So guns don’t kill, people do? Then take guns away from Americans with criminal records | Opinion
If criminals kill
Many gun rights advocates are relentless in their mantra: “Guns don’t kill; people do.” Since a great number of American adults have some kind of criminal record — close to one-third of them, according to estimates from the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Brennan Center for Justice and others — would it not make sense to deny those people the right to own or use guns?
- Andrea Hickerson, Leawood
Where credit’s due
One has to question the Dec. 30 guest commentary by retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Bob Riggs, in which he insinuated that having a college degree means that “your parents have some money”. (7A, “Shame is truly dead in our politics today”)
What about the students whose parents did not have the money to send their children to college but who worked while in school to pay their tuition? Or those who succeeded because of hard academic work and paid for their education via scholarships or student loans?
- Rick Pittman, Merriam
More than 4
The front page of the Dec. 22 Kansas City Star was an important gauge for issues Missourians should be concerned about — issues that will dominate the 2024 Republican primary for governor.
Above the fold was a story about the St. Joseph school district considering going to a four-day school schedule. (“Another large KC-area district mulls 4-day school week”) It notes that the Independence School District, with 14,000 students, adopted this schedule. More than 25% of Missouri school districts now have four-day class weeks.
Below the fold was a story about the three most prominent Republicans considering running for Missouri governor. (“The race for Missouri governor emerges from shadows”) What the story identifies as the major issues each is focused on is interesting. One candidate hopes to work on education, focusing on school choice. Another is working on a new rule, condemned by librarians, to ban age-inappropriate books in public libraries. The third hopeful is pushing legislation to prohibit children from attending drag shows and to end the state’s personal property tax on cars.
Public education must be supported and appreciated. A four-day schedule clearly demonstrates it isn’t. We should expect the issue of a four-day school schedule to be a high priority of anyone wishing to be the next governor of Missouri.
- Bob Yates, Kansas City
What to cancel
Liberals claim they are against hate and intolerance. So, when are they going to get some backbone, stand up to the so-called “woke“ crowd and denounce the hate and intolerance of the cancel culture?
- David J. Lund, Kansas City
Fight the flu
As a pediatric physician, I know the worries parents of young children have as viral season heads toward its winter peak. The number of flu cases has been exponentially higher than last year. It’s important for parents to know how to prevent infections as we approach peak flu season.
Here are some tips to protect the most vulnerable among us, especially those under 2:
▪ Get the seasonal flu vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends yearly influenza vaccination for all children starting at 6 months of age. All members of the home and caregivers should receive the annual vaccine as well.
▪ Wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
▪ Stay home when you have symptoms to prevent spreading illness.
If your child does become sick with influenza, talk to your pediatrician about treatment options, keeping in mind that antiviral medications work best when treatment is started within two days of developing symptoms.
It’s not too late to help keep our littles healthy this winter. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.
- Annie Kohlrus, Overland Park
