Unfettered Letters

Voters’ ‘diversity test’

Lewis Diuguid writes that “Missouri sided with McCain, but America passed the diversity test” (11/12, Opinion, “For every American, a time of celebration”). I read the full commentary several times to see if I was missing something but came up with the same conclusion each time.

Apparently, by voting for McCain, I either do not understand diversity, do not want diversity or it must be a racial issue that I did not vote for Obama. I take offense to this blanket Diuguid has thrown over those of us who did not pass his “diversity test” simply because we voted based on our basic principles and political ideals regarding many serious issues.

It will be difficult to sit my family down and explain to our six children, four of whom are white and two who are African-American, that Dad failed the “diversity test.”

Steve O’Neill
Kansas City

GOP lacking diversity

I don’t see many people of color at the GOP convention. I don’t see many young people there, either. If Republicans were truly the party for the people, they could attract more than old white people. I think GOP stands for Grumpy Old People.

Jack Myers
Overland Park

Diversity in clinical drug trials

The Star’s story about increasing participation in clinical drug trials raised important points (7/15, Business, “Programs want more drug trials”). However, it failed to cover one critical aspect of drug discovery: Not all medications work the same for all patients.

That is why companies like AstraZeneca are committed to the inclusion of ethnically diverse patients in the development of innovative medications that are effective in as many patient groups as possible. African-Americans and Hispanics are woefully underrepresented in clinical trials despite their high incidence of diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease and prostate cancer.

Histories of bias in clinical studies such as the Tuskeegee Experiment are reminders of the importance of patient protection and informed consent. Federal guidelines and codes, as well as a panel of professionals and community members are responsible for monitoring study safety and safeguarding volunteer rights in every clinical research project.

Whether it is getting treatment for an illness when no other treatment exists, receiving expert care for your condition, having early access to new treatments or knowing your participation is helping others, ask your doctor about clinical trials and whether enrollment is a good idea for you.

Paul G. Alexander, M.D.
Executive director, clinical relations, AstraZeneca
Wilmington, Del.

Diuguid recognized

Congratulations to Lewis Diuguid, Star columnist and vice president of community resources, regarding recognition of his work and leadership on matters of diversity, and the recent award from the National Association of Minority Media Executives (3/11, Local, “Star’s Diuguid honored; Catalyst Award salutes leadership advancing the cause of diversity in the media industry”).
Many of us in the metropolitan community have had the privilege to know and work with Mr. Diuguid on diversity issues. We echo the comments of The Star’s publisher, Mark Zieman, when he said, “The Star is very proud of Lewis’ efforts to improve both our industry and our community.”
Our best wishes, Lewis!
Sharon Cheers
Missouri Association for Social Welfare
Kansas City

Respectful of others

The March 15 column by Bill Tammeus (Faith, “Let’s not lose sight of civility”) reminded me of a sermon given several weeks ago at my church. We were reminded that at this election time, we should be respectful of even those with whom we disagree.
I tend towards a smug satisfaction that my political party cares more for all people and that we cannot be found among the vitriolic hate-mongers filling the airwaves and editorial pages. I often fail to recognize, however, that there are good and decent people who have differing views.
I fear I have painted all with the same brush and shut out voices of those who are as equally concerned with our world but who have a different approach to solving our problems.
As Tammeus points out, most religions, including mine, ask us to recognize the humanity and dignity of every person. We are called to love all our brothers and sisters, not just the ones who share our views. Once we see everyone in this light, it will be easier to become respectful, civil participants of polite discourse.
It has been said, “To love is to listen.” I pray we all become more loving listeners.
Barb Domke
Kansas City

Speaking of divisive

La Raza claims that the Minutemen programs are divisive and contribute to racism. What does La Raza think the invasion of America by millions of illegals causes?

Ray F. Wilson
Lenexa

Let them all fire someone

The demand by the National Council of La Raza to fire Kansas City park board member Frances Semler has split local residents into two confrontational camps.

Relax — I have the perfect compromise.

Giving the La Raza convention special consideration by allowing only La Raza to oust a city appointee is at the heart of the problem. We should oust Semler and give the same privilege to any other convention that chooses Kansas City.

There are hundreds of other appointees on city boards, commissions and committees. Most of them also contribute their time and resources to other organizations. Give each convention a “gotcha” — the right to fire an appointee of their choice.

What a selling point! Conventions representing business, labor, pro-choice, pro-life, Democrats, Republicans, religious groups, etc, would have the opportunity to “sock it to” someone opposed to their agenda.

Meanwhile, residents will accept the practice as fair and equal to all.

Bruce Bedier
Kansas City, Kan.

Political correctness

For some time now I have been following the Mark Funkhouser/Frances Semler drama with interest. Though I do recognize the sensitivity of the issue, I must praise the mayor of Kansas City for taking a stand and not submitting himself to political pressure to please a certain group.

What is wrong with America in this day and age is that we spend so much time being politically correct it gets in the way of good government.

As for the Minuteman issue, where does it stop? What happens if you have an appointed official who is an atheist? Will a religious convention boycott you next? Do you have an employee who had an abortion? Will a pro-life group boycott?

Stand your ground, mayor.

G.L. Barnhart
Chanute, Kan.

For true diversity

Here’s another take on the Frances Semler/Kansas City diversity issue: We need an advocate for illegal immigration on the parks board.

Since Semler is anti-illegal, her seat demands some other seat in that group should be given to a pro-illegal appointment. Is that the case now? Diversity, like affirmative action, works both ways, doesn’t it?

F. Grimaldi
Kansas City

It’s the principle

Regarding “Principle is good, but enough is enough” by columnist Steve Penn (9/18, Local): I disagree with his conclusion that Frances Semler should resign from the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners.

If the people who say they support “diversity” would look up the word “bigot” (“a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices”), it might cool their rhetoric a bit.

Our mayor has principle. I like that. And I support our mayor as a man of honor.

George VanDyne
Kansas City

On Tuesday, Steve Penn ended his column with this line: “This is just one of those rare times when politics and a city’s economics must supersede personal principles.”

In a world where many people complain that politicians have no principles, Mr. Penn is encouraging this one to push his aside. And for what? Politics and the city’s economics.

I think the mayor has a responsibility to his constituents to stand by the values and principle for which he was elected.

Further, people often have legitimately different values by which they choose to live their lives. Mr. Penn never says he has a problem with what the mayor’s principles actually are, only that they should be ignored on this matter.

What authority does Mr. Penn think he has that enables him to tell another man when he should and shouldn’t live out his values?

I wonder how he would feel if his editor approached him and asked him to compromise his own journalistic integrity to protect the reputation and financial interests of The Star.

My guess is that he would be as shocked and offended as I was after reading his column.

Andrew O’Hara
Kansas City

I read with much disappointment Steve Penn’s column regarding Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser’s principles. I find it incredible that someone of Mr. Penn’s position and responsibility would suggest that principle is fine as long as financial gain isn’t sacrificed as a result of it.

I also found it rather amusing that he thinks it a rarity for politicians to forgo their principle for political ends. I would submit that perhaps just the opposite is true, as far too many politicians seem willing to abandon their principles at the very first sign of adversity.

I applaud Mr. Funkhouser for having the courage to stand up for someone and something in which he believes strongly — no matter the cost. Whether I agree with him on this particular issue is irrelevant.

I can completely disagree with someone but still respect them at the end of the day as long as they stand for something. It’s called character.

Perhaps this is why so many people don’t seem to understand the mayor. He tends to say what he means and means what he says. Now how many politicians can you say that about?

Rob Conley
Kansas City