Unfettered Letters

Truth in tea parties

In response to Dawn Olney (4/20, Letters), I agree that bad behavior should be denounced, and it has been by members of both parties.

But you should know recent polls show significant percentages of tea party members identify themselves as independents or Democrats. And a website has been identified where progressives on the left are joining together to infiltrate tea party gatherings, spewing hate speech and violence, or misspelling signs on purpose.

Some tea partiers made signs in advance pointing out infiltrators to let the biased media know they were not with them.

The tea party is a movement, not an organization with a leader. You cannot condemn a party or organization that has no affiliation. I hope this helps you understand the movement better.

Jason Payne

Blue Springs

I attended the April 15 tea party at Community America ballpark and I was impressed with the organization and energy displayed at this event. The tribute to veterans was moving and appreciated by the veterans who appeared on the infield.

I remember coming home in the 1960s after being a crewmember on unarmed Navy reconnaissance planes flying out of bases in the Far East. I was young and thought I was invincible, but the day North Korea shot down one of our planes and 29 of my fellows sailors perished -- it was then I realized how short life can be. I remember standing against a Students for a Democratic Society protest at MU and being ridiculed.

Today these same radicals are running our government. Who would have thought this great country could move this far to the left? Today, I stand against these radicals and urge every voter to get the facts and evaluate who they want to represent them in the new Congress.

George Stratton

Kansas City

Dreaming of freedom

I hate my government. I wish it would go away. I want my freedom. I didn’t realize until the communists passed health care reform how much I have been oppressed.

Now my eyes are opened. I’m oppressed by a Democratic majority that won’t act and behave as I want them to. I’m oppressed by taxes that no citizen should have to pay, by rules, regulations and laws. I can’t breathe.

I’ve even been oppressed by the Constitution. Well, not the Constitution per se, but by the misinterpretation of it by activist judges who don’t know as much about the law as I do.

I wish my government would go away, certainly if it’s run by Democrats. Then, like the government-free citizens of Somalia, I could cruise the Gulf of Mexico looking to plunder ships there, like the pirates of old.

Paul J. Potts

Overland Park

Color Plaza civilized

I spend a good bit of my leisure time, especially evenings, on the Country Club Plaza. I resent the way people on different sides of the controversy characterize it as "an area frequented by predominantly white people."

My own observation is that the Plaza is not an area frequented by predominantly white people. It is an area frequented by predominantly civilized, well-behaved people.

Stu Tarlowe

Kansas City, Kan.

Make way for bicyclists

Spring is a perfect time for area drivers to reread their states’ DMV manuals regarding bicycles on the roads.

The Kansas Driving Handbook states, "A bicycle or motorcycle in a traffic lane is entitled to the full use of that lane," and "When passing a bicyclist use extreme caution and pass four feet to the left of the bicyclist."

The Missouri Driver Guide says you must "create a safe environment for yourself and other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists," and "When you are passing, give bicycles and mopeds a full lane width."

As a driver and owner of two cars, I pay my fair share of road and gas taxes. As a cyclist, I have the same rights and responsibilities, and deserve the same respect as any other vehicle on the road. Please drive as if cyclists were your own child or loved one.

George Ferguson

Blue Springs

Whitlock column

Jason Whitlock’s April 28 column "Beck, Palin Adopt Tactics of Jackson, Sharpton" (Opinion) is just plain trash talk. Whitlock needs to stick to reporting on midnight basketball.

If there had been no Rev. Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Sharpton, there would have been no President Obama.

Whitlock disrespected even the thoughts of the civil rights movement leadership and tactics, regardless of what others think.

Semper Fi.

Lee Davis

Leavenworth

Support the Dodd bill

Americans are understandably concerned with the harm the financial crisis has done to their economic security and peace of mind. We missed a full-blown 1930s style depression by a whisker. Next time things may be much worse.

It is essential that Congress take action to prevent another disaster from occurring. That is why those of us in the socially-responsible investment community are supporting Sen. Christopher Dodd’s financial services reform bill. It seeks to restore stability, reliability and confidence in the American economy and in Wall Street.

The Dodd bill calls for shareholders to have a "say on pay" on CEO pay packages, the right to nominate board directors and to take compensation back from executives if the pay was based on inaccurate financial statements or other fraudulent acts.

It forces companies to use a majority voting standard for the election of directors. In addition, the bill creates a consumer financial protection bureau and calls for Securities and Exchange Commission oversight of credit rating agencies, greater regulation of over-the-counter derivatives markets, and a systemic risk regulator. These will increase transparency and accountability on Wall Street.

Steve Baru

Baru Financial Services

Overland Park

Church scandal

As a lifelong practicing Catholic, and I might add a never-abused altar boy, I must express my disgust at The Star’s recent handling of the negative publicity that is being disbursed about our pope. Allegations, true or not, on one day are placed front and center in The Star with massive headlines and color pictures, while the next day the responses to these allegations are hidden on A15.

You would have the public think that the majority of priests are complicit in the poor behavior of a few. Yes, there was great harm done. And yes, the guilty do deserve punishment. They deserve punishment along with all of the other pedophiles in all of the other walks of life.

By The Star’s actions, many other Catholics and I think the press is perpetuating its long-honored tradition of Catholic bashing. Come on folks -- let’s show some balance.

Mike Slaven

Overland Park

Smokestacks as spewing volcanoes?

My suggestion for taking the pressure off of coal burning companies is to redesign the smokestacks to resemble volcanoes.

They will become totally unnoticed, like the real volcanoes that spew thousands of tons of pollution into our atmosphere and seas 24/7.

James Wright

Peculiar

Suspended licenses

The Star’s recent series of articles and columns on revoked drivers in Missouri has created an inaccurate perception that all such drivers are dangerous and should be removed from the roadways.

The paper failed to note that Missouri routinely suspends driving privileges for administrative failures such as failing to pay child support, not resolving traffic tickets and not paying certain civil judgments. These suspensions have nothing to do with an individual’s performance as a driver.

Moreover, if these drivers fail to comply administratively, and during the suspension period are cited and found guilty of driving while suspended, the state will assess 12 points against their licenses. Twelve points will result in a mandatory one-year revocation of driving privileges regardless of their ability to drive safely.

Without effective public transportation, these individuals are forced to drive. Any additional conviction during the revocation period will extend the revocation for another year.

The Star should be more careful in advocating blanket policies that disregard a driver’s true risk on the roadways.

Richard W. Johnson

Johnson & Johnson LLC

Kansas City

Many thanks from ‘Grandma in distress’

I owe many thank yous to the gentleman who rescued this "grandma in distress" recently on Nieman Road. When he saw I was in trouble with two flat tires, he stopped and offered help.

He called the tow truck. He called the friend I was to meet, and he directed traffic away from our cars. He stayed with me until the tow truck arrived.

A lovely lady also stopped and offered assistance, as did a neighbor who came out. There are still many thoughtful and helpful people in the world.

Virginia M. Griffith

Lenexa