Readers react to hockey, gun laws and Hillary Clinton

KC hockey history

I wish to applaud the Missouri Mavericks and their owner, Lamar Hunt Jr., for recognizing the hockey history of Kansas City (12-5, B2, “Mavericks paying tribute to KC’s hockey history”).

All too often Kansas City has gotten an undeserved rap as being less than a hockey town, even though with a few exceptions — the ill-conceived Scouts and Outlaws come to mind — the city has supported its hockey teams. Too often teams have folded here not because the support didn’t exist but because their leagues failed.

Although major league hockey has not been a big part of our history, many players moved on to the National Hockey League from Kansas City, and many finished their careers here after playing in the NHL.

Having a hockey history wall at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena is an excellent idea. It’s one that some of us loyal Blades fans wish had been done at Kemper Arena.

Blair Tarr

Topeka

Better gun laws

As a liberal Democrat, I have no problem with the Second Amendment. I can understand why people want to own guns.

I do have a problem with the easy availability of guns. It makes no sense to have licensed gun dealers perform background checks but not do the same for guns purchased online and at gun shows.

A universal background check would seem to be a good first step.

Another beneficial step would be getting illegal guns off the street.

Consequently, I think we need mandatory prison time for possession of illegal weapons. And when somebody breaks into a house or car and steals a weapon, the sentences should be even longer.

I also think there should be mandatory training on gun safety, especially given the popularity of concealed carry. When I was in the military, I wasn’t handed an M-16 and told, “Now go shoot it.” I was taught how it worked and how to fire it safely.

Clearly, the gun laws in place now aren’t keeping us safe and need to be amended.

Chris Brethwaite

Kansas City

Clinton’s email

With the newest release of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s emails and the information on the Benghazi attack, will you please investigate and report as to why we did not send in forces to at least try to save our ambassador and military troops?

Will you also please identify the lies that have been spoken under oath concerning the matter? And will you please be objective and present the facts on the Benghazi attack and our lack of response?

You barely covered it when it happened, and you did not follow up on investigations as to why it was allowed to happen in the first place.

Come on, Kansas City Star. Forget the politics and report the facts, including all the efforts to avoid them, please.

Cathy Svacina

Kansas City

Recession’s effect

Isn’t it amazing that our people in Washington, D.C., are surprised that the life expectancy of white, middle-aged men has gone down?

These proud men who at best had a high school education still were able to provide for their families. Then, when the recession started, they lost their jobs. No silver handshake for them.

Because of our outdated health-care system, they also lost their health insurance. Double jeopardy.

They may send thousands of job applications and not receive one answer. Is it any wonder they became depressed and found some solace in alcohol or drugs?

The recession was the worst for these people because we still have age discrimination.

Let us hope that we learned something from this and that the powers that be might take this into consideration.

Maria Baldwin

Kansas City

Aiding the needy

Now that we know the fire at Independence and Prospect avenues that took the lives of two valiant firefighters this fall was intentionally set, let us not be swept away with useless outrage and anger.

The fire also took the homes and belongings of those who lived above the arsonist’s store.

Their lives were spared, but they lost everything and need our help in getting re-established. Continuing the loving spirit of the firefighters who tried to help them, let us apply our caring with money and assistance as living memorials this holiday season of those blessed firefighters who died.

Helen Roser

Manhattan, Kan.

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers react to hockey, gun laws and Hillary Clinton."