Print edition: 
How could terrorist remain in Army?
I am very saddened that our military, FBI and perhaps others dropped the ball on the terrorist stationed at Fort Hood.
How could the alleged shooter, who was being investigated as suspicious and sympathetic toward suicide bombers, be allowed to remain in the service?
We have had thousands of fine soldiers discharged from service because of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
There is something very, very wrong here.
I am praying for the victims' families. My Lord also wants me to pray for the suspect. This is hard, but the Lord is forgiving so I must be, too.
DEANNA McLENEGAN
Wichita
Rich whites rule
Yes, there are minority athletes and entertainers who have become famous and rich ("Racial rot," Nov. 14 Letters to the Editor). But are they controlling/hiring lobbyists to influence politicians and legislation? I don't think so.
The "rich white men" who run this country are behind the scenes. They are the CEOs, the ones who sit on the boards of directors, those who are the real movers and shakers pushing for the industries that pay them millions of dollars — at pharmaceutical companies, oil companies, and the banking and investment companies controlling Wall Street.
Two minority judges and a handful of successful entertainers do not have an army of lobbyists wining and dining our elected officials for benefit and profit of corporations at the expense of the middle class and poor. A few politicians from Hawaii hardly are representative of the millions in this country who belong to a minority or are of a mixed heritage.
ROSEMARIE BASS
Wichita
Naive 'facts'
I loved the editorial using the word "fearmongering" in its headline ("Kansans fearmongering on reform," Nov. 18 Eagle Editorial). I also loved how the editorial defended its position using statements from "fact- checking" organizations. Curiously, the editorial failed to back its perspective using actual language from the health care bill itself. My guess is that, like most politicians, the members of the editorial board have not actually read the bill.
Given that we love throwing around terms such as "fearmongering," I'm going to coin a new term, "naivemongering."
The editorial cited PolitiFact.com's conclusion that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the House reform plan "is in the black through 2014, dips briefly into the red in 2015 and 2016, and then pays for itself again in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Over 10 years, the bill reduces the deficit by $104 billion."
Yeah, it's going to reduce the deficit.
DAL ASTLE
Wichita
Childish behavior
I, too, get a stack of unsolicited junk mail in response to my letters to the editor any time my political view disagrees with a conservative perspective ("Cowardly response," Nov. 16 Letters to the Editor). Each letter is addressed to false names such as Larry Limbaugh or Sarah Stephenson. I return them all, unopened, at the expense and time of the U.S. Postal Service. Occasionally, I will get an unsolicited sales call for "Barack." How clever. It would almost be funny if it did not waste so many people's time and efforts.
Not only is this person a coward to do this anonymously, but he or she must not have much of a personal life. I wonder who has the time to waste filling out coupons and sending so many anonymous subscriptions and junk mail. This type of childish behavior is a sad commentary for someone without the political resolve to use his or her own name.
LARRY STEPHENSON
Andover
Heartfelt thanks
I would like to say "thank you" to some mostly anonymous people. Recently, my dog was hit by a car near 21st and Webb. I was distraught and not thinking clearly, but several people were extremely helpful.
Thanks to the young couple who not only lent me their cell phone but dialed the number when I was too upset. Thanks to the many people who helped me load Sadie into the back of a truck so that she could be taken to the emergency vet.
An extremely heartfelt thanks to the man I only know as Ken who took time out of his day to drive us to the vet and made sure I got Sadie's leash before he left. I wish I had thought to offer him at least some gas money.
Finally, thanks to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic staff members, who reacted as if my dog could be saved even when they almost certainly could tell that she was beyond help.
SHERYL LeSAGE
Wichita
Came to aid
I want to thank the people who helped me when I suddenly came down with a debilitating headache during a walk around Eagle Lake. They include the couple who called 911 when they saw me fall to the ground and who brought out a blanket for me. Then there was Anne, another walker, who stopped and called my husband to let him know what had happened; she called again when the Emergency Medical Service workers arrived so they could talk to him, as he couldn't make it out because of his multiple sclerosis.
I could not tell you all at the time, but I want everyone to know that I really appreciate their help and concern.
JULIE HEJTMANEK
Bel Aire
