Readers react to airport plans, the Iran nuclear deal and Kansas City drivers
KCI downtown
It seems to me that when one tosses around the sum of a billion dollars, the Kansas City International Airport redevelopment plans ought to have more than two options. Has anyone even thought of rebuilding the downtown Charles Wheeler Airport and running a streetcar line to it?
Talk about a boon to downtown.
After the decades-long “build it, and they will come” experiment of KCI, city planners should consider a downtown airport to which all rights-of-way are already in place. Yes, we know the runways weren’t sufficient for supersonic airliners in the beginning, but all passenger jets now take off and land in a much shorter footprint than when KCI was under consideration.
If necessary, lengthening runways could be reckoned with by effective planning. When considering spending a billion dollars, shouldn’t we at least ask the question?
KCI could operate up to the day the new downtown airport opened, with no disruption to travelers.
At the very least, we could demolish the Wheeler Airport and give it an empty terminal at KCI.
When spending a billion dollars of public money, planners should look beyond Plan A and Plan B.
Tom Davis
Merriam
Iran nuclear deal
This deal the Obama administration is proud of limits Iran from producing enriched uranium for only 10 years. In return, the imposed United Nations Security Council sanctions are lifted.
This deal does not prevent Iran from acquiring an atomic bomb. It allows Iran to start or participate in wars.
The official name for this deal is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This deal does not apply to or set a precedent for any other nation.
There is a great amount of effort and intelligence in both the design and manufacturing required to produce an atomic bomb. No mention is made concerning these components.
If Iran wants the bomb, all it has to do is have one of its friendly nations buy it from Russia or China. These two major weapons suppliers were on the negotiating team.
Because the embargo was lifted, Iran will have the money to buy atomic weapons.
Russia and China sold the design and components of the atomic bomb to Pakistan years ago and North Korea.
Carl Antrim
Lee’s Summit
Dear KC drivers
I realize that I’m in your way and going only 4 mph over the speed limit. And you would like to go fast enough to get a ticket.
But think of all the money I’m saving you.
Be sure and check your blinkers because you haven’t used them much lately.
If you will put down your phone, you will have a free hand to let everyone know what you plan to do.
And it’s right turn on red after stop. You’ve been forgetting the stop phase lately.
The cars you are pulling out in front of have the right of way.
Have a safe trip.
Richard Johns
Kansas City
Missouri’s team
This year, the (St. Louis) Rams will return to Los Angeles (1-13, B1, “Rams get OK to go to LA”).
Because their return leaves Missouri with only one National Football League team, I think it is appropriate for the Chiefs to begin broadcasting games statewide.
I know many St. Louis individuals who have already pledged their allegiance to the Kansas City Chiefs and are hoping to be able to view future games on TV.
I hope the Chiefs will welcome these newly pledged fans and make the Chiefs our Missouri team.
On a related note, I believe it might be advantageous for the Chiefs to use this opportunity to increase viewership and loyalty.
St. Louis fans are disgusted with Rams owner Stan Kroenke and his lack of loyalty.
The Chiefs could use this disgust to promote itself as the Missouri team that won’t leave us behind.
I think some advertising to that effect could increase ticket sales and could give the team a broader fan base.
Kelly Gorman
St. Louis
Greenhouse gases
Secretary of State John Kerry recently said that the United States has reduced its emissions of greenhouse gases to pre-1992 levels. He said this is more than any other nation.
I have a question.
If we have reduced our emissions significantly, then why has there not been a corresponding reduction in global temperatures?
Andy Fisher
Pleasant Hill
This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers react to airport plans, the Iran nuclear deal and Kansas City drivers."