Readers share thoughts on Paris, Islamic State, Republicans
Humane reaction
The display of political opportunism by some Republican presidential wannabes in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks was shameless.
The president had no sooner cautioned against a rash reaction to the destruction and resolved to use all resources at his disposal to keep our homeland safe than the name-calling and blaming began. There were no reasonable suggestions, only the raucous cries of neocons, disappointed that the French had bombed first.
At the same time, Republican governors of several states vowed to close their borders to refugees. The risk is real that undesirables might come in with those who are fleeing oppression. But now our country is on high alert, and every precaution will be taken to make sure that does not happen.
We should not cower behind our state lines and pretend not to notice the misery of so many of our brothers and sisters.
It is difficult not to overreact in the face of such brutal actions by an enemy, and it is normal to protect one’s own safety.
But if fear makes us forget everything but wanting to wreak as much havoc on that enemy as possible while ignoring a large part of the human family that is in trouble, we will have gone too far and lost a vital opportunity to focus on our ultimate goal — to make the world a safer, more humane place.
Janelle Lazzo
Roeland Park
Path forward
Be courageous. We are at war. Let us not destroy our ideals and cave to the Islamic State’s demands when the war has barely begun.
Our enemies believe us weak. Let us prove the strength of an open society.
They believe we are corrupt. Let us prove ourselves honest and welcoming of all who believe in human dignity and equality.
They believe us inferior. Let us prove that our liberties will overwhelm them, and they will die choking on the venom of their hatred.
Rabbi Mark H. Levin
Prairie Village
Fraud inflated
I watched Fox News recently for the first time in several years to listen to the spin on the GOP presidential race. What I got was Ann (I’ll say anything) Coulter explaining that non-Americans are voting against the GOP.
Did she mean that all those who vote against the GOP are to be considered non-American or that 11 million illegal immigrants are voting? We know they can’t, but she wants us to think they do.
Most GOP-led states have dubious plans to fight voter fraud. In all of America, few persons have been indicted as reported by the Department of Justice. Voter fraud is a nearly non-existent problem.
Here in Kansas the figure is the highest of all states. Why? Secretary of State Kris Kobach points to that figure, but the Wichita Eagle said most were honest mistakes.
Here’s the intriguing question. Of those attempting voter fraud, how many were voting for Republicans and how many for Democrats?
If Republicans were attempting fraud to help Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback win re-election, I’m fairly certain we wouldn’t hear about it from Kris Kobach.
William R. Park Sr.
Shawnee
Kauffman cheers
On Sunday afternoon, my mother, daughter and I attended a world-class performance by the Lyric Opera at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
My 83-year-old mother in a wheelchair had never attended a Lyric Opera performance and was excited when we secured our tickets.
I was concerned because I’ve been to the Kauffman Center and remembered many steps to reach the main auditorium. From the moment we drove into the garage, we were greeted by friendly and helpful people.
They showed us the elevators needed to get to our seats. Every volunteer in a blue vest was so helpful we were in disbelief.
The usher who seated us even pointed to where we could go for the “family friendly” bathroom, which was beautifully wheelchair accessible. Between these fabulous volunteers — every one of them — and the fabulous performance of “Rusalka,” we couldn’t have had a more beautiful day.
Thank you to all.
Cindy Long
Mission
This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 9:00 AM.