Print edition: 
Wind energy is an economic winner
An Oct. 17 letter to the editor suggested that federal subsidies for wind energy are not OK. However, qualifying renewable-energy projects, such as the $800 million BP wind project in Kansas, will provide clean jobs and clean energy for at least 20 years, and probably for decades beyond. The accelerated investment tax credit (subsidy) represents tax revenue that we wouldn't collect if there were no wind project.
When mining and polluting exhaust products and health issues are included, the hidden cost of coal-generated electricity is much greater than the 2 cents-per-kilowatt-hour production-tax credit that will be provided for the first 10 years of wind power.
We should congratulate the federal government for providing these incentives. We should urge our congressman and senators to renew the production tax credit indefinitely, and stop efforts to hamstring or kill the Environmental Protection Agency.
Wind energy is clean, sustainable and a prime Kansas natural resource. Every kilowatt of wind energy produces essentially zero pollution and conserves finite-supply fossil fuels. Wind energy can be used to recharge the new plug-in electric cars. This will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, reduce pollution and provide transportation at $1 per gallon of gasoline equivalent. The bottom line: Wind energy is a net economic and environmental winner.
BILL WENTZ
Valley Center
True colors
Columnist Leonard Pitts showed his true colors when he said GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain is "at odds with the skin he's in" (Oct. 17 Opinion) —those of a liberal columnist ready to use the race card against one of his own.
Pitts mischaracterized Cain's statements to build his point that "racism" (his word, not mine) is a factor that holds African-Americans back. Cain actually said, "I don't believe racism in this country today holds anybody back in a big way."
Is it a factor? Yes. Can it be overcome? Always, by those who choose to live above the inhibitors. We have rightly put national affirmative action programs in place to ensure that opportunity and fair treatment.
Pitts accused white conservatives of having the "cockamamie idea" that they are somehow the true victims of bigotry, and that they find support for the notion in "this Negro from Atlanta." I don't know if his accusation was backlash for his own bigotry, or if Pitts was simply employing a tool of the liberal press to distance Cain from other African-Americans.
But as a white conservative now in my 70s, I can tell you that one of the finest managers I had was an African-American woman. She was competent and fair and, like Cain, comfortable with the skin she's in.
BOB BYERS
Wichita
Need Gingrich
The American people and the GOP are ignoring the smartest person running for president: Newt Gingrich.
Gingrich knows the Congress frontward and backward. He knows what is wrong with the United States and has said what to do to correct it.
Some people say he has baggage. Is there anyone in Washington, D.C., who doesn't have baggage?
Get over it. We need to elect a person who can lead, who is knowledgeable, and who knows what to do. Gingrich also stands by the Constitution.
What we really need are term limits. Being a member of Congress is not meant to be a lifetime job. Elected officials were meant to go to Washington to work for the people, then go home and go to work. As is, they spend three-fourths of their time trying to get re-elected instead of doing what they were elected to do. It is time for this to change.
HELEN HARRIS
Wichita
Allow program
I fully support the dental practitioner program that Fort Hays State University wants to open (Oct. 13 Local & State). As a registered nurse, I see the need for action to help our uninsured and underinsured population in Kansas. There is a shortage of dentists, especially in rural communities, and this would at least provide a basic level of care for those individuals.
According to the Kansas Dental Project, 13 counties have no dentist at all. And for those Kansans who have Medicaid or HealthWave, finding a dentist in their area may be impossible.
Dental care is a basic need for individuals of all ages, and we must support the growth of the mid-level dental provider in Kansas. Please let your legislator know this bill must be passed.
JANE CRAWFORD
Newton
