Clarence Thomas and that billionaire are just friends, huh? The math doesn’t work out | Opinion
Just friends?
New friendships are difficult in the generation of my father, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and their fellow baby boomers.
Justice Thomas and Harlan Crow might have met in a D.C. laundromat. (I hate billionaires hogging the dryers.) Or perhaps Crow, a billionaire conservative political donor and power broker, sought out one of the 20 most powerful men in America after Thomas was named to the court.
Any salesman can feign friendship. Thomas says the relationship dates back 25 years, and he became a justice 32 years ago. (April 8, 2A, “Thomas responds to report on trips paid for by friend”)
Individuals are presumed innocent. Public servants must constantly prove their integrity. The 20,000-foot view looks like bribery.
Change the “one man, one vote” system, or change our founding documents to the current reality: “$60 million, one senator.”
If Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow are dear friends, I am happy for them.
- Randall Jones, Independence
Jazz excellence
The great story Sunday by Patrick Neas about the marvelous Marilyn Maye, a celebrated local legend, shared the many accomplishments over her long career. (1C, “At nearly 95, Kansas City’s Marilyn Maye wows NYC’s Carnegie Hall”) He wondered why she didn’t appear more frequently in her hometown.
The Jazz District Renaissance Corporation inducted Marilyn into the American Jazz Walk of Fame in 2018. That year, we also inducted Sonny Kenner, David Sanborn and the team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, writers of our city anthem, “Kansas City.” Their names are etched in bronze medallions in the sidewalks of the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. Marilyn performed to a sold-out crowd that night at the Gem Theater and had them on their feet. She was 90 then!
There are many deserving legends in our town who have not been recognized as they should. Our goal since 2014 has been to honor these artists. There are 36 bronze medallions reflecting names of celebrated jazz musicians. You’ll find the names Oleta Adams, Ida McBeth and the McFadden Brothers among them on 18th Street.
On July 8, more artists will be inducted during a red carpet ceremony open to the public — think Hollywood Walk of Fame. Check us out.
- Suzetta Parks Pennington, Producer, American Jazz Walk of Fame, Kansas City
Not our voice
Kansas state Rep. Marvin Robinson’s voting record in support of Republican goals, including bills that limit access to education, health care and food assistance for Kansans, is concerning. His recent decision to cross party lines and support the Republican-backed bill banning transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports is particularly troubling. (April 6, 1A, “Kansas Legislature overrides Kelly veto on trans athletes ban”) This goes against the principles of inclusivity and equality that are fundamental to a democratic society.
The Wyandotte County Young Democrats believe that Rep. Robinson’s voting record and recent decision to support the Republican-backed anti-trans bill are unacceptable. His actions do not represent values that are important to us. We urge Robinson to reconsider his positions and listen to the overwhelming majority of Kansans, both Democrats and Republicans, who support the expansion of Medicaid and other important issues.
If he is unable to do so, we believe he should resign from the Legislature.
- John Pauldine, Chair, Wyandotte County Young Democrats, Kansas City, Kansas
Ugly history
By expelling two young Black state representatives over their joining in protests to the local lack of gun control, members of the General Assembly in the Volunteer State of Tennessee have willfully and openly rekindled the tenets of the Jim Crow era, revealing their blatant and heinous racial bigotry. (April 9, 20A, “Lone Tenn. Republican explains vote against expulsions”)
In 2023, what could a righteous, commonsense resident of that state expect from the original home of the Ku Klux Klan?
- Christopher Hanch, Kansas City
