Democrats to blame when McCain is elected in November

I am the old man who had the three letters concerning religion published in the News-Press that caused such a furor, and also who alerted the public to the sham conducted by the local board of education regarding selecting a new superintendent when it was already predetermined as to the outcome.

About politics, our voters will not vote for a president who is either black or a female. Consequently, due to the stupidity of the Democratic Party, we will have as our president a man who should have retired seven years ago and who should be at rest in one of his many homes.

Hugh B. McFadin

St. Joseph

Special interest groups behind Barnes don’t represent our values

What kind of Congresswoman will Kay Barnes make? Let’s take a look at the agenda of some of the groups supporting and donating thousands to her campaign.

The group Emily’s List says Kay supports repeal of the ban on partial birth abortion and opposes common-sense parental notification laws before their minor child can receive an abortion.

The Human Rights Campaign says Kay supports gay marriage and opposes defining marriage solely as a union between a man and woman.

The Environmental Defense Fund says Kay opposes allowing more domestic oil drilling and favors higher taxes on gasoline.

The Service Employees International Union (SIEU) says Kay supports amnesty for illegal immigrants, higher taxes and full government control of the health care system.

The Association of Trial Lawyers of America say Kay opposes efforts to protect doctors and small businesses from junk lawsuits.

These Washington, D.C., special interest groups don’t represent our values, but apparently Kay Barnes is willing to represent theirs.

Stephen Parr

St. Joseph

Success By 6 program makes progress with play path project

I want to say a big thank you to all the great volunteers and businesses that made United Way’s Day of caring on Saturday such an outstanding event. In just a few short hours, the United Way volunteers, with assistance from Missouri Western State University students, constructed a Success By 6 Play Path at Bartlett Park. The cheerful path not only offers families with young children some new things to do together, but it also shows parents how they can use everyday activities to help their children learn.

Why is this so important? Ninety percent of a child’s brain growth occurs in the first five years of life. That development relates directly to the child’s early experiences. Everything we can do to encourage early learning helps children in our community to be ready for success in school, and ultimately, in life.

As a board member, I am excited about all the proactive approaches that United Way takes to improve our community. While United Way continues to address a wide range of basic and emergency needs, we work, too, for solutions to prevent problems from happening in the first place. Success By 6 is an important part of that effort.

The volunteers who gave their time and the businesses that contributed support have made it possible to add a terrific new attraction at the park. I hope that lots of families will visit the play path and have fun learning together.

Curt Kretzinger

2008 United Way Campaign Chair

St. Joseph, Mo.