Readers share thoughts on Harriet Tubman, KC water, Republicans

Harriet Tubman

Since the Treasury Department announced last month that abolitionist Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill, the following comments have occurred: “Who wants to carry a $20 bill with a picture of that ugly n-word on it?” and “She’s too ugly to be on a 20-dollar bill.”

One might think these insults came from racist whites, but sadly they are quotes from young blacks.

As an aging African-American who is proud of my heritage, I’m appalled and offended at these reactions to Harriet Tubman’s picture being placed on the $20 bill.

It is sad and unfortunate that these misguided individuals clearly miss the significance of this historic occasion.

It’s expected that racist whites, who also refer to Harriet Tubman using the n-word, would be opposed to any black person’s picture on any denomination of money.

But young black men and women who ridicule this American hero need to understand that if it were not for brave people like Harriet Tubman, they likely would not even be here today.

Eddie L. Clay

Grandview

Great KC water

In response to the May 1 letter from Terry Leeds, director of KC Water Services, I think this is a spot-on observation. As a lifelong resident of Kansas City, I can say I am pleased with this service.

We absolutely have the best-tasting water and excellent customer service through the 311 action line. I have never had the need for bottled water because ours tastes great.

I have been in surrounding municipalities and could not drink the water. KC Water Services crews have repaired a buckled sidewalk and manhole cover within two weeks and have taken care of a foul odor the same day.

Thank you, KC Water Services.

Valerie Hatten

Kansas City

Jeneé Osterheldt

How exciting to have Jeneé Osterheldt’s writing talents recognized by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard (4-28, A14, “Star’s Osterheldt is Harvard Nieman fellow”). She has enlivened our reading of The Star and widened our horizons exponentially by her vivid, passionate skill of making us aware of what she’s talking about.

FYI is the first section we go to, for her column.

You’ll be missed, Jeneé. Come back to us, please.

Joyce McIntosh

Independence

GOP vote targets

Last week was an amazing one for Republicans. A former speaker of the House admitted to sexually abusing teenage boys and has been sentenced to prison for bank fraud. Another Republican former House speaker called a former Republican presidential candidate “Lucifer in the flesh” and worse.

The current GOP front-runner for the presidential nomination slurred Hillary Clinton for “playing the woman card.”

Meanwhile, in Kansas a report revealed the vast majority of business owners that received the tax exemption employ no one. Gov. Sam Brownback, in a fundraising letter, blamed Democrats and the news media for the woes he helped create.

Why would we want these people running our state or the nation? We can reverse course in Kansas.

Every state Senate and House seat is up for election. Vote out or vote against any candidate who is affiliated with either the Kansas Chamber of Commerce or the Kansas Policy Institute.

They do not work for the best interests of Kansas.

Tom Witwer

Overland Park

Web of wires

We’ve all seen old pictures of downtown Kansas City with its overhead web of power lines for clunky streetcars of the early to mid-20th century. New, sleek and modern streetcars have arrived.

We don’t ride buses. Maybe we’ll ride these pretty conveyances.

But in this high-tech era of private automobiles, our planners, instead of burying or otherwise concealing control cables for our modern streetcars like we bury sensors for traffic lights, have put that ugly web overhead again.

Surely someone asked why. Maybe not.

They’re certainly unsightly, and they age our new and up-to-date Kansas City. I’m sorry for that.

Michael Leap

Blue Springs

Governor’s shame

If we were to have a National Governors Hall of Shame, I’m sure it would include the racists Orval Faubus of Arkansas and George Wallace of Alabama.

By his actions, we now can add Kansas Gov. Sam Brownbeck.

History will record his legacy of anti-refugee, financial bigotry and an amazing ability to ignore the advice of moderate Republicans.

Jim Siress