Readers sound off on guns, Oregon occupiers, Obamacare
Militias in Kansas
Gun control is back in the news. So I reviewed the Second Amendment, which starts: “A well regulated militia ...”
I Googled “militia in Kansas” to see how we are protected. A few websites are listed. None contain much identifying information. The Northeast Kansas Militia had some interesting pictures.
One website stated what the Kansas Constitution has to say about militias. For example, “The Legislature shall provide for organizing, equipping and disciplining the militia. ...”
So I am just wondering how it is coordinating with the militia groups listed in our area. Does the Legislature provide the weapons?
Usually, folks oppose registering guns, but I got to wondering if we suddenly need the militia to protect our liberties, how will we get in touch with those able-bodied male citizens between the ages of 21 and 45 who have guns and must serve?
The governor is the state commander in chief. Would someone ask him what plans and procedures he has in place to get the operation running smoothly to suppress insurrection and repel invasion?
Ron Platt
Overland Park
Occupiers overstep
The modern gunslingers of West are all for protecting their rights to free land against the federal government (1-27, A1, “Bundy arrested after shootout”). Something that has been overlooked by the free-range-land cowboys is that all the citizens of the United States own the land in question.
As the agent for myself and all other citizens, I want the federal government to negotiate a reasonable rent for our land. I don’t want the government to give away grazing, oil and mineral rights just because the ranchers of the West want a free ride.
The idea of personal rights has gotten out of hand when people think they can occupy our land with no repercussions for their illegal acts. Think what would happen if a group with self-perceived grievances tried to occupy the federal building in downtown Kansas City.
Dale Thomas
Leawood
Obamacare flaws
Let’s study an imaginary case of a lower-middle-class person who is getting by with no savings. He can afford $40 month for his share of an Obamacare health-insurance premium as long as the American taxpayers pay the lion’s share of it.
He has selected the Bronze Plan, the most popular plan, with a 20 percent co-pay and a $5,000 deductible. In this imaginary case, the man has an accident and runs up a tab of $100,000. Now he owes the hospital and doctors about $25,000 in deductibles and co-pays.
What happens in the end? He doesn’t pay anybody because he can’t afford it. (Remember he has no savings.)
Despite all the good intentions, the American taxpayer is picking up the rest of the tab. In reality, nothing was changed by Obamacare.
The poor are still stiffing their medical bills, and we are picking up the tab.
Andy Fisher
Pleasant Hill
Middle East fight
Saudi Arabia brags that it has formed a coalition of 25 Muslim countries to fight the Islamic State. Why then doesn’t the West get out and allow Muslims to solve their own problems?
By the same token, these 25 Muslim countries should be the first in line to provide sanctuary to their fellow religious refugees. As for those bleeding hearts whining that the United States and Europe should be destinations for these masses, they should put their money where their mouths are.
Take them in their own homes, provide them the necessities of life and assimilate them into their own families.
Remember, our government is broke and charity begins at home.
After World War II, many U.S. German Lutherans brought displaced Lutheran families from Europe to the U.S. and accepted the financial responsibility of providing homes, jobs and necessities.
Let’s not intervene and prevent Muslims from caring for their own.
Stephen Anderson
Alma, Kan.
Wallet kindness
A few weeks ago, my husband lost his wallet near Home Depot in midtown Kansas City. It showed up in the mail from a post office in Blue Springs.
The only note was a yellow sticky note that read, “Jesus loves you.”
Everything was still in the wallet, including about $80 in cash.
If you are reading this, thank you.
We will pass along your kindness.
Kathie Kerr
Kansas City
This story was originally published February 1, 2016 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers sound off on guns, Oregon occupiers, Obamacare."