KBI report shows bishops failed victims, and also the Kansas City Catholic faithful | Opinion

Flock let down

As a Catholic in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, I read the Kansas Bureau of Investigation report that was released Jan. 6 showing the results of the investigation of sexual abuse cases in the Catholic dioceses of Kansas. (Jan. 8, 15A, “Kansas report identifies 188 clergy suspected of sex abuse”) A total of 188 cases of clergy members suspected of committing crimes were identified, and 30 were referred to local prosecutors for possible further action. Unfortunately, nothing will likely come of those cases since the statute of limitations has expired on all crimes alleged.

It is depressing and frustrating that the bishops of all four dioceses in Kansas, including Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Kansas City diocese, did little or nothing to report such abuses when they occurred. Instead, the church moved priests to other locations or laicized them after investigation. Rarely were local parishioners notified of abuses of their local priests.

Where is the moral compass of these bishops? They are the shepherds of the communities they serve. This means they are to guide, protect and foster the words and works of Jesus Christ. They failed.

Although there is no legal obligation to report such abuses to authorities, there is a moral duty.

They should resign. No accountability.

- Joe Wittman, Kansas City

Income tax first

Gov. Laura Kelly rightfully wants to provide tax relief to Kansas families, but her approach is less beneficial to low- and middle-income families. She says income tax cuts “provide no relief for everyday Kansas,” but that’s not true.

A flat income tax would exempt the lowest earners from paying income tax and give them more tax relief than eliminating the food sales tax.

A family of four with an adjusted gross income of $35,000 and taking the standard deduction would owe $558 in income tax, offset by an earned income tax credit of $734. If the family didn’t have any other tax credits, it would get a $176 refund because the earned income credit is refundable in Kansas. Eliminating income tax on the first $30,000 for married couples ($15,000 for single filers) increases their refund by $558. That is considerably more than the $208 they would save by not paying a 4% sales tax on $100 per week on groceries.

Even a single taxpayer with no children earning just $15,000 is better off with the flat tax plan than eliminating the food sales tax.

Taxpayers would also benefit from having a stronger economy.

- Dave Trabert, Chief executive officer, Kansas Policy Institute, Overland Park

Better trash

I admit trash collection is often my favorite day of the week. I love the clean-out. But while it brings me joy, I can’t help but feel it doesn’t do the same for those who have the job of picking up our garbage bags from the curb.

In Kansas City proper, we are required to set out our garbage bags as they are, not in a trash can or protective container. In other words, not like the efficient systems in many suburban communities in both Missouri and Kansas. That means the men and women picking up our garbage often have to deal with bags covered in rain, snow, ice or — worse — that have been broken apart by animals. They have to struggle with ripped bags, which result in garbage floating down the street into yards, roads and drainage systems.

Why can we not move to a better system for both residents and city employees alike with garbage cans? Surely, we must have one of the most antiquated trash collection systems in the nation. With so many improvements in our city, it’s time to improve our antiquated trash service as well.

- Courtney Fadler, Kansas City

Middle way

Instead of letting six to 20 conservative extremists run the agenda in the House of Representatives, the GOP should have taken the initiative and found 10 moderates in the party (I’m sure they exist). The Democrats and the moderate Republicans could then have voted on the new speaker of the House.

Give level-headed Republicans a chance to lead. All the Republicans needed to do was recommend a speaker who would run a unity agenda and not “us against them.”

We are all Americans. How about a House of Representatives that represents us instead of pandering to a radical right? “Bipartisan” is still in the dictionary, and this would have been a good time to use it for the good of us all.

- Al Babich, Parkville

No comparison

As a sports fan for most of my 68 years, I found it appalling to hear Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling say NFL players “put our lives on the line.” (Jan. 6, 1B, “Chiefs share their emotions after Hamlin situation”)

The average NFL player makes millions of dollars more than first responders, health professionals, construction workers and tree trimmers, to name a few professions. I understand the effects of CTE and the long-term pounding the game has on players.

Valdes-Scantling is certainly entitled to his opinion. But I’d think the overall value to society of those professions mentioned above and others is greater than that of an NFL player.

Maybe if the risk is so great, Valdes-Scantling should consider a less dangerous profession. I found his comments to be arrogant and insensitive.

- Larry Cohen, Leawood

For me, not thee

I am convinced that the “freedom” in Freedom Caucus stands for its members’ freedom to impose their views on everyone else.

- Robert Powell, Independence