Print edition: 
Will U.S. be any more successful?
Far be it from me to advise the president and his wise consultants, but I hope they understand the nature of the area of the world they are trying to "assist." If they hope to "subdue" Afghanistan, they are not in uncharted territory.
According to my online information, the "country" has been invaded and occupied since 300 B.C. by Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Huns, Genghis Khan, the Persians, the British (twice), the Russians (twice) and, finally, the Americans. In none of these occupations were the people "governed" by the occupiers.
What I don't know is: Has Afghanistan ever governed itself by having one central government? Or has it always been a government in Kabul and the surrounding area, with outlying regions governed by tribal chiefs and warlords?
If the Afghan government is unable or unwilling to govern, we will be no more successful than Alexander, the Romans, the Persians, the Russians and the rest.
JACK OTTO
Wichita
Be realistic
I am a young professional from out of town in Wichita on business, and I was glad to see the article about making Wichita more "walkable" (Nov. 25 Eagle). My impression is that Wichita would be a good place to have a family and a stable place to live. Period.
My first few days in town, I searched for an urban neighborhood to stroll in after work — somewhere I could explore shops, get a coffee, meander through a park, admire architecture. No luck. So I got a couple of books and movies and holed up in my hotel room.
A couple of suggestions for the 20-year downtown revitalization plan: Don't increase the list of museums ad nauseam, and don't strive be like New York City or San Francisco, which is completely unrealistic. Look for inspiration to Minneapolis, Minn.; Madison, Wis.; or Iowa City, Iowa.
JOE RICHARDS
Minneapolis, Minn.
Exempt from cuts
Our state is considering furloughing members of the state court system because of budget shortfalls ("Kansas courts gird for budget cut," Nov. 27 Eagle). Note, however, that because of arcane state laws, the most highly paid members of the system, the judges, are exempted from the loss of income.
Maybe it is time for the taxpayers of this state to ask why it is that cuts due to budget shortfalls never seem to affect employees being paid the highest wages. Think about it.
LARRY T. ROMINE
Wichita
Palin accomplished
Regarding the Nov. 26 Student Views about former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: If Palin's abilities were no greater than the Wichita State University student suggested, she would have found it to be very difficult to become dog catcher in a state of such self-reliant people as Alaska. There are very few state governors who have done a better job of looking out for the interests of the citizens of their states. Palin's accomplishments are far more impressive than those of former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
ROSS D. RASH
Winfield
Against teachings
The writer of "Communion should not be a weapon" (Nov. 24 Letters to the Editor) clearly understands very little about Roman Catholic doctrine pertaining to communion, among other parts of the faith.
As you may know, the Catholic Church is obstinately opposed to any form of abortion. Because of this, the Catholic Church has opposed and will continue to oppose any pro-choice legislation, including the proposed health care bill. This is also why Bishop Thomas Tobin advised Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., not to receive communion. Because Kennedy is Catholic yet is openly pro-choice, he is committing heresy. Because he is not in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church, he should not receive communion.
The letter writer's comment that the bread "symbolizes Christ's body" was completely wrong. The Catholic Church teaches that the bread and wine on the altar are transfigured into the true body and blood of Jesus Christ.
The host is not withheld from Kennedy in anger. He publicly goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church and therefore should not receive communion.
AARON WOLF
Bel Aire
