Print edition: 
Taxpayer advocates aren't 'naysayers'
So now, anyone who objects to the massive public funding of incentives directed into the pockets of the same downtown development group is labeled a "naysayer" and against downtown development ("Say 'no' to naysayers," Oct. 9 Eagle Editorial)? As television host John Stossel would say, "Give me a break."
The people the Eagle editorial board labels as "naysayers" should more accurately be described as "yeasayers" when it comes to supporting privately driven and privately financed development projects in downtown Wichita and anywhere else in our city.
Perhaps a group of citizens that advocate for limited government and private enterprise should more appropriately and respectfully be referred to as limited-government advocates, private-enterprise advocates, taxpayer advocates, or simply as citizens exercising their rights, as free people, to petition their government.
I plan to sign and circulate the petition that allows Wichita voters to decide whether a portion of the hotel guest tax should be diverted to the pockets of the developers of the Douglas Place hotel project or kept in the public treasury. I believe many local citizens have become weary of the generous government-facilitated "stimulus" packages that have become the hallmark of downtown development.
Enough is enough.
JOHN TODD
Wichita
Teachers earn pay
I take my granddaughter to school each day and pick her up when the school day is complete. Each morning I am greeted on the sidewalk by no fewer than two teachers who do double duty watching the kids get off the buses and greeting the many parents. The principal is at the front door, smiling and giving a big "hello." In the hallway, which is full of students, noise and congestion, a few more teachers guide their students to the classroom.
It is such a joyful and happy experience, seeing all the teachers smiling at us, greeting us and holding the doors. My granddaughter's teacher is at the classroom door, always ready to discuss performance, answer any questions and, of course, say "good morning" to my granddaughter.
To a person, the staff and teachers bend over backwards to do their jobs, working extra for the Fun Nights, monitoring the lunchroom, keeping watch on the playground, sending home the class work, with comments, keeping the parents informed and, honestly and genuinely, more than earning their pay. If anyone is deserving of our respect, tax dollars and support, it is our teachers.
One would have to be blind not to see how out of focus our politicians are. Few of them are speaking up for the most important function of state government.
MICHAEL G. NICHOLS
Wichita
City overreach
Yet again our city leaders have directed a solution that the free market failed to provide, this time ostensibly to promote recycling ("Counsel passes trash plan that keeps current haulers," Oct. 13 Eagle). By doing so, they demonstrated superior reasoning than that of the voluntary relationship between consumers and seller.
I and many others enjoy going into a local restaurant without being engulfed in smoke, but we question government mandating a business owner to cater to our preferences. Sure, that directive was sold as a public health issue, but the risk addressed was one willingly accepted by most everyone involved.
A vibrant downtown is an objective we should all embrace. The tools being used distort the market. With mixed results, the residents of this city have been signed up in partnerships. Some investors collected incentives funded by taxpayers while their properties crumbled, local contractors got stiffed, and tenants fled. This would be less likely if it were dependent on private investment. The private sector is more careful with its money, as it can't compel the tax base to replenish it.
Whether you agree or disagree with the direction of our leaders, I encourage everyone to make note of what you think constitutes overreaching. For some, we have already crossed the line. For others, we continue marching toward it.
JASON KARBER
Wichita
Kobach proud?
Regarding "Immigrant students flee Alabama schools" (Oct. 1 Eagle): I am certain that Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is patting himself on his back for a job well-done. By his own admission, he wrote Alabama's tough immigration law on his laptop while sitting in a Kansas turkey blind.
I hope Kobach is extremely proud of what this law is doing to the immigrants in Alabama, especially the innocent schoolchildren. Of course, his story is that this law will not affect the status of the children. If that is the case, why is this law necessary?
The real reason for this law, as he knows, is to do exactly what it is doing. It puts fear into the hearts of these immigrants as to what will come next. Then they will be forced to move to another state, and pray that state will be more accepting of the good things they can bring.
DEL LOPEZ
Wichita
9-9-9 plan easy
The more I hear from GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain, the more I like his message. In particular, I like the 9-9-9 tax plan. It would switch our tax system to a 9 percent tax on income, 9 percent tax on consumption, and 9 percent tax on corporations.
It sounds much easier than our current tax codes. Is it fair? I would suggest leaving Social Security and Medicare taxes alone and removing the payroll tax cap on income.
Yep, Cain is making more and more sense as a viable candidate.
KERRY BAKER
Wichita
Wacko ideas
Are you kidding me? Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan would raise income taxes on the working poor from zero to 9 percent while lowering the income tax rate on the very wealthy from 35 percent to 9 percent. And this guy is the tea party front runner?
Perhaps we should just forget about the government and have everyone who makes less than $50,000 per year just give their money to the wealthiest few and save all the paperwork. In addition, Cain wants to eliminate payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare.
All I can say is: What in the world happened to the responsibility of the Republican Party, when wacko ideas like this are even allowed the light of day?
JIM GILES
Wichita
Paying way
When contributors write that senior citizens get a free ride with Medicare, it's clear there's a lot they don't know.
Combined, my husband and I paid into Social Security and then Medicare for more than 80 years of full-time employment. Last year, I completed chemotherapy for my second successful battle with breast cancer. After Medicare and the supplemental insurance paid, there was a balance of more than $11,000. I'm still paying it off.
Please, check the facts. We're old, but we're still holding our own and paying our way.
CONNE DILLON
Wichita
Flight an honor
I was on Honor Flight No. 17 for World War II veterans. We were told that on our return to Wichita we would be met by a group of citizens. After 16 previous flights, I thought interest may have lessened and we might see a few relatives. The crowd was awesome.
There was barely an aisle for us to walk through the terminal. We were also impressed by the number of young people in uniform who were there to assist us in departing the airplane. Frankly, a few tears were shed. Thanks to all who participated.
In Washington, D.C., former Sen. Bob Dole met us at the National World War II Memorial. He greeted everyone and posed as long as called upon.
Any World War II veterans who have not been on the trip should not hesitate to apply, even if they use a wheelchair. There are plenty of wheelchairs at each stop and personnel to assist you. Contact Central Prairie Honor Flights, 1946 16th St., Great Bend, KS 67530; or call 620-792-6224.
DEAN PRESSNALL
Wichita
