Letters to the editor on Muyskens' ouster, ACLU, fiscal priorities, local college sports, turnpike tolls

Muyskens' ouster is disturbing

The news about the Rev. Sam Muyskens was disturbing ("Muyskens ousted from Inter-Faith," Oct. 14 Local & State). I was on the board of directors of Inter-Faith Ministries for five years and found Muyskens to be absolutely — absolutely — committed to the cause of IFM. He worked 24/7 and was available to speak in the community at any time, at short notice.

The manner in which the matter has been handled brings a bad name to IFM and impedes the transition of the new executive director into her position. It is ironic that the action apparently was taken to help the transition.

I hope IFM makes amends to Muyskens in whatever way possible and moves along with the mission of IFM, instead of creating more problems.

PREM N. BAJAJ

Wichita

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My heart is heavy having read about the inglorious way the Rev. Sam Muyskens was ousted from Inter-Faith Ministries. He has given his heart and soul to an organization that makes Wichita a better place.

I am not aware of the "politics" that have gone on behind the scenes. What I am aware of is that Muyskens has tirelessly worked for years to bring the many faith communities together, building understanding and trust, so that together we can work on overwhelming community problems. He has my heartfelt gratitude.

JEAN SEEGER

Wichita

ACLU not at war

The Oct. 14 Opinion page had two opinions based on incorrect information. A letter to the editor, "ACLU waging war," stated that "the American Civil Liberties Union has been waging war against Christians for years, and it will not pass up any opportunity to win a battle." An Opinion Line comment said that "ACLU members hate God." Both statements are patently untrue.

One of the goals of the ACLU is to uphold the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" — often referred to as the Establishment Clause. It generally is interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court to prohibit the establishment of a national religion by Congress and the preference of one religion over another or the support of a religious idea with no identifiable secular purpose.

The problem occurs between Christians and the ACLU primarily because Christians insist on flaunting the symbols of their religion. In contrast, symbols of Judaism and Islam generally are confined to the property where their places of worship are located. Even there, the symbols are modest, a trait that Christians would be well-advised to emulate.

CAROL M. WEBB

Wichita

Change direction

I traveled recently to Omaha to hear former presidential candidate Mitt Romney give a speech. I'm not exactly a fan, but because he mostly devotes his time to the East Coast and West Coast, I thought this would be one of the rare times I could see him in the Midwest.

Romney made a remarkably candid observation of the possible collapse (his word) of the U.S. dollar. I appreciated his candor, but I think Romney failed to clearly articulate that the public needs to demand that politicians make an abrupt change of direction — to save more, pay off the national debt, and spend only for essentials. Unless we get our priorities straight, our economy will continue to be in dire peril.

As voters, we need to hire elected officials for their keen decision-making ability — not for their good hair, lofty oratory or glossed-over rhetoric.

JAMES A. MARPLES

Esbon

Support teams

College athletes at all levels work hard to bring the joy of the game to their fans. The people of Wichita, whether or not they know it, are quite lucky to have three different college sports programs in town. Wichita State University is well-known, but Newman University and Friends University also have rich sports traditions.

To catch a great football game, check out the Friends Falcons. Newman men's and women's basketball teams are slated to play WSU next month at Koch Arena. Come spring, head to the Westurban or Two Rivers Youth Club fields to watch Friends baseball and softball, respectively. Newman baseball and softball games are conveniently held on campus.

All of these games are relatively cheap or even free to the public, and they make for a fun, economical family outing. These programs are underfunded and need the support of Wichita to continue to thrive. So take the time to get out and enjoy what these athletes work so hard to bring to the city of Wichita. Trust me — as a Newman softball player, I know we all appreciate your support.

AMY BULLERMAN

Wichita

Toll not worth it

We recently drove through Kansas on the way home from Texas. On the Kansas Turnpike, we got a piece of paper for the toll. I remembered going this way many years before and getting off the toll road, having to pay and then getting another piece of paper to get back on. We would have stopped somewhere to eat or check out the towns, but it was not worth it.

Leaving your state cost us $15. What did we get for $15? It would have been nice to have seen something for that much.

DOROTHY FREI

Eau Claire, Wis.