Your Letters for July 4, 2025
Absolute roar of whining
The resent court settlement of $16 million by CBS News with Donald Trump has generated an absolute roar of “whining” and “foot stomping” from leftist journalists, because their employer admitted and was held accountable for their very demonstrated efforts to literally edit public commentaries or interviews to assist a rival presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, in public statements she made during the 2024 presidential campaign!
In short, those members of the media, employed by CBS News, think the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution gives them the personal liberty and right to alter and manipulate the verbal ideas and thoughts of a candidate they favor in a presidential election to the disadvantage of Harris’ opponent!
Worse, after having committed this public deceit, these “propagandists” expect the CBS News ownership to spend more millions of dollars in a losing effort to defend their literally criminal efforts!
Pat McLear
Dearborn, MO
An opportunity to lead
As someone who believes in evidence-based policy, I was encouraged to see the Missouri State Legislature take time this session to consider HB 1037 — a bill that would have created clear labeling and safety standards for kratom and kratom-derived products. It didn’t pass, but it pointed in the right direction. The next step is to get it over the finish line and make sure access to these products is preserved through smart, consistent regulation.
I use a 7-OH tablet derived from kratom to manage severe chronic pain related to my disability. For years, I was prescribed a lot of other medications, but they left me bedridden and disoriented. Since switching to kratom, I’ve been able to function, stay clear-headed, and live a more stable daily life. It’s the only thing that’s worked without devastating side effects.
But people like me need to know that what we’re using is legitimate, consistent, and safe. That means creating guardrails grounded in real-world evidence and public health, not driven by politics or profit.
Missouri now has an opportunity to lead. I urge lawmakers to listen, collaborate, and design policy that protects people without punishing those who’ve found something that works.
Michelle Taylor
Independence, Missouri
