Billy Club
Rank and vile: Thank you for covering the Phelps picket line at the Billy Graham Crusade ( Backwash, October 14 ). I am a born-again Christian and read the Pitch weekly for Charles Ferruzza’s columns and some incredible reporting.
Saturday I was driving my 8-year-old son to a Bible quiz meet in Topeka and drove by what I can only guess was some of Phelps’ handiwork on a street corner with protesters holding signs stating that “fags go to hell” and “fags die” and other ugly sentiments.
The article allowed me to explain the depth of hate these people perpetrate and to open a beautiful dialogue with my boy. Thanks for uncovering the level of hate and ugliness surrounding the Phelps agenda.
Kristi Richardson
Kansas City, Missouri
Paper Cut
U-lose: As a former U-News writer and editor (1996-1999), I was mildly appalled at the prospect of the SGA withholding funding from the U-News ( Kansas City Strip, October 14). This is not a new conflict — various UMKC entities have tried (unsuccessfully) to cut funding or shut the U-News down entirely over the paper’s content for years.
Then, after not seeing an issue of the U-News in at least four years, I picked up a recent edition of the paper. It, as Tony Ortega’s article suggested, sucked ass. Whatever anybody might have to say about the editorial content or financial issues that came up during my tenure at the paper, at least we gave some thought to the paper’s layout and design. And if nothing else, we always spell-checked articles before we published them. If I were still a UMKC student, I’d probably feel ripped off by the U-News as well. I’ve worked hard as a professional writer to ease the U-News off my résumé. But after reading that recent issue, I’m now trying to flush it completely out of my memory as well.
Jason M. Vaughn
Kansas City, Missouri
Prime Ministers
Church and straits: Thanks to David Martin for his insightful story about the participation of the pastors whose churches are in a crime-ridden neighborhood (“ Church Mice,” October 14).
How sad that all these years, the pastors have ignored the much-needed activism in this neighborhood. Just imagine how their attendance at church might rise if only they participated in these Friday night events. They should be the leaders and should not have to be shamed into participation.
Nancy Seats
Eureka, Missouri
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
Open the floodgates: Sonja Grear’s chastisement of Kendrick Blackwood, his story about Robert Rogers and the incident which led to the deaths of Rogers’ wife and children that fateful day on the Kansas turnpike begs a response ( Letters, October 21).
Mr. Blackwood’s job is not to accuse. It’s to report on the incident and let the readers formulate their own opinions. Any adult with a normal, functioning brain and powers of critical thinking would have a hard time reading about this event, as reported by Mr. Blackwood, and not ask questions or draw a conclusion with sinister overtones.
Something strange happened on that day, and Ms. Grear completely misses the point by superimposing what seems to be her contention that Mr. Blackwood had malicious intent. Read the story again.
God sent the people who knocked on Robert Rogers’ van window to rescue him and his family. If Rogers is so all-consumed with religiosity, why would he hesitate at the moment of truth, refuse an obvious miracle which ultimately cost his wife and children their lives, while he walks away unscathed?
Jewell St. Clair
Kansas City, Missouri
Storm tracker: I wanted to take the time and commend Kendrick Blackwood on a job well done (“ Walking on Water ,” October 14). I was starting to think that I was crazy or the only one wondering what was up with this guy! He lost his entire family and didn’t seem to care. Being a Christian, I understand God’s peace in the time of storm, but even Jesus wept!
Candis Crain
Kansas City, Missouri
For better and for verse: I am so disgusted by Kendrick Blackwood’s “Walking on Water.” He doubts Mr. Rogers’ actions because he cannot understand how someone could be at peace during a terrible crisis. You could not possibly understand how he could be calm in the midst of a terrible crisis. The saved can because we know what God can do in a crisis.
I also would be interested to know why Officer McCune did not voice this to others and open an investigation if he felt the statements by Mr. Rogers were incorrect and different than what he perceived them to be. Why say something a year later instead?
Tina Brown
Shawnee
In the name of the father: Thank you for writing an article expressing some of my emotions and reactions to the tragic events of the August 30 flood. While I agree that we will never know the answers, I am glad that someone finally asked the questions that have been bothering me.
It is difficult to note that the officer still cannot sleep, while the father profits. Perhaps God is good business. Anyway, thank you again for what I take is Blackwood’s concern, more than just curiosity.
Lisbeth Lurey
Prairie Village
Water wings: I just wanted to let you know how inappropriate Kendrick Blackwood’s article was. I know that he is a journalist, and I know the old saying “if it bleeds, it leads.” The way he is attacking Robert Rogers is uncalled for.
I am a Christian, and I understand Robert’s peace that he had during the storm. My best friend died two years ago, and all I could think about was that he was home with his mom and brother in heaven, because he believed in Christ. I had joy for him because he got to see God first!
Metra Holt
Overland Park
