Time, money gone
I’m willing to bet that most drivers in Kansas have never even heard of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Driver Register. This register, known as the Problem Driver Pointer System, is used by states to identify individuals whose driving privileges have been revoked and to prevent them from obtaining a driver’s license in another state. However, the issue lies in the fact that the information in this database is often incorrect, leading to innocent drivers like myself being wrongly flagged.
When I attempted to renew my driver’s license at the Kansas DMV, I encountered a hindrance due to an inaccurate flag in the database originating from Maine. Interestingly, I have never resided in or even set foot in the state of Maine. Nonetheless, it came to light that an individual sharing a remarkably similar name and birth date as mine had an outstanding unpaid fine dating back to 2005.
When I contacted the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, they presented me with two choices. The first option was to pay a $50 fine on behalf of an unidentified driver and have the erroneous information promptly removed from the NHTSA database within 15 minutes. The second option was to wait for the state of Maine to conduct an investigation and send a “Not Me” letter, with an unknown timeframe for resolution. Considering the convenience and expediency, I chose to pay the $50 fine. Surprisingly, within just 20 minutes, my driver’s license was successfully renewed.
Kansas should halt the use of this flawed system until the issue of incorrect identifications is resolved.
– Raymond Owen, from Merriam
Bailey’s game
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has launched an investigation into the Hazelwood School District in St. Louis regarding its “radical DEI policies.” According to Bailey, these policies are believed to have contributed to a violent altercation between two students. By suggesting that the incident occurred at a Hazelwood school under the watch of apathetic staff members, Bailey is using this opportunity to fuel anger among Missouri voters as he capitalizes on the rural-urban divide, “anti-woke” rhetoric, and racial stereotypes.
The truth is, the altercation between the girls occurred after school on a local street, away from any Hazelwood staff. It is highly unlikely that Bailey’s investigation will progress beyond his statement. His main goal seems to be gaining free publicity without wasting resources or tarnishing the school’s reputation with an unnecessary inquiry.
Maybe his next attention-grabbing move will be to warn certain parents that their parenting skills might be investigated if their children are involved in a scuffle at the school cafeteria or playground.
– John McDonald, a resident of Ferguson, Missouri.
Help is here
A college degree continues to be the most reliable indicator of economic stability, which is a key point in the ongoing discussion about the importance of higher education. However, for students coming from low-income backgrounds, the financial aspect of pursuing a college education can be incredibly challenging.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential tool that provides access to over $120 billion in financial aid across the country. Unfortunately, many students and families are unaware of its benefits or fail to take timely action, causing them to miss out on this valuable opportunity.
Organizations like ours are urging students to take quick action due to the significance of the FAFSA. It is concerning to see that submission rates among Missouri high school seniors have decreased by 34.4% compared to last year. To assist students in navigating the process, MOFAFSA.ORG serves as a comprehensive resource.
Submitting the FAFSA is crucial as it opens doors to various opportunities that can greatly impact a student’s future. It is vital that we work towards ensuring that all students have equal access to the financial aid they require to pursue higher education and secure their economic futures.
– Camry Ivory, a consultant for the KC FAFSA initiative at the Missouri College and Career Attainment Network.
“John Kearney, the Executive Director of the Hispanic Development Fund in Kansas City, expressed his thoughts on the matter.”
Already developed
I strongly disagree with Jenny Monheiser’s claim in her guest commentary on March 22 that the rural area in south Kansas City, where she intends to establish a landfill, is “undeveloped.”
I reside in one of the over 900 residences located within a mile of the area. In addition to that, there are also schools and churches in close proximity. It is evident to anyone that the area is well-developed and currently witnessing the construction of new houses. If there is indeed a necessity for a landfill, it would be more suitable to locate it away from such a densely populated area, which is home to numerous families.
– Janet Sears, from Raymore
Equal access
In her opinion piece titled “Kansas makes a bizarre request of blind residents over state IDs,” Emily Schlenker raises a valid concern about the lack of support for blind individuals in Kansas when it comes to employment. As someone who has been an educator of blind and visually impaired students in the Kansas City area for over 30 years, I have always emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals for education and career aspirations. Ms. Schlenker is a prime example of this, as she is currently pursuing a graduate degree in pharmacy.
In Ms. Schlenker’s case, she faced a common issue that many sighted individuals often overlook – the challenges that visually impaired people face. One such challenge was the regulations surrounding state ID renewal. It is important to ensure that accommodations are made in the online ID renewal process to make it equally accessible for blind individuals as it is for those who are sighted.
– Susan Kilbride, a resident of Kansas City.
Who’s the loser?
An Open Letter to Donald Trump
“Why do you continue to express sentiments like, ‘I am being indicted, taking arrows for you, but I am doing this for you’?”
Showing your lack of respect for our country, democracy, and the Constitution. What exactly are you doing for us?
Most of us have never faced legal liability for sexual abuse, like rape, as described by the judge presiding over the case. We have never engaged in inappropriate behavior towards women or boasted about it. Unlike you, we do not ridicule individuals with speech or physical disabilities while our supporters laugh along. Many of us have proudly served in the military and are deeply disturbed by your lack of respect for those who have sacrificed for our country. We believe that MIAs, POWs, and fallen soldiers are not “losers” or “suckers,” as you have referred to them.
You openly admire authoritarian rulers and dictators as role models. You are facing legal proceedings because you unlawfully obtained classified documents, stored them in a bathroom, and shared them with others. Furthermore, you intentionally provided false information to the FBI.
Your supporters cheer you on, despite your lack of morality, honesty, and other good human traits. It is puzzling, but perhaps it is a reflection of the state of America.
No, you weren’t sent here by the Lord, unless there was a shortage of locusts.
