Watchdog role
The Star’s series “Throwaway Kids” about the tragic plight of children mired in the foster care system is absolutely first-rate journalism. Your reporters are to be congratulated.
Journalism such as this is precisely why we must maintain a healthy free press and why newspapers remain such an integral part of American democracy.
– James Barnes, Lawrence
Fans left out
It seems that money is being made by the University of Kansas and whatever broadcasting company with whom it has a contract. This is at the expense of the fans.
On Saturday, there was a men’s basketball game between KU and the University of Missouri-Kansas City that should have been televised, because there are so many fans in the area. It seems that money speaks louder than the support of those of us who cheered for both teams playing.
– Mary Ann Bergman, Kansas City, Kansas
Editor’s note: The KU-UMKC game was shown only on the ESPN+ streaming service.
On high heat
During the recent House impeachment hearings, our nation’s democracy and national security were given a test. We heard sworn testimony from several courageous, dedicated and highly respected public servants.
Quid pro quo and cover-up at the highest level are undeniable. White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney confirmed this and flippantly instructed us to “get over it.” Our president then claimed his call with the president of Ukraine was “perfect” and openly invited that nation and China to interfere in our next election.
Republican committee members were asked to raise their hands if they think it is OK for any president to withhold military aid from a foreign country for personal gain. Not one hand was raised.
Tuesday, we heard from Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt. He couldn’t acknowledge the facts, so he called the impeachment case “half-baked.” He apparently has decided his position on the trial before it begins.
Our senator, same as our president, has taken an oath to defend, protect and preserve our Constitution. There is a lot at stake for politicians who allow themselves to be mired in the swamp of lobbyists and special interest groups.
The only thing half-baked is Blunt’s commitment to his oath and the American people.
– Mike Enright, Lee’s Summit
Yes, obstruction
One mystery that has come out of the impeachment hearings is the charge against President Donald Trump of obstructing the House.
How it is possible to obstruct a government body that has devoted one entire year to obstructing the president is a question I can’t even begin to answer.
– Joe Neuner, Leawood
Working the refs?
On Sunday’s “Meet the Press,” a focus group member suggested that impeachment was not interesting because it was like watching a recorded football game after you had already been told the final result.
Now, although one result may indeed be a passing pleasure, I opine that it is how the teams play the game and how the officials apply the rules that truly makes for a great and lasting game.
So here is the question: Who supports a team that aims to win by openly bending the rules? Who supports a team that aims to win because it believes the officials are biased in its favor?
I think the focus group member missed the point. America, this game is still in play.
– Angus Thom, Riverside
Imperfect parallel
Marc A. Thiessen’s Wednesday column comparing Joe Biden’s campaign to that of Mitt Romney in 2012 was insightful and generally accurate. (15A, “Democrats have a Mitt Romney kind of problem in 2020”) His point was that the Democrats will likely select Biden because they think he has the best chance of defeating President Donald Trump but that Biden, like Romney, is not visionary and will not excite the base.
However, Thiessen misses one very important point: Romney ran against an incumbent who, although his policies were opposed by many, was generally considered to be a decent, honorable person. The same cannot be said of Trump.
He is an immoral person who will run over anyone in his path, berates anyone who opposes him, lies constantly and fits the textbook definition of a narcissist. This does not even address his disastrous foreign policy.
Moderate Democrats and independents put Trump in the White House, looking for a change from politics as usual. One hopes these folks, with the help of some “true Republicans,” will remove Trump from office next November.
Four more years of Trump and his divisiveness would be a disaster for our country.
– John Weisensee, Platte City