Print edition: 
Wichita needs a new trash system
Many in Wichita want to reduce trash by recycling. But what are the available options? A household can pay an exorbitant amount of money to a national trash chain in exchange for some retail coupons, or collect its recyclables and take them to various locations around the city. Or Wichitans can do nothing, unlike communities around Wichita such as Bel Aire, Kechi and Park City.
The effects of not recycling are costly: more trash to be transported, more than one trash/recycling company giving service in a neighborhood, and the extra traffic on our city streets (when we have been told that there isn't enough money to make some street repairs).
In my neighborhood alone, at least seven different companies pick up trash at 67 houses. One small cul-de-sac of five homes is served by three companies.
What can be done? I suggest that the trash companies, concerned citizens and city officials get together and work out a suitable solution, which probably would result in some sort of franchising, better recycling and more equitable pricing. Surely a community that wants to consider itself a good place to live would embrace such a solution.
KATHY PETR
Wichita
Poll no surprise
The Eagle reported (Nov. 12 WE Blog excerpts) the results of the latest Gallup poll showing the GOP leading Democrats in a hypothetical congressional election by 48 to 44 percent. This should surprise no one, because most political observers agree that it is much more difficult to actually govern than to campaign, and this almost always causes the party in power to lose some support as various constituencies become disappointed in the governing decisions made by new administrations.
I would suggest that what may surprise many politicians, however, is how this generic advantage may grow as the nation approaches the 2010 midterm elections. The "tea party" movement — and the compelling anger felt by many independents, as well as most Republicans, brought on by the liberal agenda of President Obama and his party — is not an "extreme element" of the electorate. It is just the normal reaction of conservatives and many people with moderate views who don't want to see the nation become more socialistic and who do not agree with higher taxes or less liberty, or with a federal government making more of our decisions for us.
These citizen activists are becoming more engaged every day, and their number is growing. The result may well be a GOP landslide in 2010.
JIM HIGHTOWER
Wichita
Need sex ed
I am a college student enjoying some of the best years of my life. I owe that in part to the comprehensive sex education I received early in my adolescence.
Hearing the facts and truth about sexual activity didn't encourage me to become sexually active; it made me confident in my ability to make smart, sensible choices that are right for me at various stages in my life.
Medically accurate, age-appropriate sex education gives teens the tools to make responsible decisions to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy, and to lead healthy, productive lives. Learning only about abstinence would not have prepared me for the real-world consequences of unsafe sexual practices. Our youths need to be educated in all aspects of healthy sexual practices.
EMILY R. BOYER
Kingman
