U.S. economy, Kauffman Center, Pope Francis

If Ben Bernanke were a British citizen, he would be knighted for his tenure as chairman of the Federal Reserve and for his tireless work during the second most challenging economic time in our country’s history.

Serving two presidents, Bernanke exercised his vast knowledge of the Great Depression, and through his skills we avoided a second great depression.

Bernanke should be awarded the two highest civilian honors that America can bestow upon a citizen — the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

The congressional honor would be most ironic because while Rome burned, legislative Neros fiddled with ideological differences instead of working together to enact laws that would have driven the economy in a more positive direction. The same could be said about the Obama administration’s expending so much political capital over the Affordable Care Act versus first addressing an economy in dire straits.

One could certainly argue the pros and cons of loose monetary policy, but I, for one, believe history will prove Bernanke a hero.

Our own Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts has been recognized as one of the finest performance centers in the world. That’s old news to all of us who’ve been there.

At last the rest of the world is starting to catch up with Kansas City.

I’m a cradle Catholic, and Overland Park has been home all of my life. I attended Catholic schools from pre-kindergarten through my undergraduate education in theology at Rockhurst University and graduate education in pastoral theology at Loyola University in New Orleans.

Pope Francis is a truly genuine and authentic vicar of Jesus Christ to me, more so than any other Catholic prelate I’ve seen. I am particularly encouraged by the pope’s remarks about Catholic bishops (3-1, C7, “Pope decries ‘cliques,’ demands ‘humble’ leaders”).

The pope’s words, I think, are particularly pertinent to Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. The Pope states: “The church doesn’t need apologists for their own agendas or crusaders for their own battles.”

I’ve closely read, listened to and observed Archbishop Naumann since he took over the archdiocese. Naumann is an outspoken apologist for legalized discrimination against gay persons, crusading fervently in favor of the so-called Religious Freedom Act (HB 2453) in the Kansas Legislature.

I eagerly await the day when Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Naumann’s successor. I am personally disgusted by the consistently hateful, viscerally homophobic words and actions of Archbishop Naumann regarding the fundamental human rights of gay persons.

My husband and I have watched KMBC-TV, Channel 9 for more than 30 years to get local news and weather. I’m really bummed that so many familiar faces with outstanding abilities will no longer be there.

First Maria Antonia exits, and then Len Dawson’s screen time is cut back. My favorite anchor, Larry Moore, retires. Joel Nichols departs, and then Lisa Teachman.

If Bryan Busby goes as well, we’ll have to find another station to watch, though I would miss Kelly and Lara and Peggy.

Best wishes to all ex-KMBC employees, and thanks for the memories.

I am a veteran of the U.S. Army, and it is shameful that Republicans in the Senate blocked the bill for increased spending for our veterans (2-28, A4, “Democrats’ bill axed”).

The bill included spending for medical and educational benefits, job training, increased death benefits, and funding for care for the critically wounded and for fertility and adoption services for service members who are unable to conceive because of injuries sustained.

The bill would be paid for by savings from the troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan. Lawmakers blocked the bill not only because of the cost but also because they wanted a vote to impose stricter sanctions on Iran.

Republicans wrap themselves in the flag and constantly say we must support our troops, but blocking this bill shows quite the opposite.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent, was correct when he chastised Republicans by saying that they vote for tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and large corporations, but there isn’t enough money for veterans. Republicans demand more military spending but oppose spending for the care of the soldiers who have come home.

As a veteran, I ask all military personnel and their families to ask Republicans why our brave men and women cannot receive the benefits they deserve.

The Sunday Kansas City Star can be counted on for thoughtful and insightful articles that delve deeply into their subject matter. March 2 was no exception, with an uplifting and heartwarming story on adoption titled, “Finally, a family.”

However, the article, “Some critics see a local role in Uganda’s anti-gay fervor,” had me confused. Was the article describing the actions and anti-gay rhetoric of the International House of Prayer or was it describing the actions and anti-gay rhetoric of Westboro Baptist Church?

It seems to me there’s no real difference. Hate is hate, Lou Engle, hate is hate. Just ask Fred Phelps of Westboro.

In contrast, to learn something about love, Mr. Engle, you would be well advised to read the accompanying front-page story of Charlie and his Uncle Tony in “Finally, a family.”

Now that’s a story I truly enjoyed.

Secretary Chuck Hagel’s recent Defense Department budget-cut proposals and the Ukraine crisis have initiated criticism from many conservatives. They clearly expose their misguided and harmful hypocrisy.

They espouse fiscal responsibility and debt and deficit reductions by cutting benefits to Americans living in poverty and by opposing revenue potential from tax code and banking reform. But they call the president weak on defense in his reactions to turmoil in Syria and the Ukraine while advocating the continued expense of maintaining military and civilian contractor presence in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trying to revive the Cold War “balance of terror” zero sum game between the U.S. and Russia simply for domestic political gain is disingenuous if not dangerous.

What our nation’s leadership needs is intelligent and ideologically unbiased advice, support and cooperation from any and all foreign policy experts available.

America, with trusted allies and cooperative diplomacy, can confront the challenges of rogues such asVladimir Putin, Bashar Assad, Hassan Rouhani and Kim Jong Un with non-violent but punitive actions and consequences that should make clear the folly of their provocative and belligerent deeds.

Barbara Shelly, in a Feb. 28 column, “No permit required, and gun homicides see spike,” wrote, “In 2007 the Missouri General Assembly repealed a decades-old law that required residents to obtain a sheriff’s permit before purchasing a concealable gun.”

There were several points overlooked about this law and why it was repealed.

The sheriff had full desecration to issue permits, and the applicant had to apply in person. This meant that the race of the applicant could be ascertained.

At the time this law was enacted, it was less about crime control and more about race control. This law was one of the last vestiges of Jim Crow, and we are well to be rid of it.

Many thanks to my Kansas City Star carrier, David Hill, and the Kansas City, Kan., street department for the great work they do to keep the community going in spite of the bad weather we experienced recently.

This story was originally published March 6, 2014 at 6:04 PM with the headline "U.S. economy, Kauffman Center, Pope Francis."