Print edition: 
Businesses still stepping up
As president of Junior League of Wichita, a nonprofit organization of more than 700 women, I would like to applaud our local businesses and say that we are so proud to be part of the Wichita community. Despite all the economic troubles faced by local businesses, so many companies are still stepping up to support area nonprofits, including JLW.
JLW is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, and we are amazed by the support of both businesses and individuals, as we have our largest new-member class this year. Individuals are as affected by the economy as businesses, yet committed, talented women are still dedicated to serving their community and making a difference. We are looking to celebrate our success and longevity by working harder than ever to help meet the needs of people in Wichita.
This year's Holiday Galleria fundraiser, our sixth annual, began Thursday at Century II Expo Hall, and we could not have pulled it off without the incredible support of so many local businesses.
As much as things have changed in 85 years, so many of the basic needs of our community have not changed. We're still fighting poverty and illiteracy, supporting our military, and advocating for children.
JAMIE SCHMALTZ
Wichita
Czar issue phony
The label "czar" is now used loosely, especially by some media sources that demonize the current executive branch. It's not even clear what constitutes a czar.
"'Czar' is not an official government title of anybody; it is a vernacular of executive branch public administration," said Bradley Patterson, who served on the White House staff under Republican presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
By one count, the previous executive branch had 46 "czars"; the current executive branch has had 35. Franklin Delano Roosevelt had 19 czars, and every president since has had them.
Wake up and realize that some news sources are not fair but only "fairly biased."
KENT ELDER
Udall
Don't drink, drive
Another person has been killed because of a drunken driver ("Teen killed in crash lost brother in prior crash," Oct. 6 Eagle). This was not just any person but my childhood friend, someone I had grown up with — Brayden Popplewell.
Drinking and driving is a senseless act. Now that it has actually hit close to home, I am even more angry. I don't care if a person has had one drink or five drinks. Drinking and driving kills.
Losing someone you're close to is never easy. But losing her because of something as senseless as drinking and driving makes me want to make sure people know what happened. I want to make sure no one else has to go through this. Everyone needs to take a stand against drinking and driving.
KRISTEN McCURDY
Wichita
Protecting abusers
All Kansans should be proud to have two U.S. senators such as Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback with the courage to stand up for the right of Halliburton contractors in Iraq to rape female co-workers.
These gentlemen voted this week against an amendment to prevent the Defense Department from contracting with companies that require employees to resolve sexual assault allegations through arbitration. The amendment passed 68-30.
Instead of protecting female contractors like Jamie Leigh Jones from sexual assault, Roberts and Brownback chose to protect corporations like Halliburton and its former subsidiary KBR. Good job, gentlemen.
ROBERT DETWILER
Wichita
Don't be negative
We have an industry in this community that affects the world — aircraft. We have a world-class engineering and entrepreneurship school — Wichita State University. We have the stuff to make our city truly world-class.
There are books that detail the huge growth that Wichita took on in the early part of the 20th century, and those books show how proud people were to live here. Now, people are cynical about this place ("Wichitans' love for Wichita wanes," Sept. 29 Eagle). They don't care, and they don't try to help.
We need a better attitude. Stop being cynical. Things won't improve if you have a negative attitude. Show some support for the leaders of our city who are trying to make Wichita a destination, rather than just another place to live.
NOLAN NEZ
Haysville
Pleased with puzzle
I am so glad The Eagle has finally decided to start running the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle. Yes, it is a bit more challenging, but it is still doable. I completed probably 85 percent of this week's puzzle in one sitting, then went back to it two or three times until it all clicked into place and I finished it.
The only way to get better at solving the more difficult puzzles is to work at them. Don't get intimidated by the New York Times puzzle. It has a reputation of being a tough puzzle, but in reality, many of the clues are no more difficult than those of other puzzles.
Perhaps The Eagle should reinstate the old puzzle for those who want it and like it. But please retain the New York Times puzzle. In fact, I would welcome the daily Times offerings as well, for those of us who appreciate well-crafted crosswords.
The new Hidato was a bit of a poser. But through perseverance, I managed to complete it, too. I didn't think I would like such puzzles. However, after working this initial one, I realized there's definitely more to them than first meets the eye.
EVON RUSSELL
Wichita
