Print edition: 
Strident opposition was astonishing
As a former Wichitan, I read with astonishment the Wichita Ministerial League's strident opposition to the proposed Lord's Diner satellite location at 21st and Grove ("NE Lord's Diner site faces vocal opposition," Nov. 13 Local & State).
I sympathize with the area's residents who are concerned about the potential impact on their neighborhood. No one wants to see crime increase and property values drop. However, for a group of ministers to offer such a scathing rebuke is truly astounding. It seems that expressing their concerns and discussing possible preventive measures — such as coordination with the Wichita Police Department substation less than a mile away, or forming an advisory board of neighborhood residents — might have been a more reasonable response.
I remember vividly being disgusted by similar objections to the 21st Street revitalization project years ago. Many of those comments were based on prejudice and racism, and were just as abhorrent and offensive as those expressed by the ministers quoted in The Eagle.
The need for the kind of service and generosity provided by the Lord's Diner is increasing, as illustrated by the numbers of people who lined up to receive Thanksgiving dinners from Bread of Life ("Locally, hunger growing," Nov. 18 Eagle).
TODD CATON
Overland Park
Circus trials
The decision to try some of the Muslim terrorists involved in the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City, instead of a military courtroom, is more than outrageous. One can only imagine the grave harm this will do to America. It will create circus trials, not legitimate examinations of the actual dastardly crimes. It's unconscionable that the terrorists' crimes — which constituted the greatest, most devastating attack in American history — could come to this. It's also a dangerous and irresponsible decision.
These so-called trials will take decades and cost multimillions of dollars. In the meantime, the terrorists of the world will laugh and applaud the sanctimonious words of these men.
MARABETH JOURNAGAN
Wichita
Global melting
The debate about global warming isn't about whether the ice caps are melting. It is about whether man has had a direct, measurable role in causing it.
The ice caps have been melting for thousands of years. It's happening faster because there is less to melt. We didn't start it, and we won't stop it. So how will man adapt to his world? By carbon taxes, I guess. That'll really help someone's pockets.
Do I believe in global warming? No, not because of man's involvement. Do I believe in global melting? Absolutely.
ROBERT GILLETT
Wichita
Won't help women
Columnist Trudy Rubin thinks we should escalate in Afghanistan ("Rights still at risk," Nov. 15 Opinion). She always supports whatever the generals say, so why does The Eagle keep publishing her to say the same conventional wisdom over and over?
It is the presence of foreign troops that increases support for the Taliban. So spare me the rationalizations for continuing the occupation. If Rubin really wanted to help the women of Afghanistan, she would not support doing the one thing guaranteed to legitimize the Taliban.
LAURA TILLEM
Wichita
