Amid political violence, we need leaders to soothe our sorrows, calm our fears | Opinion

Political violence

Our country is suffering from the most lethal political violence in memory. Attacks against political figures occur from coast to coast, border to border, against people of both parties. We need leaders to soothe our sorrows, calm our fears, and, above all, not incite more violence by immediately placing blame without evidence. I am weary of a president who takes tragedy and turns it into ammunition. We need to put aside the guns and ammo. We need to grieve, to recognize our neighbors as having similar hopes and fears, and to help each other heal. Thank you, Gov. Spencer Cox for providing us with a stellar example.

Krisia Rosa, Lexington

Free speech means speech without fear

With the assassination of Charlie Kirk, we must remember that no one deserves death for exercising free speech. If our democracy cannot guarantee freedom to speak without fear of political violence, we must question whether we truly live in a democracy. Our leaders must not use Kirk’s death for political gain, but unite in addressing our epidemic of violence—especially considering Utah Valley University was not the only school shooting that day.

As an Ahmadi Muslim American, I cherish democratic freedoms denied to me in many Muslim-majority countries. As a member of a persecuted minority elsewhere, I’m deeply saddened by violent attacks against activists and children. Even regarding someone like Kirk, with whom I disagreed, the Qur’an teaches: “let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just; that is nearer to righteousness” (Qur’an 5:9). This verse emphasizes upholding law and protecting human life’s sanctity. Our personal feelings must never interfere with our commitment to justice and peaceful dialogue, regardless of others’ views or religion.

We pray Charlie’s family, especially his wife Erika and children, find peace and comfort ahead.

Faizan Ahmed, Lexington

Visible faith

I followed Charlie Kirk for some time before his assassination. His life and now death has made me redefine my definition of what greatness in a man truly is.

He taught me to stand for my belief in God, respectfully yet openly, with true conviction. He taught me that I must study my faith so that I can articulate my beliefs to others with conviction and knowledge. He showed me through his love, respect and loyalty for his family and friends, how one’s faith can lead a person to do great things.

From the loss of Charlie I have learned that although I will gracefully listen to others, I will never again be silent and hide my true beliefs in fear of offending. In this way, perhaps I can honor him in some small way.

Christine J McCabe, Richmond

Illegal military actions

I learned recently that U.S. forces have destroyed a vessel leaving Venezuela under the assumption that it was carrying drugs. That’s an outrageous violation of international law, and the latest outrage brought to us by the misbegotten man in the White House. He must be impeached, convicted, and removed from office. Our weak-kneed Congressional delegation doesn’t seem to have the manhood or the backbone to do so, so I beg, through this letter, for all of the responsible, honest, and patriotic men and women in the Congress to throw the rascal out. Please!

Carroll E. Gowins, Lt. Col, USAF (Ret), Richmond

Traffic leadership

It is past time for Lexington to demand better traffic management and new leadership. Seven years of mismanagement have left Lexington drivers facing gridlock and frustration.

Traffic light problems remain largely unsolved, but construction mismanagement is the greater failure. Nearly every major thoroughfare seems to be under construction, yet the work zones are poorly managed, and traffic control is haphazard. Driving even a mile without hitting a disruptive lane closure or confusing detour has become nearly impossible. What should be minor inconveniences have turned into daily obstacles that waste time, increase fuel costs, and fray tempers. Poor traffic management discourages economic activity when people avoid certain parts of town. It also slows emergency response when ambulances or fire trucks get trapped in poorly controlled construction zones. That makes this a public safety issue.

Road repairs are necessary, but competent leadership should manage them with far less disruption. Larger cities with more complicated systems handle this challenge better than Lexington. Why can’t we?

Lexington deserves better. It is time for new leadership in the Division of Streets and Roads.

Keith Elston, Lexington

Who speaks for the bees?

As the former Kentucky State Apiarist and current president of the Kentucky Queen Bee Breeders Association, I am dismayed with plans to shutter the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, a place synonymous with trust, science, and service.

For 10 years, I served as Kentucky’s sole state apiarist, traveling across 120 counties to collect and submit samples for disease diagnostics as part of the USDA Honey Bee Health Survey. Beltsville was my indispensable partner, analyzing samples promptly and accurately, and at no cost to beekeepers. Producers received data about viruses, bacterial infections, and spores, clues desperately needed when colonies failed.

The stakes are immense. Honey bees contribute more than $30 billion to the agricultural infrastructure and produce 150 million pounds of honey in a nation that consumes 400 million pounds. Yet since the 1980s, federal bee labs have been reduced from eight to three, with one devoted to native pollinators. Tucson focuses on nutrition. Baton Rouge on genetics. Beltsville alone provides disease diagnostics.

Its closure now, following a season of devastating losses in the West, signals a troubling disconnect between federal leadership, food security, and the pollinators that sustain our agricultural system. Contact the USDA at reorganization@usda.gov by Sept. 30.

Dr. Tamara Potter, Lexington

Transgender health

I am a native daughter of Kentucky. Louisville is where I spent my days learning and growing into the woman I am today. Since my childhood, I have fled from my “Old Kentucky Home” to start my college education elsewhere. This was not a difficult decision, since it seemed Kentucky wanted me gone, considering the actions of Kentucky’s legislature.

The specific bill I am referring to is House Bill 495, which prevents Medicaid from being used to cover medical costs for medications used to help one transition from one sex to the other, cutting many off from being able to access this vital healthcare while residing in Kentucky.

I am a transgender woman, and it frightens me how much animosity there is toward people like me. Being transgender is so incredibly rare — is a bill like this even worth it? It is my honest belief that the hate toward the trans community is entirely based on ignorance, because the voices of those in my community are easily drowned out by misinformation and hatred. All I ask of you, Kentucky, is to actually hear the voice of the trans community before more damage is done.

Story Addison, Louisville

Edited by Liz Carey