Commencement controversy: Readers examine Benedictine College and Harrison Butker | Opinion

Wrong focus

As a graduate of Benedictine College, I find it interesting that it handed over its gradation to a conservative speaker who reminded his audience that a woman’s place is in the home and then criticized a fellow Catholic, President Joe Biden, for his stance on abortion rights. (May 16, 10A, “Chiefs’ Butker should stick to kicking footballs”) When I was president of Boise State University, I made sure that our commencement address was focused directly on our students, congratulating them for their accomplishments and inspiring them to become the next greatest generation. It was not to politicize a graduation ceremony.

No doubt, Benedictine President Stephen D. Minnis knew exactly what he was doing in asking Harrison Butker to speak. Minnis invited me to give the commencement address at Benedictine one year, but I was disinvited when he told me the university had to make way for then-House Speaker Paul Ryan, who wanted to promote his pro-life agenda.

Let’s be clear about one thing: Minnis chose to use the commencement exercise to shove his views down the throats of everyone in the graduation audience, regardless of their own beliefs about how a commencement address should be used at a ceremony honoring the university’s graduates.

- Bob Kustra, Boise, Idaho

It’s his right

Harrison Butker spoke at a commencement and shared his opinions, which run contrary to the immoral and illogical societal mores that have been levied upon us. He is being persecuted by people who are intolerant of opinions that run counter to their own. Free speech cuts both ways.

The Bible speaks of the days when light will be dark and good will be bad. We are living in those days. I stand with Butker, most importantly for his right to say what he did. Those who don’t appreciate what he said have the right to their opinions as well, but they do not have the right to deny him his.

I pray the Chiefs come out in support of free speech, contrary to the politically correct weak statement issued by the NFL.

- James Roller, Mililani, Hawaii

Church’s voice

I appreciated the thoughts in The Star from Sam McDowell, Toriano Porter and Yvette Walker on Harrison Butker’s speech at Benedictine College, and I think it’s safe to assume that they adequately represent the initial reactions of many people in our community — even baptized Catholics.

The Catholic Church, particularly in the United States, has generally avoided direct pronouncements on sensitive social issues for several generations, so it is easy to understand why we have become accustomed to docility from our spiritual brethren. Cardinal Francis George, speaking to a group of priests 14 years ago, remarked that he would die in his bed, his successor in prison and his successor’s successor as a martyr. Cardinal George understood and communicated a general historical truth: The church provokes many reactions, good and bad, from all kinds of people, but the one reaction she generally does not provoke is indifference.

I argue that we are gradually moving from an age of indifference back to an age of hostility, and these commentaries — and the reaction to Butker’s speech more generally — are evidence of this.

- Zack Royle, Kansas City

Greater offense

Colin Kaepernick was bounced from the NFL for taking a stand against racism. What Harrison Butker did is far more egregious. He told an entire gender it does not matter. He needs to go, and right now.

- Larry Wohlgemuth, Jefferson City

Right, result

Although I loathe most of what Harrison Butker said during his Benedictine College commencement speech, I feel strongly that he has the right to those opinions and the right to communicate them to his audience that day. His comments were far from hate speech or language that threatens an individual or group.

Free speech at colleges and universities is taking major hits these days, with police militarism coming into full display.

Now, the Kansas City Chiefs might take exception to their employee’s public pronouncements. That’s between the organization and Butker. However, I agree with Star columnist Toriano Porter’s advice that Mr. Butker should probably stick to making field goals and keep his religious, cultural and political views private.

- Ted Steinmeyer Jr., Overland Park

Missed kick

So, a well-paid kicker for the Chiefs gave a commencement speech at a Catholic college in Kansas, and instead of commending these students on their accomplishments, he decided to make a political speech.

The young women present should have gotten up and walked out, because it was them and President Joe Biden whom Harrison Butker took to task. He thinks these young women would be better served becoming wives and mothers rather than having careers. Really, after all the money and hours spent for their education, they should give up their dreams? He did not tell the young men that.

He also talked about LGBTQ pride being sinful and Biden having no right to make the sign of the cross (a Catholic thing) while supporting women’s choice.

Well, Mr. Butker, your pro-Donald Trump rally speech was uncalled for at a graduation ceremony, and while Biden may not be your idea of a real Catholic, at least he doesn’t pay off porn stars or sell Bibles.

You missed the kick on this play — and, oh yes, a lot of us love Taylor Swift.

- Karen Marie Zentz, Raymore

Kornacki cares

After reading Blair Kerkhoff’s story last month about Karen Kornacki’s retirement, I would like to add one more item to the list of the involvements of this accomplished woman. (April 8, 1B, “Broadcasting pioneer Kornacki signs off after 41 years in KC”)

In the early 2000s, I worked for The Kansas City Star’s alternate delivery department at one of its area offices. The Star had a contract to deliver Southwestern Bell telephone books, and during that time, Kornacki became a special carrier for our office. She delivered these books, spending several days coming into the warehouse, picking them up and delivering them to designated routes that included apartments and houses.

This was not an easy task because of the thick, heavy books — and especially delivering to apartment complexes, going up and down staircases to many doorsteps. I’m not sure how many hundreds of books she delivered, but she never complained — and donated all her earnings to her chosen charity. She said it was a good way to exercise and help a cause at the same time.

- Dick Pate, Lenexa

Worn out

I enjoyed reading Sherry Kuehl’s May 12 commentary regarding clothing fads and the ridiculous fashions we are expected to like. (5A, “Sadly, crop tops, barrel jeans lead clothing fads list”)

We middle-aged and older folks have the money to spend, so why don’t designers cater to us? Here’s my take on, for example, 3/4-length sleeves: I want either short or long sleeves, which I can push up as needed. Also capri or ankle-length pants — hate them. I like my pants to lie on my shoe tops, or give me shorts.

My suspicion is that this is about money savings to the manufacturers. Shorter pants and sleeves cost less to make, so if they make us think we like these styles, they’ve won.

I know this is not earth-shattering political news, but I just had to speak my peace, like Sherry.

- Mary Jo Hegstrom, Mission