Readers react to firearms, Royals fans and Antonin Scalia
Turn in firearms
To all fans of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, if you believe in his twisted “strict interpretation” of the Constitution philosophy, you better turn in your guns. Because we have armed forces, which are a “well regulated militia,” guns are no longer legal.
And if you argue that guns are protection against government, I would urge you to look up the definition of “militia,” which reads in part, “a military force to supplement a regular army.”
Jim Lullie
Kansas City
Shielding fans
As a full season ticket holder who has had seats behind the Royals’ dugout since the stadium was built, I am dismayed by the addition of nets so far down the line (1-18, B4, “Kauffman starts adding netting”).
In the past, Royals fans have watched kids get balls thrown to them between innings and had unobstructed views. Now we will be mere observers.
Since the Kansas City Cowboys started playing in the 1880s, balls and bats have occasionally made it into our town’s crowd, and alert fans do their best to get out of the way. That’s part of the tradition and why there is a warning on the backs of tickets.
It’s a darned shame the baseball experience is being impaired because of the litigious society and people who would rather look at their cellphones than the game. The nanny state wins again.
I understand and agree with the need of safety netting around home plate, but to extend it to the end of the dugout is pure overkill. I would rather take my chances ducking the rare ball off the end of the bat as I have since 1973.
John Wagner
Prairie Village
Antonin Scalia
It is possible to recognize that the late Judge Antonin Scalia was a significant voice on the Supreme Court but not mourn for the demise of the concept of “originalism,” which he championed in his interpretation of law (2-15, Editorial, “Scalia’s legacy is polarizing; Congress must not make it worse”).
To try to validate modern legislation against the backdrop of the 18th century society in which the framers of the Constitution lived is nearly impossible. Many new insights, scientific and human breakthroughs, and historical developments span the years between our time and theirs.
If the Constitution is to remain a viable document for America, those developments must be taken into account if laws are to serve the common good today.
Hopefully, the president will nominate a successor to Scalia who will embody Scalia’s conscientiousness but also let his or her thinking reflect this time in our country’s history.
Janelle Lazzo
Roeland Park
Republican harvest
In 1987, the FCC eliminated the Fairness Doctrine and the talk radio phenomenon emerged on the American scene. The vast majority of the hosts pushed right-wing viewpoints.
Rush Limbaugh was the titular leader of this new force. He still is.
The content of these broadcasts caught the attention of many Americans struggling to understand the changes wrought by socioeconomic and political forces. The angst also brought Fox News to the forefront. The new media forces stoked fear and anger and ultimately hate-mongering among their listeners.
Fast forward to today.
The Republican establishment is aghast at the prospect of Donald Trump being the party’s presidential nominee.
But the connection between the right-wing media and the popularity of Trump is inescapable.
Let’s admit it. The Old Testament said, “You reap what you sow.”
It’s no surprise that we have candidates who reflect and magnify the anger, fears and insecurities of the primary voters in the Republican Party.
Brian Casey
Kansas City
Treasures in people
Almost everyone has something of great worth. It could be precious metals, jewels, medals for accomplishments, money or a collection of valuable things. We think of these as treasures, and they have great value and are enjoyed.
I believe of greater value are people whom we consider to be rare or precious treasures. For me, my wife, Twila, was the most beautiful lady in the world.
She was truly my precious treasure, and for 69 years until her death in 2015 we experienced great happiness. Treasures like that are very special and should always be valued.
Doug Sutherland
Raymore
This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Readers react to firearms, Royals fans and Antonin Scalia."