Fired Blue Valley kindergarten teacher deserves defense for her actions | Opinion
Right on
Hurray for Kate Tammeus and her defense of the Blue Valley kindergarten teacher who was fired recently. (Oct. 16, 10A, “We have no idea what fired Johnson County teacher faced in the classroom”)
- Linda MacRoberts, Overland Park
Have a heart
As a grandmother of a special needs child, I am appalled at the action taken against this precious Blue Valley schoolteacher. The members of the school board who voted to fire her should be ashamed of themselves.
I wish on them the experience of walking in the shoes of this child for one day. Better yet, they should watch their own child in this exact situation. Then they would change their cold, uncaring hearts. Every one of this bunch of bureaucrats should be voted off the board.
- Mitzi Smiley, Stone Mountain, Georgia
Bee facts
We don’t need to save the bees — or at least not in the way you might think. Despite good intentions, the popular chant, “Save the bees,” is often misunderstood. Most people assume this phrase refers to honeybees, or maybe other commonly known species such as bumblebees. But none of those species is really at risk of extinction.
In fact, there are more honeybees on Earth now than at any other point in history. Most of the endangered bee species are native species you’ve never heard of. Instead of honeybees, we need to focus more on supporting native pollinators.
Through decades of selective breeding and crossbreeding, we’ve created new strains of honeybee that are genetically predisposed to produce excessive amounts of honey. Those strands are then sold and spread to beekeepers who profit from selling honey. Although this practice may benefit us economically, it’s disastrous for the environment because excessive honey production depletes nectar in a region and makes it harder for native pollinators to find food.
Saving the bees might be an honorable goal, but we need to be clear on which bees we’re saving.
- Charlotte Wills, Blue Springs
God’s job
Sen. Roger Marshall intimated on his Facebook page this past week that Charlie Kirk is now in heaven because of his faith.
Unless God personally swore him in, maybe Marshall should leave heaven out of Senate business. He works for Kansas, not the Almighty.
Did God delegate his communications department to Marshall’s office? Because last I checked, Marshall was elected by voters, not anointed by angels.
The Senate has no authority to make Kirk a saint. Didn’t God say, “Judgment is mine”? Isn’t it presumptuous for the Senate to take God’s privileges?
- Connie Benish, Roeland Park
Right for OP
After serving Overland Park for 12 years on committees involved with zoning, parks, housing and the vision of our city’s future, I believe Curt Skoog has the qualities and experience I value in the person who represents me as Overland Park’s mayor.
Skoog has 20 years of experience as a member of the Overland Park City Council and mayor. He is an active member of the community and has held leadership roles in numerous organizations. He will listen to all constituents, even those with whom he disagrees. He will fight for all Overland Park residents.
Skoog can collaborate with colleagues in a respectful and civil manner. He has the experience, skills and values that make him the leader that Overland Park needs.
Because of Overland Park’s continued growth, decisions being made now will affect us for many years. Skoog has the wisdom and insight to make the right decisions for our community.
With proud enthusiasm, I support Curt Skoog to be reelected as mayor of Overland Park.
- Mary Coffman, Overland Park
Our say
As a lifelong Missourian and a volunteer with Respect Missouri Voters, I’m proud to stand up for something all Missourians, especially those of us in Kansas City, can agree on: the right of the people to make their voices heard.
For generations, Missouri has had a strong tradition of citizen-led democracy — where people, not politicians, decide what’s best for our communities through the initiative petition process.
Lately, that tradition has been under threat. Some lawmakers are pushing to make it harder for voters to propose or pass laws through the ballot. Regardless of political beliefs, that should concern all of us. Missourians have used this process to make decisions about everything from ethics reform to veterans’ benefits. It’s a check and balance that belongs to the people, not one party or special interest.
Protecting our democracy isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a Missouri value.
We all benefit when the people have a fair and accessible way to make their voices count. Let’s keep it that way. Find an event to sign the petition at respectmovoters.org/events
- Madelaine Wells, Kansas City