Jackson County made the Royals. If they build a stadium in the Northland, I’m out | Opinion
No loyalty?
As a Jackson County taxpayer, I’ve been happy to support the Royals and Chiefs through my taxes, ticket purchases and more. To hear that the Royals are considering a new stadium site in the Northland feels like a betrayal. (June 15, 1A, “Inside the Royals’ faltering push for a downtown stadium”)
In December, majority team owner John Sherman said: “It will be a far better investment to build new and move into or near the urban core of our community and create an energized district around our ballpark.”
Sarah Tourville, vice president for business operations, said: “Our exploration has shown us that downtown Kansas City is younger, more diverse and growing at a faster clip than anywhere else in the greater metropolitan area.”
I’m sorry, but I don’t consider the Northland the urban core or more diverse.
If a new stadium is built in Clay County, count me out. It’s hard enough to support the worst team in baseball. Then to see it turn its back on those who have supported it for decades? That’s just wrong.
- Michelle Matthews, Kansas City
A priest solution
As I waited Sunday morning for mass to begin, I came across an article in the parish bulletin that alarmed and saddened me. Its author, a beleaguered pastor, explained that the parish was down to one priest and the Mass schedule would have to be cut back. He would begin saying nine Masses each week — and that was before counting those at nursing homes, weddings and funerals.
The priest crunch in the Catholic Church is real in the Kansas City area. There are 83 active priests serving parishes throughout the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph. Within 10 years, that number is projected to be 65, the bulletin told us. Parishioners are being encouraged to pray for religious vocations so more are called to the priesthood.
And then, it hit me, a solution: If women could be ordained as Catholic priests, the continuing resource problem might just be solved! In fact, the very act might spur a rebirth in the church worldwide.
I wonder if anyone has ever thought of that?
Amen, I hope!
- Richard F. Thomas Jr., Kansas City
Keep kids cool
The summertime sunshine is here and so are the outside activities. Families thrive on countless hours spent around the pool or neighborhood park, but keeping our busy-body children hydrated during this time of year is critically important.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least 5 cups of water a day for elementary-aged kids and 8 cups of water for middle school and older, with more needed during periods of activity and sweating. As a pediatrician, I suggest these tips to help keep those active kiddos hydrated this summer:
Keep fruits with a high water content on hand for snack time. These include watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple.
Have a special water bottle with an exciting straw or a fun design to encourage your child to drink more.
Make homemade ice pops with pureed fruit to munch on during a break, or fruit frozen in ice cubes to drop into the water for added flavor.
If your child exhibits symptoms of dehydration or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea or fatigue, immediately remove him or her from the hot environment and into an air-conditioned space. Do not hesitate to seek medical evaluation because heat injury can be serious. Enjoy the summer heat — safely.
- Cati Kral, Kansas City
Define intelligent
True intelligence requires the ability to recognize error — not others’ errors, but your own. I can’t do that.
Computers can learn, assuming the impossible, an error-free program. What would they learn from us? War, violence, theft, greed, religion?
- Randall Jones, Independence
