Open letter to Josh Hawley asks for ‘patriotic courage’ to stand up to Trump | Opinion
Show virtue
An open letter to Sen. Josh Hawley: When you offered a bill to limit federal elected officials from managing individual stocks, I was encouraged that you, whom I disagree with on so many topics, see the need to reduce corruption in our government. I wasn’t surprised to see immediate personal blowback from the president: “I don’t think real Republicans want to see their President, who has had unprecedented success, TARGETED, because of the ‘whims’ of a second-tier Senator named Josh Hawley!” The self-dealing, conflicts of interest and corruption by the president and his family are astounding. He uses his office to enrich himself and his circle by selling presidential pardons and cryptocurrency ventures, threatens tariffs to develop his resort empire — and now his family is getting into arms sales of military drones. With the dramatic decline in voter approval ratings for Donald Trump, now is a good time to demonstrate real patriotic courage and open investigations into his empire’s corruption. Take back the power of the legislative branch. You might find an opening to further your political career, but at the least you will go down in history as a more virtuous man than your current path dictates.
- David Angotti, Lee’s Summit
Better honoree
The confusion around the possible renaming of Kansas City’s Avenida Cesar E. Chavez (March 24, 7A, “KC loves a street name fight. Here comes another one”) reflects the common myopia around abuse victims: seeing them only in one dimension — as victims.
The obvious answer is to rename the street after Delores Huerta. She is an equal movement leader, not merely one of his victims.
- Shirley Fessel, Kansas City
What a mess
The Independence Examiner published an excellent letter about litter recently. I wish The Star would reprint it and local TV stations would take notice of it. The writer points out what a mess the metropolitan area is in, and she’s right. I’ve been appalled by the amount of litter even in the nicest areas, and it’s going to look awful in TV coverage when World Cup soccer comes to town.
I no longer have the energy to take up a cause. I wish I did, because someone sure needs to light a fire under everyone before the World Cup, and time’s a wasting.
How about this: a “Clean Up for World Cup” campaign, perhaps with a kickoff by volunteers from the Kansas City Chiefs adopting a corner or an intersection? If they would take the ball and run with it, I bet it would work.
- Barbara Young, Independence
Iran threat
Donald Trump should have considered the example of North Korea. Even before it had nuclear weapons, it held the U.S. at bay by threatening Seoul’s destruction with conventional weapons. If we attacked North Korea, it would wipe out South Korea’s capital and a major portion of its economy.
Iran holds a similar threat with the ability to close the Strait of Hormuz by conventional means. In this case, it threatens the global economy.
Alas, I could have stopped after “Trump should have considered.”
- Tom Stroud, Overland Park
Wrong cut
Missouri’s older adults are facing a perfect storm. While the cost of producing and delivering senior meals has spiked to record highs, the state is considering a 20% cut to SSGDP, the Senior Services Growth and Development Program.
In Kansas City and across Missouri, the SSGDP keeps the lights on at senior centers and the vans running for medical appointments. It provides the essential infrastructure — staffing, kitchens and transportation — that allows our older neighbors to remain independent. If we dismantle this backbone, we aren’t just adjusting a budget; we are cutting a lifeline.
I recently spoke with a 71-year-old Missourian shivering in the dark because she couldn’t afford her utilities. For her, these services aren’t just programs — they are the difference between life and death. We must tell our representatives to stop the cuts to the SSGDP and protect the dignity of our seniors.
- Julie Peetz, Executive director, Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Jefferson City
Show care
Throughout March, communities around the Kansas City area have been sharing stories of individuals with developmental disabilities overcoming obstacles and gaining independence. These stories showcase resilience, creativity and determination while reminding us of our shared responsibility to build a society where everyone can thrive.
Developmental Disability Awareness Month recognizes these contributions while addressing ongoing challenges. Nearly 1 million U.S. households include an adult with developmental disabilities living with an older caregiver, making long-term stability increasingly uncertain. Many experience isolation because of transportation limitations and lack of inclusive opportunities. Additionally, fewer than 1 in 5 adults with developmental disabilities have paid community employment.
These challenges are opportunities for change. Inclusion is not just a value — it is an action.
As we close out March, get involved: Share stories to spark conversations. Advocate for accessible spaces and equitable hiring practices in your workplace.
Together, we can build a community where our neighbors with developmental disabilities are loved, secure and flourishing. When we act together, the possibilities are endless.
- Pam Ducklow, Area vice president, Kansas City and Western Missouri, AbleLight
This story was originally published March 29, 2026 at 5:03 AM.