Your Letters for Aug. 15, 2025

Be alert

Recently, I ran across the following information which brought to mind the old saying, “history repeats itself.”

“Joseph Stalin was head of the Soviet Union from 1924 to 1953. He expected to be worshipped and had history books rewritten to flatter himself. The Soviet press lauded him as a great genius, but he really was just another one of history’s tyrants. He disposed of anyone he deemed a rival or resister. He sent people to Gulag labor camps and killed millions — many innocent — through the Great Purge, through famine and by execution.”

Stalin would have been 100 last year. Many people living today may not be aware of his “history,” but check the history books and read for yourself. He was not the only tyrant in history. Just a few were Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Un, Ferdinand Marcos, Bashar-al-Assad. Vladimir Putin is also considered one of many. If history does repeat itself, I hope we will have learned from the past and not repeat the negative side of it. I personally have concern for our country and the world today. There are always those who see themselves as perfect and want to be worshipped and will go to any extreme to make it happened even today, even in America. They are concerned only with their own egos and not what is best for the country.

I once knew an elderly lady whose family was always on the alert for signs of dementia (so she thought). So when they came to visit, she constantly reminded herself to “be alert.” That’s good advice for the world today — be alert!

Peggy Bloss
St. Joseph

Response to Gov. Kehoe

Gov. Kehoe, you made the statement, according to the St. Joseph News-Press, “Democrats do not represent Missouri’s values.” My question for you: When did you find the time to survey Democrats in Missouri? I am a proud Democrat and a Christian, and a child of God. And you did not ask or inquire about my values. So, if the values you speak of are pardoning people that execute an insurrection on the U.S. Capitol or allowing one who used and abused young girls removed from a federal prison to club house prison. Or the values you speak of, taking $50 million dollars of public Missouri monies for public education to be used for private and religious education.

Maybe, just maybe when Missouri voters vote, and because you chose not to accept the will of Missouri voters, you call a special session at the expense of Missouri taxpayers to undo the will of the people. Gov. Kehoe, if those are the values you speak. You are correct. Missouri Democrats reject those values.

Reverend Dr. W. A. Hedge
St. Joseph

A convenient ‘excuse’

Town halls and speaking face to face with constituents would seem to be part of a “Representative’s” job description.

I called Representative Graves’ office on July 25, 2025, and asked when and where he would hold in person town halls during the August recess. The staff person informed me that he no longer holds town halls in person due to “safety concerns.” She noted he holds them via telephone and having been called in the past, I have experienced first-hand these calls occur with no notice, are short and participants have very slim opportunity to ask a question. They are scripted and don’t seem effective.

For in person events, I’m sure that any local police or sheriff department personnel would help ensure safety for Rep Graves. He could also hire personal security for several nights to attend his town halls; he does have a generous salary we pay for.

I think of all the people who are elected, volunteer or attend school board, city council, county zoning and many other public meetings being held in our local towns, many times when there are difficult subjects being discussed. Rep. Graves has not held an in-person town hall in more than 10 years and this now seems to be a convenient “excuse” instead of actually addressing safety concerns and holding town halls.

Beth Franklin
Plattsburg, Missouri