Print edition: 
Center takes step to solve problems
As I read The Wichita Eagle on Oct. 17, I was struck by the levels of difficulty of the many problems we face as a state and nation. I was troubled about how we might deal effectively with these issues.
The first article I read quoted the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. saying the nation had "lost its soul." Then I read about the Occupy Wall Street group, whose goal appears to be to reduce the gap that divides the haves and the have-nots of society. I also read the article about continuing issues facing the gays and lesbians in our military.
At the point when I felt some of these situations would be extremely difficult to resolve within a reasonable time, I came across the article describing an initiative of the Kansas Leadership Center. It seems to offer a beginning step toward solving some of our social problems. Without any bias, the center is offering to train up to 400 people in an organization to help "quickly move the needle on a tough issue" by investing in leadership development.
I applaud the Kansas Leadership Center for its efforts to offer potential solutions to some of our problems, and wish it well in its bold move to benefit Kansas and the nation.
GUS CAMPUZANO
Wichita
Boorish debates
After watching portions of Tuesday night's GOP presidential debate from Las Vegas, I am thoroughly convinced that future debates should have candidates alone in soundproof rooms, where they would hear only the question directed at them, with no distractions or political theater with other candidates.
Some people have called the debate a school-yard brawl, with Mitt Romney and Rick Perry touching each other. I found both of them obnoxious.
CNN's Anderson Cooper did a poor job as "moderator." He lost control, the candidates strayed off topic, and the American voter came up short.
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas had true debates with vigorous discourse, but they also had the civility to show respect without turning their performance into a pixie dance. We need candidates with enough fortitude to utter genuine platform convictions. We need fire and brimstone, but we definitely don't need a smoke-and-mirrors show.
Thus far the "debates" haven't showcased deliberative, constructive thought but, sadly, have revealed many candidates' boorish behavior and clueless campaign strategies.
JAMES A. MARPLES
Esbon
Debater in chief
The Las Vegas Republican debate did little more than enhance President Obama's candidacy. This is not the fault of any of the Republican candidates. It is the result of the corruption of the political process by the popularity of television's entertainment appeal.
We are not electing a "debater in chief"; we are electing a commander in chief. The best candidate may well be a poor debater. If so, he or she will be wiped out by the television audience, to the detriment of the democratic process and the well-being of "we the people."
We need candidates who are willing to enter the debates, but who then announce that they will use their time to explain their policies rather than enter into a high school debate forum.
GERALD H. PASKE
Wichita
Right side of history
An Oct. 18 Opinion Line comment bothered me. The person's son had returned from New York City, where "reality" wasn't being reported by the media. "These people ask for handouts, destroy property and don't use trash cans. And they stink," the comment said.
I am white and my mother grew up in Selma, Ala. She was 18 when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. led the march from Selma to Montgomery. So I have a perspective that covers not only the civil rights movement's point of view, but that of the locals in Alabama as well.
Whites, racist or not, never viewed the protests as a popular uprising because it mostly wasn't local blacks protesting. Most local black people were too afraid, because after the protests were over they were still going to have to live in these communities. During the staging for the march in Selma, whites would say, "Look at all these Northerners coming to our town, camping and going to the bathroom and fornicating in the park. And they stink. Why don't they show that on TV?"
I'm sorry that the Opinion Line contributor is put off by the fact that the revolution can't be staged from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. That doesn't mean these protesters are on the wrong side of history.
BO RHILEY
Wichita
Won't make it
You say you want a revolution? I have yet to hear any of the Occupy Wall Street protesters speak of personal responsibility.
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao, you ain't going to make it with anybody anyhow.
GARY BROWN
Raymond
Gift of history
I wonder how many others are like me and look forward each morning to reading the answer to the previous day's Kansas history trivia question. Sometimes I even get it right.
What an outstanding job Eagle reporter Beccy Tanner has done researching and digging up these old bits of history. What a treat it has been to read all the great stories about how our great state was born and what makes us such a strong people today.
Thank you, Beccy Tanner, and thank you to The Eagle for giving us this gift of history.
JUDY YOUNG
Wichita
