Clarence Thomas is gunning for gay marriage. We need Kansas and Missouri senators’ help

Matter of respect

Having lived in the Kansas City area for most of our lives, without question the most rewarding of these years have been our 64 years of marriage and the family we’ve raised together. My husband, Neil, and I are now blessed with 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

We want for our grandchildren the opportunity to be married and have a family. That opportunity now exists for all of our grandchildren, including those who are gay.

But that freedom could be threatened, as certain Supreme Court justices may be looking to reconsider the 2015 ruling that established the right of same-sex couples to marry and have their marriages recognized and respected nationwide.

The Respect for Marriage Act, which would ensure the freedom to marry cannot be eroded, is before the U.S. Senate. We strongly urge the senators on both sides of the state line — Roy Blunt, Josh Hawley, Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran — to keep families like ours in mind and put to rest our concerns, and those of thousands of their LGBTQ constituents, by supporting this important legislation.

- Blanche Sosland, Kansas City

Spell it out

Washington Post commentator Jennifer Rubin seems to feel obligated to explain what President Joe Biden really means about what he says. (Aug. 8, 9A, “No, Biden didn’t condemn the entire GOP”)

I am waiting for her to explain his withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, his southern border policy, his college accomplishments and on and on. These comments should fit well with her apologist stance.

- Jerry Kaplan, Prairie Village

Don’t convene

It’s interesting to go through the history of constitutional conventions among the 44 states that allow them and the almost universal lack of enthusiasm in state after state for amending their constitutions using this seemingly friendly, neighbor-to-neighbor, homespun gathering of just us folks, no elected officials.

We hear phrases such as “causing irreparable damage,” “dangerous,” “unnecessary,” “hurting the most vulnerable” and “harmful to working men and women.” I give The Star Editorial Board high marks for breaking down some pragmatic reasons Missourians might want to carefully think about the damage that could be done at a convention — removing hard-fought wins that were put into our constitution for a reason: to protect them.

Remember that in 1962, 1982 and 2002, Missourians voted no in large majorities to holding a constitutional convention. We have no way of knowing what the outcome of this gathering would be. However, we do know we face a hyperpartisan landscape in our state capitol, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for real people, our neighbors.

Vote no on the Constitutional Convention Question on the Nov. 8 ballot.

- Pat Bartholome, Kansas City

Fit to lead?

Republicans are apparently hapless at rigging elections in their own favor. Given they can’t achieve what they claim is so easy for Democrats to do, are they qualified to run the country?

- Kirsten Frogley, Shawnee

Dog dangers

What happened to the leash law in Lexington, Missouri? Do we no longer have such a law? Every day, dogs are running loose. I see one pit bull in my area not on a leash. Is this not against the law?

Just recently, this dog jumped up my front door, trying to get inside to my small pets. I was not able to get out the door to chase the animal away. Police were called and four cars responded. But, of course, the dog was gone by then, so basically, nothing could be done.

It has always been my understanding that it is against the law to allow your dog to run loose within city limits. When did that change? Most city residents obey the law. Only a few do not. If you are outside, you should carry pepper spray or have some other way to protect yourself.

Why put a law on our books and not enforce it? Perhaps our animal control department needs help. There is a lot of territory to patrol.

Call your City Council member and complain about this before someone is injured. Something needs to be done, and soon. People should not be afraid to walk in their own neighborhoods. Please enforce our laws.

- Carolyn Milligan, Lexingon, Missouri

Interns’ lessons

As a participant in Bank of America’s Student Leader program this summer, I was given the opportunity to intern with local nonprofit Youth Volunteer Corps. Other student leaders and I were given service projects for organizations. One example was with the YMCA Northland Head Start Program, where we formed strong relationships with kids age 3 to 5. Each of their stories was unique, and this experience allowed me to grow not only as a leader, but as a person.

After the internship, I joined 300 other students across the nation in a virtual leadership summit that included workshops on important social issues such as the minimum wage and racial disparities.

The value of participating in an internship is remarkable, as I’ve learned so much about communication and teamwork skills. I was able to take the initiative in bringing everyone together and getting us involved instead of people feeling as if they were working alone. The connections and friendships created from this opportunity were life-changing, and I recommend anyone interested in serving the Kansas City community to apply.

I’ll always feel thankful to have participated in the Student Leader program.

- Joy Yan, Kansas City