West Newsmagazine 2-7-24

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4 I OPINION I February 7, 2024 WEST NEWSMAGAZINE @WESTNEWSMAG WESTNEWSMAGAZINE.COM LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Responding to Star Parker To the Editor: In response to Star Parker’s “A nation Dr. King would not recognize,” I appreciate how she has noted that the consequences of racism are still evident. However, I do not agree with her assertion that a decline in religion is the reason we’ve not progressed since Dr. King’s time. First, religion itself can be abused and misused. It was not completely an ally of Dr. King’s movement; after all, he addressed his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” to some white pastors who had urged him to be more moderate. Second, values that confront racism – such as diversity, equity, and inclusion – have a base in religion but transcend religious boundaries and institutions. One does not need to be a churchgoer to discern “good and evil” and the necessity for “personal responsibility;” that which enslaves, dehumanizes and exploits are pretty clearly bad things. While I disagree with Ms. Parker’s premise, I do agree with her that religion can and should be a strong force for helping realize Dr. King’s dream. People of faith can be the ones inspired to catch that vision and organize and use resources to live into it. They are also the ones best able to reach out to those beyond the walls of the church and enlist their help in our joint cause to confront an evil that has plagued our country. Greg Weeks Responding to ‘Words and Politics’ To the Editor: Recent letter writer Mark T. Ryan (Jan 24) used some interesting journalistic gymnastics to imply that America is a republic, but not a democracy and that democracies are inherently bad. He’s half-right but totally wrong. For the record, America is a representative democracy that functions beneath the umbrella of a constitutional republic. In essence, a democratic republic. To say we live in a republic is 100% factually correct. But to deny we have a democracy is not only totally misguided, it also has fascistic overtones. Mr. Ryan correctly states that “disinformation is deliberately false, used to influence opinions or obscure the truth.” Essentially, he’s describing Donald Trump’s lie about the 2020 election being stolen. Mr. Ryan would have us believe that a “misinformed populace” wouldn’t know any better, but how would he explain so many Republican officeholders repeating that lie, even though they all know better? He also states that “history is littered with collapsed democracies,” as if democracy was an inherently weak form of governance that is automatically doomed to failure. But doesn’t that ignore the fact that history is littered with all kinds of “collapsed” systems of governance? Or maybe Mr. Ryan was just thinking about what Adolf Hitler did to Germany. Or Vladimir Putin to Russia. Or Recep Erdogan to Turkey. Or Viktor Orban to Hungary. Or what Donald Trump will surely do to America if he is elected to be president again. Finally, Mr. Ryan makes the incredibly specious assertion that “democracies dislike the rights of individuals.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Communism and fascism don’t respect the rights of individuals. Monarchies, autocracies and dictatorships don’t respect the rights of individuals. Democracy is the only form of governance that does, in fact, respect the “rights of individuals,” because it’s the only form of governance that allows citizens to decide who they want to represent their interests. The one thing Mr. Ryan makes abundantly obvious is that an adequately (and accurately) informed populace who enjoys the benefits of living in a democracy is the No. 1 best system of governance. Kenneth P. Katt I need a jump To the Editor: With the recent frigid cold snap across the country, many stories have emerged in regard to electric vehicles (EVs) and how they have become tombstones on the side of roads, parking lots and driveways. Electric vehicles represent a significant shift in automotive technology, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. However, one critique lately being leveled against them concerns their performance in extremely cold weather conditions. First, it’s undeniable that cold temperatures can impact EV performance, particularly regarding battery efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most EVs, are known to experience reduced chemical activity in cold weather. This reduction can lead to decreased range and longer charging times, as the battery management systems work harder to maintain peak operating conditions. Yet have these issues been addressed by the mainstream media or dealerships? Still, it’s crucial to note that internal combustion engine vehicles also face winter challenges, such as decreased fuel efficiency, and potential battery failures. The narrative that EVs are uniquely disadvantaged in cold weather lacks context somewhat; all vehicles face hurdles in extreme conditions. Advances in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, promise better cold-weather performance and quicker charging times. Additionally, many EVs now come equipped with thermal management systems to pre-condition and maintain battery temperatures, preserving range and battery health. Yet, did you know that the EV has a 12-volt battery as well as an internal combustion engine? This is for starting purposes like gasfueled vehicles and needs to be up to par as well. If you break down, the 12-volt battery has to be “jumped” like your gas car, before the EV system has to be attended to, like recharging. Infrastructure also plays a role. As EV adoption grows, the expansion of fastcharging networks and the integration of smart grid technologies can alleviate range anxiety, even in colder regions. While it’s valid to discuss the limitations of current EV technology in cold climates, it’s equally important to recognize the dynamic nature of this field. The transition to electric mobility is a journey, one where improvement and revision are driving us toward a more sustainable and efficient automotive future. Michael Sargent WANT TO EXPRESS YOUR OPINION? Submit your letter to: editor@newsmagazinenetwork.com • 636.591.0010 Founder Publisher Emeritus Publisher Managing Editor Associate Editor Staff Writer Features Editor Business Manager Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Graphic Layout Reporters Doug Huber Sharon Huber Tim Weber Kate Uptergrove Tracey Bruce Laura Brown Lisa Russell Erica Myers Donna Deck Aly Doty Emily Rothermich Advertising Account Executives Nancy Anderson Vicky Czapla Ellen Hartbeck Suzanne Corbett Jeffry Greenberg DeAnne LeBlanc 754 Spirit 40 Park Dr. Chesterfield, MO 63005 (636) 591-0010 westnewsmagazine.com Please send Comments, Letters and Press Releases to: editor@newsmagazinenetwork.com West Newsmagazine is published 24 times per year by West Media Inc. 40,000 distribution (direct mailed and newsstands) in West St. Louis County. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by West Newsmagazine and views expressed in editorial copy are not necessarily those of West Newsmagazine. No part of West Newsmagazine may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from West Newsmagazine. All letters addressed to West Newsmagazine or its editor are assumed to be intended for publication and are subject to editing for content and length. West Newsmagazine reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or editorial submission. © Copyright 2024. A PUBLICATION OF Linda Joyce Joe Ritter Sheila Roberts Cathy Lenny Warren Mayes Shwetha Sundarrajan
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Page 1: Vol. 29 No. 3 • February 7, 2024
Page 6 and 7: 6 I OPINION I February 7, 2024 WEST
Page 8 and 9: 8 I NEWS I February 7, 2024 WEST NE
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Page 20 and 21: 20 I SCHOOLS I February 7, 2024 WES
Page 22 and 23: 22 I WOMEN IN BUSINESS I WOMEN IN B
Page 24 and 25: Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker T
Page 26 and 27: Celebrating WOMEN www.westcountycha
Page 28 and 29: CELEBRATING WOMEN IN CHESTERFIELD R
Page 30 and 31: CELEBRATING WOMEN in Wildwood April
Page 32 and 33: 32 I SPORTS I February 7, 2024 WEST
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Page 36 and 37: 36 I DÉCOR & LIFESTYLES I February
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Page 40 and 41: 40 I MATURE FOCUS I February 7, 202
Page 46 and 47: 46 I HEALTH I February 7, 2024 WEST
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Page 50 and 51: 50 I EVENTS I LOCAL EVENTS February
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