Print edition: 
Gun advertisement was crude, rude
The Eagle had an excellent article and tribute to fallen Sedgwick County sheriff's Deputy Brian Etheridge ("Deputy was quiet, funny, passionate about his work," Sept. 30 Eagle). But on Page 6A of that edition was a large ad featuring a sale on rifles and shotguns. Excuse me for questioning this, but there seems to be something incredibly incongruent here.
With the current events at hand — a fallen officer who had just been ambushed and gunned down with a high-powered rifle — I found this advertisement to be crude and rude, especially to the bereaved family, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and all others involved.
To adequately report the news of an excellent officer who has fallen in the line of duty then promote in the same paper a sale on rifles and shotguns seems to show a great deal of insensitivity on the part of The Eagle and perhaps our society, which fails to speak up or even notice.
DENNIS SIGLE
Wichita
Thoroughly debate
As an American citizen, I am extremely concerned about tactics being considered in the U.S. Senate to pass health care legislation. One of the very reasons our founders set up the Senate as a second body of the Congress was to ensure that issues would be thoroughly discussed and deliberated on the Senate floor. This would take place before a piece of legislation affecting all Americans could be voted on, and only with approval of at least 60 senators to move it to a vote. If our politicians think the American people are not paying attention to their actions, just let them pull this type of misconduct. We need leaders and statesmen, not partisan ideologues. And if they do not understand, they will all be looking for work.
STEVE FINLEY
El Dorado
Suck it up
To Opinion Line contributors and letter writers who oppose President Obama: First, the president of the United States is a Democrat, and he is black. We Democrats had to put up with "W" for eight years, so suck it up and move on.
To all who are complaining about mandatory health insurance: You need to understand that insurance-plan subscribers currently subsidize nonsubscribers. Our plan rates go up every year, so any help we can get for that will be appreciated. Besides, we are mandated to have automobile and homeowners' insurance, so what's the problem?
And to the person who complained in Opinion Line that schoolchildren in New Jersey were being forced to sing songs praising Obama: What planet are you from?
DUNCAN A. ROSE
Derby
Communist tribute
The iconic Empire State Building was showered with red and yellow lights to celebrate the 60th anniversary of communism in China ("Empire State lighting tribute criticized," Oct. 1 Eagle). Tell me again why so many think this country is not heading toward communism?
DWIGHT HOLTZEN
Wichita
Use roving patrols
The roving police patrols that took place in Sedgwick County last weekend are the most effective way to maximize DUI arrests and save taxpayer money ("Saturation patrol nets five arrests," Sept. 28 Kansas.com). Counties nationwide should adopt similar efforts.
Unlike highly publicized sobriety checkpoints that broadcast their locations in advance, roving patrols cover wide, unannounced areas, so chronic drunken drivers can't plan ahead to avoid them. Furthermore, roving patrols are up to 10 times more effective than checkpoints for only a fraction of the cost.
Many counties disregard this evidence and continue to funnel taxpayer money into ineffective, intrusive roadblocks. However, with its roving police patrols, Sedgwick County has the right idea.
SARAH LONGWELL
Managing director
American Beverage Institute
Washington, D.C.
Excellent program
The Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra recently put on another excellent program at Miller Concert Hall. Mark Laycock conducted Mozart's Concerto for Flute and Harp in C major with flutist Frances Shelly and harpist Ann Glasmann. These professors outdid themselves.
The second half of the concert was my favorite symphony, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor. Laycock's enthusiasm brought out the best in the students. A standing ovation was well-deserved from the large crowd in attendance.
WSU continues to promote its nationally noted music department. We should all continue to support these fine programs.
SAM SEMINOFF
Wichita
Thanks for lunch
I want to thank the gentleman who purchased lunch at the West Douglas NuWay Cafe for my sister and me last week. It was done anonymously. We were so surprised and thrilled. Nothing like that has ever happened to me.
Wichita is a town full of good people, and I hope this man reads The Eagle. Thank you and God bless you, whoever you are.
MARGARET CLOSE
Wichita
