January 11, 2001 Columns » Letters

Letters from the week of January 11, 2001
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Letters from the week of January 11, 2001

The Crying Game
We aren't the champions: Regarding Greg Hall's "Sack Carl Peterson" (December 28): I grew up in the middle of Kansas, where I rooted for both the Royals and the Denver Broncos. Over the years, the Broncos have won several AFC West championships and two Super Bowls. The Chiefs, a.k.a. the Papooses, just have not done the KC fans justice. I went to a party recently when I was back in KC visiting my KU alumni friends, and it seemed to be their contention that Mr. Peterson and company were content to have the team be good enough to sell tickets to the games and not good enough to have a real winning team. I found myself actually feeling sorry for the Chiefs fans.

From what I've seen, the fan sentiment was correct. The Chiefs seem good enough to sell out the stadium, but little more. I hope that eventually the Chiefs program gives KC fans what they deserve: a championship team once in a while.
Mark Kostner
Las Vegas, Nevada

A loss on the players: My opinion is that the problem with the Chiefs isn't Carl Peterson; it's the players who haven't produced. Or it's the ones who have talent, like Kimble Anders, who is a great player whom the Chiefs are going to lose. That's what usually happens -- players go somewhere in the NFL and become great players because they are able to show their talent and ability to play the game.

Gunther Cunningham needs to respect his players. James Hasty went to him as a man, and Gunther disrespected him by pointing his finger at him and acting like he didn't have the time for him. If there's a problem, then maybe it's the head coach. All I can say is good luck to Kimble Anders. He should go where he will get the respect and the playing time to prove himself and show KC they made a big mistake. KC lost and Kimble gained.
Vince DiCarlo
Kansas City, Missouri

Unwelcome Wagon
There goes the neighborhood: It is really sad that people look at the Holy Family House as a place of filthy people. I know this exact word wasn't used, but it was said in another way (Deb Hipp's "No Room for the Innkeeper," December 21).

I want to make something clear: I'm not homeless, and a lot of people who go to the Holy Family House aren't either. Some people have vehicles. Many are cleanly dressed and have manners. There have been times when I went to eat there and had food in my refrigerator. I just wasn't up to cooking a big meal for myself. The Holy Family House is well-organized, and as for the bad apples, look at Kansas City crime beyond the people who go there. What about that?! If Holy Family House closed in a week or so, it wouldn't change crime in Kansas City, period.

A lot of people in Kansas City are arrogant, snotty and prejudiced -- this is based on personal experience. I bet some of the people who are constantly complaining will claim to be Christians. I've spoken to churchgoing people who look down on homeless people. All people can see is the outcome. Nobody cares to know the truth behind the faces.

In other words, you're a paycheck away from homelessness. People get laid off, fired, discharged. People get hungry. Nobody wants to starve. The Salvation Army can have dinners and help families. I guess this is okay for them because they're nationwide and have other services; this makes them a proper organization.

People are trying to survive. Nobody should commit a crime. But remember this: To keep someone from eating is a crime in itself. So I hope these people can help, not hurt.
Ricky T. Morrow
Kansas City, Missouri

Brother, can you spare a crime? I can understand certain neighbors in the Longfellow neighborhood might fear the guests at Holy Family House, but if they were to get to know them, they would find as many noble and good people as in any group of people throughout Kansas City. And attempts are made, as Brother Louis said in the article, to protect all guests and the serenity of the house. When people dine there and act inappropriately, the consequences range from asking the diner to leave or barring them for longer periods.

I have volunteered at Holy Family House for about ten years. I admire no one more than Brother Louis Rodemann. Despite the challenges some Longfellow residents perceive by their proximity to Holy Family House -- challenges I can understand -- I wish the people who feel threatened could somehow reframe their perceptions and be grateful that someone as holy as Brother Louis, and a house filled with such holiness, is as close to them as it is.
Roger Goldblatt
Kansas City, Missouri

Soldier On
Cover me: Joe Miller's article "No Fortunate Son" (December 14) was absolutely FANTASTIC. As a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army, I cannot believe that they would try to cover up the murder of Pfc. Barry Winchell. Please convey my condolences to his parents, Mr. and Mrs.Wally Kutteles.

Joe, keep up your good writing about the military.
Tony Lordi
Kansas City, Missouri

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