Readers share views on Donald Trump, Republican unity, rape

Trump vs. truth

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump lies so often it’s hard to tell when he is and when he isn’t. However, I know of at least three “tells” that indicate that he is definitely lying.

1. He does not give the name or names of his sources of information. He uses phrases such as “everybody says,” “most experts, scientists or attorneys say” and “I have sources who tell me.”

2. He repeats himself two or three times, and then concludes by saying, “Believe me.”

3. He changes the subject when asked a follow-up question.

I urge all voters to watch for these telltale signs when listening to Lying Donald.

Ancel Neuburger

Olathe

Republican unity

Some members of the Republican Party refuse to go to the national convention next week in Cleveland to support their own party. That reminds me of spoiled children pouting or not eating because they did not get their way. That includes members of the Bush family.

Republicans who plan to avoid the convention should step up and support their party instead of pouting and sitting on their backsides. Maybe they can help this country back to greatness.

Let’s also not forget about the people these Republicans represent and who put them in office. They should stop thinking about themselves.

It’s time to stop being selfish. Remember, united we stand, divided we fall.

Bob Yannuzzi

Overland Park

Column on rape

I was extremely disappointed in The Star’s decision to pull Laura Herrick’s July 9 Midwest Voices column, “Women can take action to prevent rapes.” How easily you were swayed by a small group of internet bullies is appalling.

No one should be silenced just because the masses don’t like what the writer has to say.

My goodness, lively discussions and differing opinions make this life worth living, even when it is a touchy subject. I admire Laura’s courage to step up and share her point of view as a woman and the mother of a son.

Euleashia Embry

Overland Park

Missouri House

I am writing to endorse Jim Aziere for state representative in Missouri’s 28th District. I have known Jim all my life.

His career as a politician exemplifies the role model of the public servant, which Missouri needs. He is an honest and hardworking legislator who will fight for middle-class citizens of our state.

Please vote for Jim in the Aug. 2 Democratic primary.

Joe Adams

Jefferson City

TV commercials

Television station advertising departments need to increase their sales staffs. I actually saw a couple of minutes of news on TV today.

Mike Crawford

Kansas City

Park trash problem

To the family that gathered on a recent Saturday at the Oak Street park, it looked as if you had a lovely time. But the ankle-deep trash you left blew all over the park and my neighborhood.

Even if this isn’t your neighborhood, please be more respectful. Trash cans are all over the park.

If they were full, well, bring your own bags and set them near the cans for pickup.

Kathie Kerr

Kansas City

Steve Rose column

Yellow journalism originally referred to a style that used melodrama, romance and hyperbole to sell newspapers and influence public opinion. Over time, it became synonymous with unethical behavior, ignoring facts and fabricating claims in pursuit of an agenda.

It is also an apt description of Steve Rose’s attacks on the Kansas Policy Institute in particular and fiscal conservatives in general (7-3, Commentary, “Phony numbers meant to smear superb services”).

We believe that government has grown much too large and that taxes should be reduced but not without regard to quality of service. We subscribe to the “better service, better price” philosophy, which is providing the same or better quality service at the best possible price.

Most citizens respond favorably to that philosophy, but it elicits a gag response among the big-government, tax-and-spend crowd that Rose represents.

Rose’s column is a good sign that the institute’s efforts to inform citizens make a difference. An informed citizenry is the worst nightmare of the more-government-less-freedom crowd. Unable to engage on the facts, it resorts to histrionics and false accusations.

Dave Trabert

President

Kansas Policy Institute