Print edition: 
Can't condone cuts to the needy
David Wilson's commentary, "Cutting entitlements would increase poverty" (Oct. 16 Opinion), made what is an obvious connection for the many Kansans who depend on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security funds to help them make ends meet — a connection that somehow eludes officials in Washington, D.C.
In an already devastated economy, I cannot condone taking money from those who most need it for survival — the old, young, disabled and down on their luck of this nation. To ask people to invest into these programs out of every paycheck their entire working lives and then leave them to foot the bill on their own when they are no longer able to work just doesn't sit well with me.
As a registered nurse, I am fully aware of the skyrocketing costs of health care, the number of my patients who aren't working and those without access to health insurance. I can see the concern in my patients' faces as they contemplate the dollars and cents that accompany a procedure they need to have.
Saving these programs is cost-effective in that it keeps millions out of poverty and out of emergency rooms.
REBECCA BOBBITT
Wellington
Punishing children
Regarding "Funding cut hurts effort to reduce infant mortality" (Oct. 19 WE Blog excerpts): I would like to add that Medicaid reforms possibly will hurt many children who receive help.
The Kansas Health Institute News Service reported that new rules will be instituted by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services beginning in January aimed at helping low-income individuals find employment and get off welfare, while at the same time fighting fraud. The new rules will include a ban on SRS recipients using their cash assistance to purchase tobacco, alcohol and lottery tickets. There also will be penalties to mothers who refuse to assist SRS with collecting child support from the fathers of their children.
In August, Kansas supported 37,200 individuals through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; 71 percent of these were children. Out of the state's 305,600 food-stamp recipients, 46 percent were children.
The new policies will affect low-income families' access to food stamps, cash assistance and child care provided by SRS. How long will children be punished for something they have no control over?
CHERRI GETTIS
Wichita
Not enough
Congratulations to the Wichita City Council for finally making changes to our city trash system (Oct. 12 Eagle). However, these changes are not enough.
Too many people complained when City Manager Robert Layton tried to improve our trash system, saying that the government should "stay out of our trash." What they fail to remember is that one of the purposes of government is to provide services to the general public, such as police and fire protection, street lights, paved roads and, yes, trash collection.
I have talked to numerous people living across the country. All have mandatory trash and recycling provided by the city with one set fee paid by all. It is efficient and environmentally friendly.
Wichita needs to wake up and quit whining about government actually doing a job that it is supposed to do — provide trash service.
ERIN HARRIS
Wichita
Credit symphony
With this month having seen Music Theatre of Wichita's 40th-anniversary gala and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra's superb season-opening concerts, it is appropriate to credit the symphony's critical role in Music Theatre's original business and artistic organization, professional civic-educational structure and successful founding — with community and regional involvement, audience-participant ownership and civic pride.
Both the symphony and Music Theatre have broad missions at very affordable ticket prices, yet also nationally recognized reputations that compare favorably to their counterparts in other American cities.
As Music Theatre's founder and first producing director, I personally know and vividly remember how instrumental and supportive the Wichita Symphony was to Music Theatre's concept and successful business and artistic strategy from 1970 through the critical early years. During the decisive first season, much of Music Theatre's credibility and music quality came from the full symphony's performances in the Viennese waltz gala, Disney family concert and Rodgers and Hammerstein concert.
My point is to acknowledge and thank the Wichita Symphony's instrumentalists, administrators and wise, generous board members and patrons for the key development example and support the symphony has been and remains to Music Theatre's organization and ongoing success. In a very real way, Music Theatre owes its existence and 40-year record of live productions to the symphony's example and participation.
JIM MILLER
Wichita
Weasel words
Why has the word "problem" been demonized and replaced by the vapid word "issues"? When I hear "I have issues," I think someone is referring to magazines or a point of debate.
What if Apollo 13 had radioed, "Houston, we have issues"? It sounds like the latte machine just shorted out. The word "problem" just packs more punch.
As our lives become more uncertain and desperate, the words used to describe the ensuing chaos have become increasingly banal. This obfuscation of our language is a product of corporate jargon created to confuse the plebs into acquiescence.
Employees have been objectified into "human capital." Job loss is "redundant overhead" that has been "rostered off." Robber barons are now called "job-makers."
I say we strip our language of this weasel wordplay. Washington, D.C., we have a problem.
MARY WEHRHEIM
Wichita
Clinging to beliefs
The opposing opinions in The Eagle indicate that we cling tightly (and bitterly) to our strong beliefs, even if there is proof available to undermine our comfortable beliefs.
Research has shown that our beliefs are tied to our loyalties to ideas and causes. Emotional ties predict what we are willing to believe. When facts contradict our beliefs, we unconsciously deny the facts or we selectively filter out facts that are contrary to our view — especially apparent today in our religious, social and political views.
In the past, many people comfortably believed the world was flat, the Earth was the center of the universe, slavery was legal, bloodletting was good medicine, epilepsy was caused by the devil, etc. Strong scientific research and the spread of education caused people to give up many beliefs, as they eventually became comfortable with undeniable scientific research.
Today I wonder what beliefs many of us cling to eventually will be unemotionally discarded.
PHYLLIS STANLEY
Augusta
Protest Sam
I am an 89-year-old Republican. But I will never vote Republican again.
So far I have seen nothing done by our governor that is acceptable. There was the Kansas Arts Commission debacle. He also put an area great for wind development out of reach.
We recently learned that his cohorts were cutting 14 percent in aid for senior citizens who live in assisted-living establishments. This could force many seniors into nursing homes.
I suggest we begin a "Protest Sam" movement as soon as possible. I can't walk and carry a sign, but call me anyway. I will find some way to support that effort. It seems as if protests are the only way to get attention to a problem. And we have one.
TINA C. GILBERT
Wichita
Support library
I noticed a small item in the Oct. 23 Eagle about the Nov. 2 auction and Nov. 3-5 book sale to benefit the Wichita Public Library at the Central Library. What a great way to support our local library system. Libraries are important to the community. Libraries provide a variety of books, periodicals, music, films, access to limited resources and so much more.
My family and I always look forward to the Wichita Public Library sale. You never know what treasures you will find there, and nothing beats a good book.
ARIANNA DE JONG
Wichita
