Unfettered Letters

Today’s nominees judged too rashly

Sen. Harry Truman had his wife on his office payroll (2/13, Local, “Papers to offer peek at family of Bess Truman”) but he did admirable public service and was a morally brave and effective national leader during turbulent times. Of course, he could not be considered for any high office today, because Bess was on salary.

American history is full of inspiring leaders who pulled our national bacon out of the fire but who would not be appointed, nominated or elected today because of peccadilloes or perceptions of ethical fault in the course of their careers of achievement.

Our haste to discard nominees for irrelevant trivial matters will give us leadership by the bland, timorous and unimaginative.

Michael W. Symanski
Overland Park

Downside of Reaganomics

Mark Robertson’s letter (2/7, “Reaganomics worked”) was well researched and generally correct except for one important omission. He forgot to mention that during Reagan’s eight years in office, our national debt nearly tripled, primarily because federal spending soared. Predictably, the combination of lower tax rates and increased spending gave our economy a boost, but we’re paying the price today.

The current stimulus package dwarfs anything we’ve done since the New Deal, and it will have serious long-term consequences. The national debt as a percentage of gross domestic product is approaching a level not seen since the early 1950s, in the aftermath of World War II.

There is no easy way out of this. At some point we’ll need to increase taxes, cut spending, or both. I just hope that when the current recession ends our elected officials will have the intelligence and courage to do the right thing.

Mike Mendon
Gladstone

“There are lies, damned lies and statistics.” Whoever first uttered that phrase must have tutored the defenders of Reaganomics.

At Ronald Reagan’s inauguration: Sky high interest rates? Given. Soaring inflation? Yeah. Climbing unemployment? Maybe.

But here is where reality intrudes and this situation is different. There was no war, no collapsing stock market, no epidemic of foreclosures spreading like wildfire, no plethora of large corporations cutting jobs like a barber in boot camp and no bevy of financial pirates grabbing their booty and scurrying like cockroaches for cover. Some clam that tax cuts and deregulation worked wonders in the 1980s. Perhaps, but most likely the rich just got richer and seeds were sown for our current woes.

Is Reaganomics the right thing for 2009? No. Barack Obama must oversee a process that stops the bleeding and starts the healing. What the defenders of Reaganomics refuse to acknowledge is that the bleeding was caused by years of financial system abuse by a lot of people who utter the mantra of Reaganomics while they line their own pockets.

Tracy Leonard
Kansas City

Reaganomics worked

Reporter Dave Helling implies that Republicans following former President Ronald Reagan’s example of cutting tax rates would increase deficits, and he said “it isn’t clear” whether Reagan’s tax cuts reduced unemployment (2/1, A-1, “Do we need a jolt?”).

Reagan inherited 20 percent interest rates, 13 percent inflation and 10 percent unemployment. His across-the-board tax rate reduction and deregulation brought on an economic boom that created 19 million jobs in the ’80s and 20 million more in the ’90s. There were 92 months of uninterrupted economic growth, interest rates dropped to single digits, inflation dropped to 3 percent and then lower, family median income rose 11.3 percent and Treasury revenues nearly doubled from $550 billion in ’81 to $991 billion in ’89.

And the economy was nearly twice as bad then compared with today, contracting at 6.4 percent in the first quarter of ’82, versus 3.8 percent in the last quarter of 2008, a year when the economy actually grew at 1.3 percent overall.

The Democrats’ trillion-dollar, pork-loaded power grab they call a “stimulus” would be catastrophic. Government spending has never brought real prosperity.

Reagan showed the way to deal with a tough economy in times much tougher than ours.

Mark S. Robertson
Independence

We still must work on equality

I am watching with amazement the profound impact the election of Barack Obama is having on this country, inspiring a connection between people and politics we haven’t seen since the ’60s. Whether it’s a reaction to the deterioration of this country under George W. Bush or the charisma of President Obama, this country’s energy is undeniable.

In this context I recently had a stunning conversation with a female high school student I work with. She told me she joined the electronics club at school but was having trouble because the male-dominated club referred to her as “the pretty face.” She is in a higher level of math than most club members, but they refuse to let her participate — except to take club photographs.

In the context of electing our first African-American president, I found this to be a sober reminder of the work still to come.

Elizabeth Weidling
Overland Park

Obama’s inauguration

On Tuesday a black man, President Barack Obama, along with his family, walked into the White House not as a cook, butler or maintenance man but as our chosen leader — the leader of the free world.

It’s about time the United States can look the rest of the world straight into its collective eyes.

Alexis Barlows
Kansas City

As I wrote this, I watched the inauguration of the 44th president, Barack Obama. Typically I avoid politics. In fact, the rule in my house is that political talk is treated like fighting, mostly because the former leads to the latter. I don’t care if you do it, but take it outside.

Never before have I cared even a little bit about the inauguration of the incoming president. My political ambivalence and apathy are known far and wide.

Then it hit me. Obama could very well be the answer to America’s ills and sins. This could be the turning point for not only America, but for the entire world. This might be the single most significant political event of my lifetime.

Or, it could be business as usual and, once the “rock star” frenzy wears off, Obama will be one of “them:” a figurehead. A marionette whose every word, decision, and movement are controlled by the strings leading up to the hands of special interest groups and the runaway train named “American Politics.”

Only time will tell. Here’s hoping.

Scott Finazzo
Shawnee

I was a little more than chagrined Tuesday when, as former President Bush and his wife, Laura, were leaving, the crowd booed not only him but Laura. I thought that everyone was now working together.

This just proves two things to me:

There is still a lot of hatred in our country toward others who don’t think the same.

Anyone can disagree with former President Bush’s policies. However, to boo a person is showing the smallness of their minds.

Another perfect example was at a recent Ravens/Steelers game. A Ravens player was on the ground, and no one was sure if he was all right. The music continued to play, and people were still in a jovial mood and even booing some.

The lack of respect for other people and circumstances is what makes our country divided. I did not vote for President Obama, but as an American citizen I will do my best to uphold him in prayer and respect him as a person, even though I may not agree with some of his decisions.

I must respect him. He is our president.

Sharon Rust
Kansas City

It was a historic moment when President Barack Obama took the oath of office and became the 44th president of the United States. I am a conservative, and yet I found it to be a moment of excitement and jubilation.

However, his speech, which was advertised to be “one for the ages,” fell far short of that goal. It was more of the same campaign slogans and rhetoric. I did not feel that it was unifying or inspiring. It left me with the sense that the other party is now in charge. “We will do different and better.” We’ve already heard that.

The crowd’s reactions to former President Bush were the expected jeers. I don’t sense that we are at a new place in the political landscape, but I guess we’ll see.

As we watch, I will pray for President Obama and his administration.

Bill Thomas
Kansas City, Kan.

Cost of inauguration

President Obama’s inauguration is estimated to have cost more than $150 million. This seems extravagant and contrary to today’s economic conditions. This money could have been used for medical care for poor children and the unemployed, for body armor for our troops, medical care for our wounded heroes and to help relieve the pain so many our elderly are suffering in this recession.

This extravagance sends the wrong message about fixing our financial woes. Obama could have set the tone of concern about the seriousness of our need to be fiscally responsible with the money.

Remember, George W. Bush’s last inauguration cost $40 to $50 million, and the do-gooders and left-wingers had apoplexy and called it extravagant. Is there a double standard? Seems like the answer is yes.

Why are these people who were so loud four years ago silent now?

George Benjamin
Olathe

I find it hard to believe the concern raised about the money being spent on President Obama’s inauguration activities. Where do people think the money being spent on such activities is going? It is not like we are sending the money out of the country or burying it in the backyard.

Security staffs get extra pay. National Guard soldiers get several days of duty pay. Carpenters get paid for building temporary facilities. Waiters and cooks are employed for the parties and events.

Local businesses provide a multitude of services and are well paid. Hotels are booked, and restaurants are busy.

Individuals who receive the money from the inauguration activities spend it. This spending greatly increases the economic impact of the original funding.

It was a great celebration to be enjoyed.

John Turner
Overland Park

Inauguration thoughts

America and the world were witness again on Tuesday to the greatest principle of democracy.

The most powerful leader in the world was removed from power and replaced with a new most powerful leader in the world in an orderly fashion as dictated by law without conflict or confrontation. No bullets were fired, and no one died. The transfer of power was recognized and respected by all.

America, America, God truly has shed his grace on thee.

Michael Hull
Lee’s Summit

The presidential inauguration and parade were very meaningful to me because President Obama has been compared so often to John F. Kennedy, and I had the privilege of marching in JFK’s inauguration as a West Point cadet.

Watching the people along the parade route, it struck me that the pageantry is not only a celebration but a chance for us, “the people,” to endorse and participate in democracy in a very personal way.

The president’s speech reaffirmed both the opportunities and the challenges that we face. We all owe him and the nation our full support.

Roy Busdiecker
Overland Park

I listened to Obama’s speech in Washington, and I listened to Bush’s speech in Texas.

Bush’s speech was better and far more moving and inspiring than Obama’s.

Charlie Brents
Greenwood

Bush can’t compare to Truman

You can’t compare Harry Truman and George W. Bush (1/18, A-1, “History’s big bounce”).

Truman volunteered to serve during World War I, but Bush avoided service in the Vietnam War. Truman endured vicious slurs from Joseph McCarthy as being soft on communism. Bush slurred his opponents as being soft on terrorism.

Truman oversaw the creation of the United Nations and NATO. He relied on a U.N. mandate to support the Korean War. Bush bypassed the U.N. and NATO and instead relied on a small, handpicked coalition to support the war in Iraq.

Truman fought aggressively for civil rights, labor unions and national health insurance. He was honest and ethical in all his dealings and lived by the motto “The buck stops here.” Truman was everything Bush is not.

If you want to compare Bush to any former president, compare him to Richard Nixon.

Steve Simon
Leawood

Dear Mr. President,

Editor’s note: In honor of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration Tuesday, we are sharing “Dear Mr. President” letters from four area schools, along with some artwork to commemorate the occasion. We received many more letters than we could print. To read them all, go to www.kansascity.com/opinion 

Davidson Elementary
third grade, Kansas City

I hope you are able to stop the war in Iraq soon. Also I am interested in what type of dog you get. My suggestion is a golden retriever. I almost forgot to write congratulations on being president-elect. Also I hope you can stop the gas prices from going up again.

Me and my family think you will be a great president.

Gabriel McCrummen

Congratulations for winning the election. I hope you protect our whole world. I think you should make less taxes and more jobs. I think you should help poor people and help poor children learn. I hope you protect everyone. And you should help people that lose their jobs. And I hope you help our community.

I hope you are treated well and fairly. I hope you keep the promises you promised as a president. And please help people who lost their jobs.

Stephanie Tran

Good job on winning the election. It’s an honor to have you as president. Everybody is very proud. I’m excited.

I hope you do good things for this country. Please protect our country. Are you nervous? Do you think you will get lost in the White House? How’s your family?

Well, congratulations. Have fun. Can you lower taxes, please? Also, can you make more jobs? Well, please think about what I said. Good luck.

Kylee Zerbe

Congratulations! I am glad that you have been elected for president! I don’t like “China toys” because they break too easily. I want you to stop letting China send stuff to the U.S. and help build more U.S. companies.

I trust you to help protect the U.S. from war and let us have freedom. I hope you enjoy being in office!

Keith Williams

Congratulations on being our first African-American president and our 44th president. I hope you do the best you can as our country’s leader. Make sure that you help the helpless and homeless people.

I wish you good luck. I hope you can make it through all four years without needing Mr. Biden to fill in for you. That includes being safe. Stay away from danger. If you’re on a plane, make sure there are no hazards on the way to where you are going or when you get there. Stay in good shape and health.

I think there are some huge problems you should do something about, like the war in Iraq. I think you should lower food and tax prices. There are a few issues, like getting rid of gangs and gang wars.

Brandon Wallace

First, I would like to say congratulations for becoming the first African-American president.

Second, here are some things I hope you will do. The first and most important thing for me is the recession. Thanks to the recession, my family does not go to McDonald’s or Pizza Street. The second biggest problem for me is the war in Iraq, because my friend’s uncle is fighting there. And last, but not least, the third thing is that I hope you will cut taxes.

I heard you are getting a puppy. Malia and Natasha must be so excited. I advise you to get a golden retriever or a beagle. I kept our class pet for winter break. Good luck and congratulations again.

Maya Kosinka

Antioch Middle School, Overland Park

Congratulations! To be the first black president is a great accomplishment. I believe you deserve the job and will be an amazing leader. Thanks for stepping up in these hard economic times.

I’d like to discuss some things. First, citizens’ health. America’s overweight rate has increased immensely. Approximately two-thirds of citizens are overweight or obese. Please address child nutrition. After all, a healthy body supports a healthy mind.

Secondly, because of the harsh times, students graduating high school are having a difficult time earning money for college. My sister is a junior in high school, and our parents cannot afford college. She is looking for scholarships, but there are less as time goes on. My sister is an all-A student and deserves a good education. I would hate to see her lose that opportunity.

Thanks for listening.

Jennifer Warren

Congratulations on winning the election. I’m sure this has to be an exciting experience. It is for me, too, because this is a big part of history.

I’ve heard your plans and your speeches, and I know that you will be able to help us in America’s time of need, whether it is the economy crisis, gas prices or the war on terror.

I also want to congratulate you on being the first African-American president of the United States. It is a piece of history that I’m glad I got to experience. America has come a long way from slavery to presidency.

I want to see how your plans unfold and America comes out of this crisis. Once again, congratulations on your win, and I hope to see many new plans that will better our U.S.

Brandon S. Morrison

Let me congratulate you on your success in being the first African-American president! I’m excited to see some barriers broken down in the work for total racial acceptance.

I must be honest and say that I’m a conservative Republican — and not by my parents’ choice. I disagree with you, but I respect you. You are now the man leading the nation — and slinging insults at you doesn’t help you do what’s best for our country. Though I’m not at all saying it’s wrong to disagree and say so, I feel that insults are entirely inappropriate at this date because there’s nothing people can do about your holding the office.

Know that I will be faithful in prayer for you that you might lead our nation with strength, dignity, courage, justice, nobility and honor.

Kathryn Tannahill

Congratulations on your victorious election. I write this letter with a great deal of honor for someone who has proved that the United States is and will be a united nation seeking opportunity for all.

You’ve also proved that with passion and determination the mighty destiny of the presidency is possible. I don’t know if my goals will be as grand, but I’m inspired to be a leader with hope and am committed to a better future. I also hope that we continue to be blessed with wisdom, compassion and courage to be able to work together to make good changes.

Clara Hernandez

First off, I would like to tell you that you were not my choice in the 2008 election. I am a supporter of John McCain, but I have nothing but respect for you. Our beliefs may be different, but the country we live in is not. We are “One nation under God,” which means we all have to work together and we have to cooperate.

Good luck in your years serving as president of the United States. I am sure you will do a fine job. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kristen Wright

Mission Valley Middle School, Leawood

Becoming president of the United States of America is a tremendous accomplishment. You are the first African-American to be the president.

Just think about how far our nation has come. We no longer see skin color as a front anymore. We no longer have ignorant thoughts about the unknown. We embrace every accomplishment made by a person, no matter what skin color, and we take it in as natural as we breathe in air.

We the people of the United States have evolved and come to a higher status where we don’t judge based on color, and I am proud to be one of those citizens. I know I will remember the exact moment that you become president, and I can tell my children, “I was in seventh grade when he became president!”

I am proud of what you have done and looking forward to what you will do in the future as the president of the United States of America.

Michele White

Barack Obama is not just the president elect; he’s an American hero. Barack Obama did what people thought was almost impossible, and what some people wanted to stay impossible. He ran for president knowing that he was going to be hated and threatened. He also knew he would be getting love and support from millions of people, too.

I put my heart, soul and faith into making Barack Obama president. Although I am African-American myself, the fact that Barack Obama was also had no effect on the person I wanted to win.

Barack Obama is an example of trust, faith, love and America.

Erin Wilkins

After the long and bitterly fought election season, it is incredible that you can remain as calm and collected now when you face the many problems that this country faces, and will face, over the next four years.

I am very excited at the opportunity to have a president I feel I helped elect, and one who won’t just make changes in government that will benefit his supporters, but also those that will help America as a whole.

This will be the first time that I have ever felt that I actually have a president, because this is the first time that I’ve felt a president cares about me. And living in a country being held with your calm and soothing hand is one that I feel very safe in and very proud of.

Roberto Sada

Last week, my Social Studies teacher gave my class an assignment. She said, "If you had to give an inauguration speech, and try to convince Americans that you can start to fix our country, what would you say? Oh, and you can only use six words."

As a sneaky smile started to spread across her face, I started thinking about what I would say. What would convince me that things would be OK? What six words could possibly do that? Then, I got it. "Obstacles are meant to be overcome." It sums up the situation our country is in.

But the best thing about America is that we can rise to any challenge, and overcome it. With your leadership, I believe that Americans can overcome the many challenges we face today.

Grace Bridges

First of all, I would like to congratulate you for becoming the new leader of our country. I have enjoyed being able to witness a pivotal moment in our country’s history, especially now with the many issues we are facing.

I must be honest and tell you I was born into a fairly Republican family. However, I do believe that the past few terms with Republican presidents have not turned out as they should have, so I hope that your Democratic presidency will be a positive effect on America. Now that I am old enough to somewhat have a grasp on politics, I look forward to seeing how you handle our current issues and how things improve.

Vanessa Daves

Archbishop O’Hara High School, Kansas City

Congratulations on being elected as the 44th president of the United States. I understand that you have a difficult ask ahead of you, and I know that you have our country’s best interests at heart.

Although your views differ from mine, I realize that you’ve brought hope to many people from all types of backgrounds. I think it’s amazing how you have brought our country together, and I respect you for that. I hope that you can help solve some of the major problems that our country is having, especially the economic crisis. I also hope that you will decide that abortion is immoral and that killing innocent lives should be made illegal.

I truly believe that you are qualified for this job and can make a huge difference in our world. I wish you the best of luck in the next four years.

Katie Huber, class of 2010

I would like to congratulate you on being elected the president of the United States. It is a great honor being able to witness this historical moment. I hope that in these hard times, you will lead our country with strength and perseverance. I also hope that you will be able to bring our soldiers home and find a resolution to this war.

Again, I would like to congratulate you and wish you the best of luck. Never lose sight of the dreams you shared with the world in your speech, “Yes we can.” That speech has influenced many lives in a positive way already, and I hope you continue to influence our country.

Michala Boehm, class of 2011

I would like to take this chance to congratulate you on becoming our nation’s 44th president of the United States of America. I hope you can give hope to all people for a better America and a more united country.

I am glad I was able to witness and be a part of a time where many racial barriers were broken and all people can now be given the hope to succeed and become who they dream of becoming.

Although I do not necessarily agree with you on all of your beliefs, I hope you can be the change the world is looking and waiting to find. Best of luck to you.

Jenna Mahlberg, class of 2010

Congratulations on your victory as the new president. This is a historical event, and I’m glad I was able to witness it. You represent all Americans, and you have shown that the color of a person’s skin cannot prevent them from achieving their goals.

I believe you can make a difference by bringing everyone together and facing the issues of the United States that are at hand. Our economy is not at its best, and many families are struggling financially. This issue is growing because many high school students will find that they cannot go to college because of not being able to afford it, and many Americans have lost their jobs. I think that it is of the most importance that you find a way to resolve this issue.

Congratulations again, and I will keep you in my prayers.

Lindsay Hill, class of 2010

Comparing Truman and Bush

Recently I paid a visit to the Truman Library in Independence. Before showing the documentary on Harry Truman, the director of the library spoke, stating that we never know when we elect a president what sort of leadership will be forthcoming based on their background.

In comparing Truman’s background with our present commander-in-chief, we find the following: Truman came from a poor background, had a limited education, went broke as a businessman and came up through politics in the corrupt Kansas City Pendergast machine. His mother-in-law wondered whether they couldn’t they have found someone better to be president.

Our present commander-in-chief came from a well-to-do, prominent family, graduated from a prestigious college, was chairman of the board of the Texas Rangers and governor of one of our largest states.

Truman and Bush have one thing in common: When Truman left the presidency in 1953, his popularity was almost as low as President Bush’s. Today, Truman is rated as one of the top 10 most effective presidents. In time to come, it will be interesting to see how Bush will be remembered.

Virgil J. Koechner
Tipton, Mo.