Your Letters for May 2, 2025
It was only a matter of time
It was only a matter of time. The United States Department of Justice supported Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs for more than 30 years. The DOJ recognized CASA as an important part of its mission to protect children and ensure that they receive the support they need. No more.
In the misguided interest of making the government more efficient, this vital program to protect children has been axed. April 22, DOJ issued over 360 notices of termination of federal grant awards. National CASA was one of the organizations that received notice. According to the notice, it was because CASA “no longer serves the program goals or agency priorities,” which includes “protecting American children.”
I beg to differ. Without these funds, more than 200,000 children involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings across the country will be impacted.
Each year, there are thousands of children in the Missouri foster care system. These children are pulled into a scary world. They often leave their homes and end up with strangers. Their voices get lost among the chaos. That’s where CASA volunteers come in.
CASA volunteers provide critical information to judges, helping them make well-informed decisions about the future of children in the foster care system. We are there throughout the time the child is in the system.
During my years as an advocate, I have served not only as the voice for the child in court, but I go ‘above and beyond’ as other CASA volunteers do. We attend countless graduations school programs, and other special events. We cheer our kiddos on. We remind them that they are ‘unique, special, strong, and smart.’
On April 24, 2025, National CASA, in accordance with the termination notices, must suspend all services and support. Dedicated advocates will continue the mission. We are here to stay. Buchanan County’s Fifth Circuit is always in need of volunteers. If interested, please call 816-901-1708. Be part of the solution!
Mary Shuman
Country Club, Missouri
DOGE, the icing on the cake
And you ask why are they letting DOGE go forward. Look at four years of reasons and millions they are finding that our political system, both sides, has allowed to happen. It should not matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat — just watch the waste being uncovered in our systems as the dollars are being flushed down the drain. Why are not more people upset about the “waste” in government? Forget who is heading it up as eight of America’s corporate heads have figured it out, like any smart businessman with a good accountant could not find the smell if they wanted too.
Examples, or hints:
The COVID cover-up, the basement headquarters, a missing laptop, Russia gate bull, the “I am so poor I could only afford to buy two mansions,” the judges, lawyers, politicians from the left and the phony charges against Trump.
Not done yet: The military firings, Fauci gets a past for his masterful job of smoke and mirrors, Afghanistan withdrawal — 13 dead — what time is it? The billions of our equipment that was left behind at a good airbase for the terrorists and China to see and use, plus what makes them tick. Inflation prices, fuel prices and the eggs that Harris laid. The billions given to Ukraine without a repayment plan nor an exit plan, E.V. car push, that Musk is a hero, saving the climate — whoops, he should be killed, there goes my tax credit. The brainless women in the congress on TV shouting out — heh, who knows what they were trying to say. Ask AOC.
China and the mystery of there did that money come from; oil production shut down —great move ex-lax. The closed border a tourist attraction as Harris said the borders are closed — no illegals coming in — just a million here or there, man there goes my lying eyes again. Illegals who just happen to be members of gangs and the crime they are committing.
Have you seen the results of the test scores of the American student? The looting, destruction of property — BUT no arrest — man those guys are too fast to catch. Girls and boys no longer, you now are a pronoun now — pick your flavor. How about those brave men winning in “women’s” sports? Should they be kicked “south” of the border in the locker room? Where are the real men, where is the outcry from the ACLU and NOW, the women of the congress and the so-called men?
Finally, the “Great debate performance” — he was on top of it, at his best, etc.? And the icing on the cake: DOGE, one word that describes what our politicians are truly about —their pockets!
Ben Pecora
St. Joseph
