Did Governor Parson act prematurely when he set the execution date for Marcellus Williams?

Not justice

The Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date for Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams in what appears to be a rush to judgment and not in good faith before all the evidence is considered. (June 6, 2A, “Court sets execution date for man despite innocent plea”) Williams’ legal team used the term “alarming” to describe the court’s decision. Is it any wonder that many Americans are skeptical of how our justice system behaves when new evidence, including DNA, is presented as proof of Williams’ innocence?

Additionally, when Gov. Mike Parson lifted Williams’ 2017 stay of execution and then disbanded the commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged murder, one must question Parson’s clear intent to have justice fairly administered and the action to the court giving governors “absolute discretion. to grant leniency’ or to deny leniency.

These actions by Parson and the state Supreme Court are somewhat reminiscent of another miscarriage of justice committed against Kevin Strickland, who, after 42 years of wrongful imprisonment, was exonerated with the assistance of the Midwest Innocence Project.

– Steve Weneck, Kansas City

Brain health

I really appreciate Brent Beasley’s unsparing look at his unique journey with Alzheimer’s through his recent guest commentary, “Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 57, Living Well.” (2 Jun 17A) It is terribly ironic that a doctor who routinely tested his patient’s knowledge needed such tests himself.

However, even in a time of great personal illness, Brent continues his health care work, helping others by telling his story and volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association. In fact, Brent is one of 10 people across the country named to the Alzheimer’s Association’s national advisory panel. These impressive individuals will provide groundbreaking insights and information about Alzheimer’s disease from the perspective of those living with the disease.

My mother, like Brent, had early onset Alzheimer’s, and the disease forced her and my father (her devoted caregiver) out of the workforce prematurely. Unfortunately, these stories are becoming more common, and earlier detection and support are necessary for both patient and family caregivers.

As we enter Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that brain health matters and that there are healthy habits we can adopt to reduce our risk of cognitive decline. Resources are available at alz.org or 800-272-3900.

– Elizabeth S. Rowe, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter, Overland Park

A vision

Our founding fathers envisioned a convicting US president, not a convicted president.

– Ann Geraughty, Overland Park

The highest stakes

So all the regular Republicans are proclaiming that Donald Trump’s trial was rigged (how?) – blah, blah, blah. Nothing original here, just follow the leader.

Our elected leaders are sworn to uphold our Constitution, but these Republicans are afraid to outdo Trump. Wake up, my America. If this criminal wins the presidency again, we lose our democracy.

– Pamela Saltzman, Lenexa

That’s great

Twelve honest, good New Yorkers knew their constitutional duty to bring the vilest would-be autocrat to his knees. The world rejoices. The jurors took the first step in making America great again.

– Hoyle Lockett, Prairie Village

Wrong target

I read Rep. Mark Alford’s May 28 guest comment “Farm bill should to control in ballooning SNAP costs” (7A) and was struck by his idea that fraud and waste in nutrition assistance spending must be reduced. The congressman’s proposal got me thinking about another possible interpretation of Harry Truman’s most famous slogan: “The buck stops here” — as in, preventing dollars from going to people in need.

To use another bad analogy, we could throw a blanket over single mothers and make them work for food to feed starving children. I’m in favor of covering up deadbeat dads and making them pay to feed their kids.

– Jim Turner, Independence

Go KC Royals

Earlier in the season, during a rain delay, iconic broadcaster Denny Mathews opened a deck of Topps baseball cards. There was an almost child-like excitement in the broadcast booth to see which players were inside.

Similar excitement is present with the Kansas City Royals as the baseball cards come to life this Major League Baseball season.

Our boys of summer play with a love for the game that fans can feel, both in person when the game is right in front of your eyes and on the airwaves as we watch the team on our screens.

“Culture” is sometimes an overused term, but with these players it really applies. Owner John Sherman seems to truly recognize that the game is bigger than any individual player. Everyone who wears a Royal uniform realizes what a privilege it is to be a part of the great American pastime called baseball.

Fans recognize the value in the joy this team brings us. We see sustainability with both players and management all working towards an organization worthy of saving.

Don’t make the mistake of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone, Kansas City. Save the royal family. Build a stadium downtown and they will stay.

– Mike George Springfield

A few questions

Some questions for Star readers to ponder on a Sunday morning:

As most prominent Republicans continue to undermine democracy and the judiciary, why does the media still refer to them as “conservatives”?

Did Lindsey Graham lose his moral compass when his friend John McCain died?

As so many big name Republicans turn themselves into pretzels trying to win the veep nomination, do they remember what Donald Trump did to Mike Pence?

Do Trump’s current lawyers remember what he did to Michael Cohen?

Does Ted Cruz remember what Trump did to Cruz’s father and wife?

Why is Josh Hawley still campaigning with his fist raised for the January 6 insurgents? And why does that help him in Missouri?

Since Trump sues people all the time, why didn’t he sue Stormy Daniels instead of paying her to keep quiet?

Looking down the road, can Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, John Danforth and Mitt Romney find enough people of principle to rebuild the conservative party (by whatever name) the country so desperately needs?

– Mark Johnson, Kansas City