Print edition: 
Don't treat citizens as cash cows
I don't know about others, but I am getting tired of being considered a cash cow.
For example, a few years back we were told that we were using too much water and needed to conserve, so the city raised the rates. Then we were told that people were not using enough water, so it raised the rate again. Then it was that we need to replenish the Equus Beds Aquifer so we will have enough water. Now we have water but not enough delivery system to supply it.
What's next? Oh yes, all of these people who have alarm systems ("Wichita's higher fees for false alarms take effect," Aug. 29 Local & State). There are fines for people who have too many false alarms. These fines pay for the police to cover them, or do they? I have had an alarm system for about 19 years. In the first four or five years, I only had maybe three alarm calls, and none in the past 15 years. Now the city is going after those who have alarm systems installed by a company.
I am not a cash cow and live on Social Security plus a small retirement.
GEORGE BOBO
Wichita
Want to work
Regarding "Socialism is here" (Aug. 27 Letters to the Editor): Few people want to be unemployed. The vast majority want to work and are dismayed at the need to draw unemployment.
The productivity of American workers is second only to Ireland. The current pay for American labor has dropped to 17th in the world. This is being fueled by the greed of CEOs and stupidity of our elected officials who encourage outsourcing by giving tax breaks to corporations that use this vile practice. The productivity of American workers has little to do with these decisions.
Socialism? I give you the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." What we do to help the laid-off worker is a Christian duty.
DON LOGSDON
Douglass
Best candidate
Sedgwick County's 4th District voters will soon have the opportunity to elect a woman to the Sedgwick County Commission who is caring, compassionate and dedicated to serving citizens.
The past eight years, Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita, has demonstrated effectiveness as a legislator in the Kansas House and Senate. In my opinion, she is the best 4th District candidate voters can elect to work on their behalf. She will bring to the job every day her compassion for people and her dedication to work on behalf of taxpayers.
Faust-Goudeau is a strong advocate for ordinary citizens and families. That is why she is willing to give up her Senate position and work here on local issues and concerns. Voters and taxpayers of the 4th District need Faust-Goudeau to work for them on the commission.
PRENTICE LEWIS
Wichita
GOP blockage
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., made a misstatement in the article "Arlen Specter has no regrets" (Aug. 25 Local & State). He stated that when George W. Bush was president, Democrats filibustered all his judicial nominations. Democrats confirmed the vast majority of Bush judicial nominations and only filibustered a few of those with serious ethical and other problems.
For example, Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., recently explained how "during the first Congress of the Bush administration, the Democratic majority confirmed 100 district and circuit court nominations."
In contrast, Senate Republicans continue unprecedented across-the-board blockages, regardless of the merits, of judicial nominees. They will not allow the Senate to vote on more than 20 judicial nominees who were approved in committee, including many endorsed without dissent months ago. Federal judicial vacancies have risen to more than 100.
GLENN SUGAMELI
Staff attorney
Judging the Environment
Washington, D.C.
Crass comment
I was shocked to read about the comments by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., to the Wichita Rotary Club regarding the disaster in the Gulf ("Roberts: U.S. regulators too powerful," Aug. 17 Eagle).
Roberts acknowledged that it will take years to resolve the effects of the oil spill on the shrimp and fish industry. But his suggestion that they "eat beef" was not "witty," as the article suggested. It was crass, insensitive and grossly ignorant.
The problems the people of the Gulf Coast are facing do not involve what they plan to have for dinner. Their livelihoods have been destroyed. There are no other job opportunities. They owe money on boats, equipment and buildings used in their businesses, as well as their homes. They may receive some compensation from BP, but I would wager that it won't come near their loss.
I would expect a great deal more from our elected representatives, especially those with the power and influence of Roberts, than to make such a frivolous comment.
STARLA CUNNINGHAM
Wichita
Sea of chrome
This is a note of gratitude to all who made the BlackTop Nationals car show what it became, especially founders Rick Nuckolls and Frank Upton.
As I looked down Douglas mid-afternoon Saturday, from Main to McLean, all I could see was shining chrome and smiling spectators. Having put on some small local shows, I fully respect the blood, sweat and tears that had to go in to making this happen.
The Ford Motor Co. and Midwest Ford dealers also are to be applauded, along with many other sponsors.
Thank you for making Wichita shine as brightly as any city anywhere.
DAN GENTRY
Andover
