing to sacrifice our Constitution for the sake of keeping their petty positions.

This is totally a slap in the face to all who have served and are now serving, not to mention to the millions of Americans affected by the confirmation of Trump’s shills in these critical positions.

Pathetic.

- Jeffrey J. Showers, Spring Hill

Yes, you

It is time to get your eyes wide open, your brain engaged and your ears listening. This past week highlighted how much the American people are disengaged. Many were surprised TikTok was shutting down, then that it was back. Where were their eyes, brains and ears this past year? Did these people not think and just assumed that they would not be affected?

This past week, President Donald Trump pardoned the people who broke into the Capitol, destroyed property and killed others. Trump gave the proverbial middle finger to all police officers in the United States. He appears to think that police officers are “suckers” and “losers,” just like he has called fallen members of our military. Trump gave the thumbs up to political violence. He has shown he will pardon anyone who kills someone he considers an enemy or who participates in a peaceful protest against his policies. Remember, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump is above the law.

These actions affect all of us. Start using the critical thinking skills that you were taught in school. Find a news resource you trust. Believe in the truth and not lies. Make your senators and representatives accountable for their actions.

You will be affected no matter whom you voted for.

- Karen Bradfield, Lenexa

Honor Self

Congratulations to Bill Self on passing all other University of Kansas basketball coaches in wins. (Nov. 13, 2024, KansasCity.com, “Wild locker room celebration held in honor of KU coach Bill Self on historic evening”) It certainly is time to look at honoring his accomplishments.

Since the fieldhouse and court are already named, perhaps the recent renovations could be considered. Could the new concession stands be named “Self Service”?

- Dennis Way, Roeland Park