Paying taxes is a privilege

I would like to thank Marc Birnbaum for his letter of Sept. 13, wherein he inadvertently substantiated one of the points I made in my letter of Aug. 30.

I’d like to share a response that I received from one of my cousins after she read Birnbaum’s views. I couldn’t have stated it any better than she did:

“Ye gads my heart flutters. Should we perhaps have pushkes to contribute some funds to help out these rich folk who are being robbed of their profit margin?”

“If only we could be struck with such a misfortune. I remember back when (my husband) was in practice how he said, ‘Goldie, I’m grateful we have to pay taxes. It means we have money.’ ”

Carole Plesser
Prairie Village, Kan.

Assisting the less fortunate

I was delighted to read your recent articles about the JFS Food Pantry and Yachad — The Kosher Food Pantry (Sept. 6). What a tribute to Kansas City! Here we have two organizations committed to feeding the hungry and a community that is willing to support both.

Yachad has always served the needy with dedication and soul. It is wonderful that JFS has decided to follow its example.

I know that many of the local congregations have supported Yachad in the past through food collection bins and tzedakah boxes. I salute the rabbis and the Rabbinical Association for continuing their support of Yachad and at the same time, supporting JFS’ new food pantry. How fortunate we are to live in a Jewish community that is unified on the issue of assisting those less fortunate, especially in these times of politics and pettiness!

To Chabad, keep up the good work. You exemplify what dedicated, hard-working volunteers can achieve. To JFS, may your endeavor be as meaningful and successful. And to the Jewish community and its spiritual leaders, thank you for sharing your voices and resources to ensure that both food pantries thrive.

B. Silver
Overland Park, Kan.


Unacceptable censorship

My wife and I have been longtime subscribers to the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle. We are proud members of the K.C. Jewish community. Unfortunately, I understand that due to pressure from leftist Democrats — some of whom may be subscribers — you are not publishing Ms. Shoula Romano Horing’s articles. This, of course, is partisanship, censorship and a violation of people’s right to know.

I am reminded of the leftist and anarchic articles by Rabbi Margolies that you published week after week, much to my sadness, disappointment and dismay, which were mainly accusations and reproaches against our homeland, the United States of America, and our beloved Israel. Throughout the many years of your publishing these articles, we never cancelled our subscription! However, you are now getting into the realm of violating my right to know and the First Amendment.

Our Jewish people, as well as any other people, have the right and deserve to hear a variety of opinions so they can wisely select their leaders. What you are doing is censorship and not acceptable. The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle must be fair.

Please begin publishing Ms. Horing’s articles again.

K. Tom Khadavi
Overland Park, Kan.