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Do Republicans gunning for public library funding just want to make Missouri stupid? | Opinion

Free to read?

Missouri entered the Union as a slave state in 1821. As evidence that nothing has changed, witness current efforts in the General Assembly to defund public libraries. (March 27, 3A, “Lawmakers move to cut library funding over book ban suit”) It’s all part of a GOP “Keep ‘em stupid” campaign.

When will freedom come to Missouri?

- Jim Hopwood, Spring Hill, Kansas

Support Ukraine

I wish Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump and other Republicans who are now calling the Russia-Ukraine War a “territorial dispute” or otherwise diminishing the seriousness of the conflict would travel there — if they were brave, like President Joe Biden. (March 19, 17A, “DeSantis’ stance on Ukraine is a serious political blunder”)

The use of words to dismiss what is a brutal invasion of a sovereign country is totally immoral. Let these politicians see for themselves the bombed homes, schools, hospitals, power plants and other infrastructure systems the Russians have destroyed.

To hear some Republicans claim that this war is of no strategic importance to the United States is shortsighted and dangerous. How could we stand against Russia, China, Iran or many other dictatorships without a free Europe standing beside us?

Please let your representatives in Washington, D.C., know we need to keep providing full support to Ukraine as it fights this war of aggression against it.

- Louise M. Bannister, Lansing

The baseball biz

The Royals’ leaders have no idea how to put a good team on the field that will make them money. So now, with plans for a new downtown stadium, they seem to want to turn the team into a real estate development enterprise and have the local yokels subsidize their investment. (March 30, 1A, “Backers push 2 alternative sites for Royals downtown stadium”)

- Jeff Long, Overland Park

Housing needs

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition released its report The Gap last week. It tells us: “The U.S. has a shortage of 7.3 million rental homes affordable and available to renters with extremely low incomes. Only 33 affordable and available rental homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households.”

In Missouri, almost 70% of those struggling to make ends meet are spending more than 30% of their income on rent. That means less money for other essentials such as medication, food and clothing.

I’m a teacher, and I see how much this affects my students when they do not have enough food or access to medications that help them focus. Our kids are our most vulnerable, and yet our policies in this country have left them behind. Every kid deserves access to basic needs. After all, don’t we want them to grow up and become successful working adults who contribute to our society and defend our country when we need it?

I call on our Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt to support a renter’s tax credit that would help lower the burden of rent on Missourians

- Sarah Miller, St. Louis

Joy of dance

Those who attended the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performances on March 24 and 25 were treated to an outstanding group of 18 dancers who expressed heartfelt emotions through movement. They very obviously enjoy their art.

We were delighted by material new to us, as well as the favorite “Revelations.” The performance of “Survivors,” choreographed by Alvin Ailey especially for Nelson and Winnie Mandela, was very moving.

We also especially enjoyed seeing the children who attended with the dream that one day they too would be dancers. Thanks and cheers to the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey for all they do to educate, provide opportunity and promote unity in our town.

Mark your calendars for April 19 and 20, 2024, when KCFAA will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the Ailey II company celebrating its 50th year.

- Sandra Carter, Liberty