Unfettered Letters

Another Gusewelle gem

The Star should be very proud to have the caliber of writing that C.W. Gusewelle delivers to his readers.
Over the years, the first thing I do on Christmas morning is pour a cup of coffee and read Gusewelle’s Christmas column.
I remember “The Strays,” but this year’s story tugged at my heartstrings. “A Way of Healing” (12/25, A-1) was a poignant, heartwarming story. I read it twice.
I gave his book Another Cat at the Door to my sister for Christmas. She could not put it down. His books and his columns are rare and priceless.
This gentleman is a gem, and in this day of trash both in film and books, I find his writings most refreshing and uplifting. I hope he keeps writing forever!
Alice Brandom
Kansas City

Unsolved murder story

I just read Steve Paul’s story on Nanette Liden (12/16, A-1, “Killing’s ripples are still growing; Vivacious victim’s friends and family still grapple with grief and suspicion”). It’s one of the best I’ve seen in this genre. He took the time to do it right.

Perhaps, someday, someone will start a Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons Inc. in Missouri. I’m sure there are untold thousands of unsolved murders there.

Thanks for an outstanding piece of journalism. I will save it. You have helped our cause.

Howard Morton
Executive director, Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons Inc.
Denver

Cartoonist mistaken

The cartoon by Glenn McCoy of the Belleville News-Democrat (12/24, Opinion), depicts two characters. The first remarks: “Time (magazine) gave it’s Man of the Year award to a power-hungry, ego-driven socialist.” The second responds: “Al Gore’s parents must be proud.”

It is evident from this cheap shot that either Mr. McCoy has never read anything about socialism, or he has never read anything about Mr. Gore’s policy proposals.

The fact that he uses “it’s” instead of “its” indicates that not only is he unable to read; he is unable to write.

I appreciate your desire to balance the political opinions of cartoonists published in The Star, but it would be an improvement if you could find a conservative cartoonist who is not a functional illiterate.

Deborah Borek
Kansas City

Practically writes itself

We have the Paul Morrison sex scandal, Mayor Funkhouser’s feuds with almost everyone in city government and Clay Chastain’s obsession with mass transit.

We have the baseball/steroid revelations and stand-up “debates” by political comedians from both sides of the aisle who aspire to be our next leader.

And let’s not overlook the latest antics of our commander in chief and his administration.

The writers union ought to be worried. They can’t write stuff this good!

Tom Bryant
Olathe

Not crying over strike

At last! A crisis I don’t have to worry about: the Hollywood writers’ strike.

I am sorry for all the non-celebrities who are affected, but I won’t be shedding any tears for those top stars (not all of them, just a lot of them) who use their celebrity to bash America at every opportunity. America — the country where they are free to spit in its face while becoming rich and famous. Maybe the people who mindlessly worship them are even worse.

Shirley Cornelius
Kansas City

Harm from writers’ strike

Although Roger Goldblatt’s idea (11/9, Letters) that the only thing stopping the American people from righting the wrongs of our government are these Hollywood writers and their dumbed-down distractions is a novel one, somehow I think there might be more to it than that.

Aside from the fact that our government wasn’t corrupted in a day, and regardless of our personal feelings about what the networks can call a television show, more is at stake than just a few writers getting more money.

There are camera operators, boom mike handlers, cue card holders, teleprompters, lighting professionals, production assistants — all of whom are out of a job because of this strike.

These are American jobs that are being put on hold. And so I think it would be in America’s best interest to encourage the resolution of this writers’ strike, even if we don’t hold what they do in very high respect.

Joselyn Martin
Overland Park

Inspiring teacher

I am one of thousands in the area privileged and blessed to have been a student in the late Sister Mary Faith Schuster’s classes. All that has been printed of her lately in The Star is indeed true and much more. No teacher during my 20-plus years of formal schooling was more impressive, inspiring and admirable than Sister Mary Faith.
I was in her classes at Donnelly College in 1957-58. She gave me a totally unexpected love of English literature that I continue to have. Her most frequent quote, “God is love,” she expanded and applied to everyone and everything that she taught. I’m sure she is with him now.
Don Flint
Leawood

A wonderful teacher

Sister Mary Faith taught English to my freshman class at St. Joseph High School in Shawnee in 1951-52. It’s hard to impress a group of 14-year-olds with English and writing, but Sister Mary Faith had our attention from the very beginning. At least two members of that class went on to be published authors.
I was privileged to be part of another of her English classes at Donnelly College just four years later. She was stretching a bit to get me to appreciate poetry, much less write a few lines, but I have never forgotten the foundation she provided me in appreciation of our language and how to use it.
It was good to read all the tributes in The Star, from Steve Penn (6/31, Local) to the former students who wrote to express their love and gratitude for her efforts on our behalf over many years (Letters). However, it was a sad reminder that these dedicated people are leaving us.
I am reminded of many other gifted Benedictine sisters to whom many of us are very grateful. Some are gone but some are still in residence at “The Mount,” and I think of them often.
Ted Horning
Shawnee

Open house a hit

The Star deserves a thank you for inviting letter to the editor writers to a gathering on June 1. Our table of writers noted that the majority of people there were older. Do young people not read the paper, or can they not write a simple letter? It could be both.
It was nice to meet some of the Star staff writers and to be greeted by Miriam Pepper. Thank you from one of your longtime letter writers.
Colleen Adams
Kansas City

Sister Mary Faith

What a wonderful article, “A word-worthy inspiration” by Steve Penn, on Sister Mary Faith Schuster of Mount St. Scholastica (6/31, Local). This touched my heart.
I too was a freshman English student of Sister Mary Faith but much earlier (1957). I still have and use the little red book, Harbrace College Handbook. She not only was a great instructor but a wonderful caring lady. She truly had a heart for her profession, not only religious but as a fine example for everyone she met.
Mary A. Smith
Kansas City