Did Gov. Parson act prematurely when setting Marcellus Williams’ execution date? | Opinion
Not justice
The Missouri Supreme Court setting an execution date for Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams seems by all appearances 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 innocence claim”) Williams’ legal team used the term “alarming” to characterize the court’s decision. Is it any wonder that many Americans are skeptical of how our justice system conducts itself when new evidence, including DNA, is presented as proof of Williams’ innocence?
Additionally, when Gov. Mike Parson lifted Williams’ stay of execution from 2017 and then dissolved the board of inquiry to investigate the alleged crime, one has to question Parson’s clear intent to have justice fairly administered and the court’s action by giving governors “absolute discretion to grant clemency relief” or to deny clemency.
These actions by Parson and the state Supreme Court are somewhat reminiscent of another miscarriage of justice perpetrated against Kevin Strickland, who after 42 years of wrongful incarceration was exonerated, with the assistance of the Midwest Innocence Project.
- Steve Weneck, Kansas City
Brain health
I greatly appreciate Brent Beasley’s unvarnished glimpse into his unique Alzheimer’s journey through his recent guest commentary, “Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 57, I’m living well.” (June 2, 17A) It is horribly ironic that a physician who routinely tested patient cognition needed such testing himself.
Yet 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 only 10 people from across the nation named to the Alzheimer’s Association’s National Early Stage Advisory Group. These impressive individuals will provide groundbreaking insights and information about Alzheimer’s 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) to leave the workforce prematurely. Unfortunately, these stories are becoming more prevalent, and earlier detection and support is necessary for the patient as well as the family caregivers.
As we enter Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, it is important to remember that brain health matters, and there are healthy habits we can undertake to lower our risk for 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
One vision
Our Founding Fathers envisioned a U.S. president of conviction, not a convicted president.
- Ann Geraughty, Overland Park
Highest stakes
So, all the usual Republicans are proclaiming that Donald Trump’s trial was rigged (how?) — blah, blah, blah. There’s nothing original here, just follow the leader.
Our elected leaders take an oath to follow our Constitution, but these Republicans are scared of crossing Trump. Wake up, my America. If this felon wins the presidency again, we lose our democracy.
- Pamela Saltzman, Lenexa
That’s great
Twelve honest and good New Yorkers knew their constitutional duty to bring a most despicable wannabe autocrat to his knees. The world rejoices. The jurors took the first step to make America great again.
- Hoyl Lockett, Prairie Village
Wrong target
I read Rep. Mark Alford’s May 28 guest commentary “Farm bill needs to rein in ballooning SNAP expenses” (7A) and was struck by his idea that fraud and waste in nutritional assistance spending needs to be curtailed. The congressman’s proposal made me think of another possible interpretation of Harry Truman’s most famous slogan: “The buck stops here” — as in, stopping bucks from going to people in need.
To use another poor analogy, we might throw a blanket over single moms and make them work for food to feed hungry kids. I am in favor of blanketing deadbeat dads and making them pay to feed their children.
- Jim Turner, Independence
Go, KC Royals
Earlier in the season during a rain delay, iconic broadcaster Denny Mathews opened a package of Topps baseball cards. There was almost kid-like excitement in the broadcast booth to see which players were inside.
A similar enthusiasm is present with our Kansas City Royals as baseball cards come alive this Major League Baseball season.
Our very own boys of summer play with a love for the game that fans can feel, both in person when the game is right before your eyes and across the airwaves as we watch the team on our screens.
“Culture” is sometimes an overused term, but with these players, it truly does apply. Owner John Sherman genuinely seems to recognize that the game is bigger than any single 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 value in the joy this team brings us. We see sustainability with players and management alike, all working for 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 Royals. Build a stadium in the city center, and they will stay.
- Mike George, Springfield
Some questions
A few questions for Star readers to mull over on a Sunday morning:
As most prominent Republicans continue to undermine democracy and the judicial system, why do 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 twist themselves into pretzels trying the gain 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 does Josh Hawley still campaign on his raised fist for the Jan. 6 insurrectionists? 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 hush money?
Looking down the road, can Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, John Danforth and Mitt Romney find enough principled people to rebuild the conservative party (under whatever name) that the country so badly needs?
- Mark Johnson, Kansas City
