Readers react to Donald Trump, the U.S. budget and research funding
Trump as president
If you’re comfortable having Don Rickles, the insult comic, as president of the United States, then billionaire Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump is your man.
Paul Comerford
Blue Springs
Advocate retires
For the past 44 years I have focused on helping improve the status of children in Kansas City. It has been my belief that our children deserve a high-quality education to ensure one of the most important pillars of our democracy, and that is a well-educated citizenry.
It has been my blessing to work closely with civic, business and philanthropic leaders as well as parents, faith communities and community-based organizations that are committed to building strong children.
As I enter retirement, allow me to thank Greater Kansas City for working hard to make our community a place where children can flourish.
We have not yet arrived but we are on the right track. Our children deserve no less.
Jim Caccamo
Kansas City
U.S. budget crisis
Washington, D.C., is burdening American taxpayers with more taxes and debt while continuing to spend well beyond its means. Each year, Americans are asked to pay more taxes as Washington borrows money from China.
All the while, the national debt continues to balloon. This pattern of bloated government spending and income confiscation has not only affected the ability of young people to get ahead and seniors to live within fixed incomes, it has also shouldered our children and grandchildren with a burden of debt.
The federal debt now tallies more than $18 trillion. When President Barack Obama took office, the debt was $10.6 trillion. That’s an increase of roughly 70 percent during Obama’s 6 1/2 years in office.
Congress cannot solve our debt problem with more taxes. It has to cut spending and balance budgets, which will cause great sacrifices by all Americans.
It is imperative voters elect government officials who will curtail spending and balance budgets.
Thomas Hay
Lake Waukomis
Research funding
A strong investment in medical research reaps significant benefits for patients and future generations.
Yet, agencies that fund research such as the National Institutes of Health have seen their budgets slashed by more than 5 percent as a result of sequestration.
Federal funding for medical research continues to be in serious jeopardy, threatening the health of millions of Americans.
This isn’t just a health issue; it’s also economic.
The funding provided to the NIH does more than save lives; it fuels the U.S. economy and creates jobs. The funding supports 300,000 researchers at more than 3,000 universities, research institutions and other entities across the U.S.
It has been estimated that every $1 in NIH funding generates about $2.21 in local economic growth.
Medical research is fundamental to our nation’s health and economic prosperity. A lackluster commitment from Congress and the failure to make NIH funding a national priority will continue to jeopardize efforts to strengthen our research infrastructure.
Now is the time for Congress to work together to support the National Institutes of Health and invest in medical research.
We need cures, not cuts.
Leesa Gabel
Olathe
Hot dogs, good life
With regard to the World Health Organization report on the potentially harmful effects of eating processed and red meat, it seems that no matter what I do eventually something is going to kill me (10-27, A1, “Hot dogs and cancer: Many will take chance”).
Apparently, life is a terminal condition. Who knew?
Kyle Hern
Kansas City
Political bullying
I’m wondering whether the people who like Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s tell-it-like-it-is approach and disdain for political correctness would feel the same if his words were directed at their children on the playground or were spoken by their bosses at work.
In the real world, it’s called bullying and a hostile work environment.
Frankly, I am disgusted by the people endorsing the lack of civility and the double standard.
Marty Stanley
Kansas City
This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers react to Donald Trump, the U.S. budget and research funding."