Readers share thoughts on KU, presidential candidates, raising children
Racial issue at KU
I am in the masters of social work program, where discussions of race and culture are necessary to understand how to serve different populations.
However, I do not always agree with other students’ wordings and opinions of my own race. It often puts me in the unwanted position of being on the defensive.
If University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little can find a way to address racial tension so that all students feel safe and valued on campus, it could help alleviate some of the tension (11-17, A5, “Unlike those at Missouri, protests at KU more muted”).
Increasing diversity among staff members could help incoming and current students feel more comfortable at KU.
I stand with the students at the University of Kansas who have felt uncomfortable or not valued. However, we must not mimic other universities because that may not be the best course of action.
We are all here to learn and meet new people. I want my university to continue to focus on that while helping everyone to feel included.
Shaera Messick
Kansas City
Misfit candidates
Somehow, the GOP has managed to screw up 2016, and 2016 isn’t even here yet. Just take a look at the current crop of presidential contenders.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a former U.S. representative, helped shut down the government in 1995 and then stood on the Capitol steps and demanded, of all things, that President Bill Clinton resign.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is so arrogant that if he doesn’t get his way, he might shut down a bridge.
Neurosurgeon Ben Carson is so inconsistent and low-keyed that he won’t be an effective leader.
Sen. Ted Cruz, if elected president, would out of sheer habit keep shutting down the government because Senate Democrats will keep outmaneuvering their Republican colleagues.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee wants to replace the income tax with the Fair Tax so that billionaires won’t have to pay any, and former business executive Carly Fiorina would look awful trying to debate Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton when it comes to abortion and women’s rights.
Sen. Marco Rubio looks too young to be taken seriously on anything.
That leaves former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and the likelihood that this country would have another Bush war in the Middle East if he were elected.
God help us.
Michal Betz
Wichita
Anti-gun campaign
We should start a new campaign: “Mothers and grandmothers take away your children’s guns.”
Joe Purcell
Kansas City
Backward Kansas
I moved back to Kansas a few years ago to enjoy my retirement in my home state. Now I am regretting that (11-12, A4, “3 Kansas GOP lawmakers ousted from health panel”).
It seems that Kansas has become like a Third World dictatorship, with Gov. Sam (Koch) Brownback destroying the good reputation of my state. The most recent move by his reactionary lieutenants to remove three reasonable Republicans from the Health and Human Services Committee is astoundingly political and not in the best interest of the people of this state.
This obvious move to prevent all Kansans from receiving the health care they need is shameful. I hope in the next elections we can remove these servants of the radical right and replace them with compassionate Kansans who will serve the people.
William Langsdorf
Topeka
Raising better kids
“The Raising of America” is a groundbreaking documentary film series that asks important questions about raising of healthy, happy and compassionate children.
The Kansas City area is home to 150,000 children under age 6. Four in 10 live in a low-income family. Research demonstrates that investments made in the early years of a child’s life have a significant effect on the social, health and economic well-being of that individual — as well as for the broader community.
Learn more by watching “The Raising of America” free until Nov. 30 at www.raisingofamerica.org
Karen Wulfkuhle
Lenexa
This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers share thoughts on KU, presidential candidates, raising children."