Jay Ashcroft shouldn’t censor Missouri libraries. Let parents choose their kids’ books

Books are freedom

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has proposed a “Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors,” which shows lack of knowledge of policies that have been in place for decades in public schools.

I retired after 45 years of teaching English in classrooms. Yes, parents did sometimes object to their children reading certain books. The schools in which I taught had written policies developed and supported by the National Council of Teachers of English. If parents objected to a book, they were asked to read the book — not just a few selected passages — and state their objections in writing. Most teachers obliged by finding alternate reading assignments.

We live in a diverse nation in terms of ethnicity, gender and socioeconomics. Books give people a chance to step into the world and experiences of so many different from themselves. Some readers are unaffected and continue their biases and beliefs, but others are driven to think and consider what good fortune they have simply by the luck of birth.

Do not censor our libraries. We make free choices for ourselves, and parents for their children. Preserving this freedom can enrich lives and broaden attitudes

- Sarah Frederick, Kansas City

Editor’s note: The secretary of state’s office is no longer accepting public comments on this proposed rule.

Trump’s big wins

I can see why The Kansas City Star doesn’t like Donald Trump. During his term as president, we had low inflation. Our armed services were strong. Other nations respected us. The U.S.-Mexico border was secure. He knew what side to leave a stage from, and he has a pretty wife.

- Kathy Evans, Kansas City

Follow the money

As Kansas faces the daunting task of cleaning up and recovering from the massive spill from the Keystone pipeline, (Dec. 10, 3A, “Kansas oil spill is likely Keystone Pipeline’s largest”) I would like to remind Kansas City Star readers of Sen. Jerry Moran’s support for the proposed Keystone XL extension, which would move additional tar sands across our state.

The spill from this existing pipeline should put to bed the lie that the “Keystone XL Pipeline would transport safe and reliable energy across our nation,” as our U.S. Rep. Ron Estes has promoted.

And I would like to encourage The Star to check Sen. Moran’s donations from TC Energy (100% owner of the Keystone pipeline), considering how vocal Moran is supporting this disaster. According to Opensecrets.org, Moran has received more than $800,000 from oil and gas companies, compared with Sen. Roger Marshall’s $240,000 and Estes’ $344,000. That is a lot to the senator who co-sponsored a bill that could further pollute Kansas.

I believe The Star should investigate whether elected officials are placing donations and political donors’ interests above the environmental health of Kansas and Kansans.

- Jason Mead, Junction City, Kansas

Blunt’s legacy

I agree with the author of a Dec. 11 letter to the editor (19A) who praised retiring Sen. Roy Blunt, who has supported people in poverty throughout his political career. I have always appreciated that about him.

He was a teacher, as I am now. He knows the value of investing in our children as the future of our country. One way he could do that is to leave one final legacy by passing an extension of the child tax credit. The new 2021 U.S. Census Supplemental Poverty Measure report shows that the 2021 child tax credit reduced child poverty by 46%. In one year, the expanded credit pushed the child poverty rate to the lowest level ever measured.

This accomplishment can be repeated if Blunt joins other senators to make the child tax credit permanent. In a year when inflation is hurting everyone, it would be the perfect finale to such a distinguished career.

- Sarah Miller, University City, Missouri

Historic error

Let’s list some of the biggest swindles in U.S. history: The Louisiana Purchase from France. The purchase of Alaska from Russia (Seward’s Folly). Pro basketball player Brittney Griner swapped for Merchant of Death Viktor Bout (Biden’s Blunder).

Break this down to what children can understand. I will give you my Bout Pokémon card for your Griner card. How many kids would make that trade?

- Dan Norburg, Overland Park