I noticed that letter writer Kenneth Lee of Raytown had to mention Bannister Mall. Well, Bannister Mall wasn't falling apart because of white T-shirts. It was falling apart because:
1. Parents have no control over their kids anymore.
2. You can't card people walking into a mall, nor can you apply a dress code to people spending their money in your establishment.
3. Bannister didn't have the stores that black people want to shop at, so we went to the Plaza and malls in Johnson County and Independence. And you didn't see trouble or stores being shut down there.
4. Bannister Mall thrived for years off the black dollar, but it was the management, not the patrons, who let the mall run into the ground.
5. I suppose you are going to blame white tees and black people with long shorts for the Blue Ridge Mall collapse.
My point was made clearly in my last letter: It is a shame that in 2008 we, as human beings, have to still use race or clothing to target a race to keep them down. Wake up, America, and wake up, Power & Light District.
Keith Williams, Kansas City, Missouri
I read your Burnt Ends item on some locally inspired drinks, including the KC Ice Water. I believe the origins of this drink to be Cedar Falls, Iowa — the University of Northern Iowa. A bartender in a place called Tony's was serving these in 1986. He claimed to have created it. He may have been lying, but they tasted as good to me then as they do now.
One additional point: The piece mentioned a bar in Iowa City called the Vine. In 1993, I started graduate school with a friend of mine who also liked KC Ice Waters. At several bars within walking distance of our new school, we taught bartenders how to make the drink. Our graduate school? The University of Iowa in Iowa City. One of our favorite bars was the Vine. Coincidence?
Jay Bunting, Rogers, Minnesota
Feature: "Up Show-Me Creek," July 31
I loved Carolyn Szczepanski's story on the MR340. It was a great feature, and Szczepanski should be proud of her work. I hope she had a good time out there with all of us crazies. I simply love the paddling community and hope we showed you our good, if not tenacious, side.
Dan Grubbs, Liberty
That young gal, Caroline, who wrote the article about the MR340 race did a really good job. It warmed my heart to see her standing at the starting area with notebook and pencil in hand, right in the mix of all the chaos. In her overalls and tennis shoes, she did what other reporters failed to do during all the coverage of the race: research, actually ask questions and spend time to get the answers. I was interviewed by several large media outlets who had canned questions with preordained answers. Carolyn is a young woman who apparently has her feet firmly planted in the important basics of journalism that are so lacking in more mainstream venues. She'll be going places, so value her efforts while you can. Thanks for the attention and thorough coverage.
P.S. John Bugge did eventually participate in my knock-knock joke.
West Hansen, Austin, Texas
This was the most compelling story about this race ever written. And there have been many, many stories. This was far and away the best, and it's because Szczepanski made a great effort to learn about folks and the race.
Scott Mansker, Olathe
Feature, "The Protectors," July 17
We would like to thank you for Nadia Pflaum's article about the trial of Anthony Mots and the Unified Government in the death of our son.
Everything needed to be told, and you did a great job.
Elida and Hector Becerra, Kansas City, Kansas
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So I�m adamant about these dress codes around the city but this one is extremely stupid. Let me start by saying when I go out I tell the guys dress appropriately to get in the bars; Of course I get all these looks as if it's my fault the Kansas city bars are targeting a culture!!!!!!!!! Too move along we head out to Paddy O' Quigley's in leawood - no dress code. We then proceeded to Tom Fooleries - no dress code. We double back to Brooksider - STOP DRESS CODE!! Before we headed to the front door I said ok tuck in your shirts because I was aware that they require that if you have on any kind of T-shirt. (of course no Whit-T's) So we walk up to the door and the bouncer says take your shirt out of your shorts/pants; of course we are looking at each other like wow we dont have to tuck in out shirts anymore. But WAIT he then proceeds to say you T-shirt is too long and we can�t let you in if you hold your hands/arms down to your side and the shirt is longer than hands/arms. I flipped out and of course I had to let the bouncers know that it wasn�t them I was pissed at it was the stupid dress code. We made an effort to abide by the rules of the dress code only to get stabbed with another attempt to keep out the black man. That�s right I said it! What other reason other than to target minorities would there be to say even though you have your shirt tucked in you pants its still to long to get in this bar. Come on with it people I'm ready to rebuttal anything you have to say about what I'm saying right now. As for those who never been black, never wear what we wear, think before you speak on this. And another thing dont use lame excuses like if you dont like the dress code dont go - thats the punk way of getting around the real issue. Have a good day.
So I’m adamant about these dress codes around the city but this one is extremely stupid. Let me start by saying when I go out I tell the guys dress appropriately to get in the bars; Of course I get all these looks as if it's my fault the Kansas city bars are targeting a culture!!!!!!!!! Too move along we head out to Paddy O' Quigley's in leawood - no dress code. We then proceeded to Tom Fooleries - no dress code. We double back to Brooksider - STOP DRESS CODE!! Before we headed to the front door I said ok tuck in your shirts because I was aware that they require that if you have on any kind of T-shirt. (of course no Whit-T's) So we walk up to the door and the bouncer says take your shirt out of your shorts/pants; of course we are looking at each other like wow we dont have to tuck in out shirts anymore. But WAIT he then proceeds to say you T-shirt is too long and we can’t let you in if you hold your hands/arms down to your side and the shirt is longer than hands/arms. I flipped out and of course I had to let the bouncers know that it wasn’t them I was pissed at it was the stupid dress code. We made an effort to abide by the rules of the dress code only to get stabbed with another attempt to keep out the black man. That’s right I said it! What other reason other than to target minorities would there be to say even though you have your shirt tucked in you pants its still to long to get in this bar. Come on with it people I'm ready to rebuttal anything you have to say about what I'm saying right now. As for those who never been black, never wear what we wear, think before you speak on this. And another thing dont use lame excuses like if you dont like the dress code dont go - thats the punk way of getting around the real issue. Have a good day.
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