Readers share views on voter restrictions, gender issues, bipartisan efforts
Hampering voters
Sen. Will Kraus, a Lee’s Summit Republican, has been fighting to disenfranchise Missouri voters since he has been in the Missouri Senate (5-4, A4, “Voter ID law passes in Missouri Senate”).
Voter fraud is a non-existent problem that Kraus wants to solve.
He wants to be our secretary of state, a position that would give him power to suppress the vote in various ways. Kraus would be another Kris Kobach, the secretary of state in Kansas.
Republicans do not want people who might oppose them to have the right to vote. Kansas is a horrible example of why voter-identification laws are not only a bad idea but also a solution in search of a problem.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon must veto this horrible bill.
Gene W. DeVaux
Greenwood
Gender questions
Many times over the years in response to folks who ask, “Is it a boy or a girl?” (referring to a newborn or yet-to-be-born infant), I remember hearing my now-92-year-old father jokingly say, “What else could it be?”
Well, I guess we know now it could be something else. Interesting.
John Blackburn
Olathe
Bipartisan praise
Earlier this year, Gov. Jay Nixon made a recommendation to the Missouri legislature for critically needed funding to support increased independence for Missourians with developmental disabilities, including autism.
The legislature ensured that these funds were made a priority in the upcoming year’s budget, which we look forward to the governor signing.
Without this funding for quality disability service providers, people with developmental disabilities might not have as many opportunities to live in homes of their own or find meaningful employment.
Easter Seals Midwest, along with the 80-plus members of the Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, thanks the governor and the Missouri legislature for their bipartisan support of people with developmental disabilities.
These leaders sent a clear message that supporting disability services in our state is a priority. And, by making these funds a priority, these leaders are providing hope for some of the most vulnerable citizens in our communities.
Our elected officials are to be commended for their leadership. Together, they are offering additional security and help for so many.
We are grateful that they recognize that every Missourian deserves the opportunity for a bright future. These budget bills help ensure it. Thank you.
Wendy Sullivan, CEO
Easter Seals Midwest
Kansas City
Clinton bashing
A recent letter writer referred to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as a “proven liar.”
What I would like to see, with the help of the media, is an account of each of her so-called lies and the evidence for this opinion.
Then we should compare her record of integrity against evidence for or against that of her Republican opponents.
We can accept that she has made mistakes, as is true of all humans, including those of the denier GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump.
Regarding Benghazi, Clinton faced many hours of interrogation by a congressional panel dominated by Republicans. They could not substantiate that she lied.
One letter writer said Clinton is responsible for the deaths of four Americans because she was secretary of state. By that logic, President George W. Bush was responsible for the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans on 9/11.
That is a very serious charge.
It is clear that Clinton feels compassion toward the millions of low-income Americans in her support of the Affordable Care Act.
Contrast that attitude with the positions of Trump and his former Republican rivals.
Both she and her Democratic rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, are in line with what President Harry Truman tried to get done, but he also was stymied by a “do-nothing Congress.”
Niel Johnson
Independence
Osterheldt column
I read Jeneé Osterheldt’s Madam C.J. Walker column (5-3, C1, “Going back to our roots”).
Thank you so much for sharing on a global scale about one of my personal “sheroes.”
I’ve noticed that the article is part of a growing trend to reveal the beauty of our true and inclusive American history. Bravo.
It was a thirst-quenching read.
Again, thank you, Ms. Osterheldt, for sharing and using your position at The Star to create teachable moments.
Lin Grant
Kansas City
This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Readers share views on voter restrictions, gender issues, bipartisan efforts."