Battle Cry

War of the words: Joe Miller’s article about Floyd Hermann, the conscientious objector, left me with the feeling that this man is a thief (“The Peacemakers,” February 28). He’s demanded the rights and privileges of a citizen in our society while refusing to contribute to the cost of achieving and maintaining those same benefits.

Every relationship one has with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and one’s country requires participation by all parties — even when some of the interaction might not be to one’s liking. Hermann’s refusal to assist in the defense of our freedoms is the same as someone cheating on paying taxes, the same as a deadbeat dad having a child and refusing to help support and raise it, the same as a mugger stealing from someone to get money they’re too lazy to earn with their own labor.

I would have more respect for someone who stood up and stated they couldn’t participate in any military action because they were too scared of being hurt or killed, but would help in a noncombatant role. Hermann’s attitude of “gimme my rights, but the rest of you can pay the price for me” is disgusting, selfish and antisocial.

It’s apparent Hermann has never learned that when one shares in the benefits of a community, one must also share in the responsibilities that help to provide those benefits. The man deserves to be ostracized for his behavior.

Lew Hughes

Kansas City, Kansas

A separate peace: In a perfect world, no one (including those three “men” in last week’s article) should have to go to war. But, this is no perfect world and never will be.

Everyone in the United States enjoys the freedom which we have become accustomed to. Yet there will always be people who are unwilling to fight for it.

John Dickson

Kansas City, Missouri

Fight club: I am sure that very few people actually enjoy fighting in a war. I wonder what people like Floyd Hermann and the rest of the COs think would have happened to them if someone had not done their fighting for them.

Dale C Whitted

Deepwater, Missouri

Goodbye Norma Jean

Mind over manor: I really enjoyed Deb Hipp’s article on Norma Jean Hunsucker (“Sudden Death,” February 14). Excellent piece. The mentally ill certainly do not get the care they deserve. I am an RN and did a rotation at Rockhill Manor in 1983. It was a facility that certainly had its problems. That being said, I know that even at that time it was a better option for the indigent, chronic mentally ill than a lot of others.

I have continued to be associated with Rockhill. I collect clothes, coats, and shoes for the folks there. I have seen a dramatic improvement in the last few years. Hipp’s article implied that improvement was occurring, but I wish she could write a follow-up piece and be more specific. This facility doesn’t need even the appearance of a black eye. They provide a home for a lot of people who wouldn’t otherwise have one.

Julie Pfeffer

Warrensburg

Home is where the head is: I enjoyed reading Deb Hipp’s recent article that chronicled the life of Norma Hunsucker through the eyes of her daughter Kathy.

In the article, Rockhill Manor was mentioned as one of the group homes in which Norma had lived. Many of our residents were upset by Kathy’s reference to “people walking around like zombies … like a horror movie” and so on. In an effort to be fair, the staff and myself have been reminding our residents that Kathy was only seventeen at the time, was seeing her mother for the first time in many years, and that this event happened over seventeen years ago.

Rockhill Manor is a wonderful place that provides supported housing and transitional living opportunities for people who have mental illness. The residents of Rockhill are able to control their illness through the use of modern medications, allowing most to lead satisfying, productive lives. Many of our residents work, attend classes and volunteer their time to others less fortunate.

Anyone interested in learning more about Rockhill Manor and its programs is welcome to call me or just stop by for a visit. My number is 816-931-2225.

Owen Gahagan Jr.

Administrator

Rockhill Manor Residential Care

Kansas City, Missouri

Power Failure

A tale of two cities: As a native Kansas City Kansan, I took great offense at Charles Ferruzza’s introductory paragraphs to “Power Breakfast” (February 21). It was flippant, mean-spirited and just plain cruel. Additionally, the title on the cover was misleading. Nothing of this caption was reflected in the story.

The main body of the restaurant review was entertaining and fun. However, he had to get generalization jabs in about Kansas City Kansans, being heart-attack victims because of unhealthy diets. Moreover, he made a qualifying statement that reflected his prejudice about “multicultural influences of the neighborhood.”

Give us a break! Media has the power to make or break.

Patricia Callaghan

Kansas City, Kansas