Print edition: 
Paul only sane person at debate
I watched a recent Republican debate. Out of eight candidates, apparently Ron Paul is the only sane person to be found. And out of an hour and a half, he only got about 90 seconds to speak.
Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich talk about launching covert attacks and economic sabotage of Iran, for no proven reason, but they accuse China of devious activity and demand that it “play by the rules.” Hypocrisy, anyone?
Also, torture is illegal by American and international law, and it’s against the Geneva Conventions. But Herman Cain, Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry all support torture on principle. Are these people seriously candidates for the presidency of America?
Have the Bush years and the Obama betrayal really taken such a toll on our conscience? Do we not know what is right or wrong anymore?
We’ve had more than 10 years of war. I think it’s time for peace to return, and I think we should demand it, loudly and proudly. And Paul is the man voicing those demands. We would do well to support him.
JESSE BRYANT
Galva
Didn’t boo soldier
“GOP challenges” (Nov. 2 Letters to the Editor) complained that GOP presidential candidates remained silent when audience members booed a gay soldier. But anyone who watched the debate or has heard an audio of it knows that when the soldier announced he was a gay soldier, there was no booing. If it were about being gay, that was the time they would have booed.
Instead, the booing occurred after he asked his question and was about the question he asked. People on stage could not have stepped up and corrected audience members for their reaction to a gay soldier, because they did not boo him.
This wrong perception about the booing was certainly fueled by news coverage of select parts of speeches made shortly after the debate by President Obama, whom many completely trust. These excerpts received more time than the debate itself.
Our local news media would do well to use the same kind of scrutiny with Obama and other politicians as they do with Gov. Sam Brownback. I do not think the media would have let Brownback get away with a statement that out of context, as well they should not.
CHARLES A. HEPFORD Jr.
Wichita
Fate of pedophiles
As of late, victims of pedophiles are coming forward to reveal the identity of the pedophiles. The general public has noticed this surge in pedophiles, especially in the Catholic Church. Jesus said in Matthew 18:6 that it would be better for those who offend one of these little ones that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea.
Can you believe the pope wants to be the judge and jury and decide how this should be handled? I believe God has already decided the fate of the pedophiles, and it’s not heaven.
AARON LODER
Wichita
Fluoride facts
At least I can trust my dentist about public health more than energy companies, which would not support energy-efficiency ideas until they were promised something to offset the profits they would lose. Energy companies are here to supply efficient, clean energy.
Public health should be the first concern.
Living in Wichita for the past 15 years, I’ve had more dental problems than I had the previous 40 years living in a community with fluoridation. If you are so paranoid about fluoride, look at the facts — nationally and internationally. Communities with fluoride are much healthier than those without.
KEVIN D. PLESS
Wichita
Trim trees
My family moved from out of state to Wichita in 1951. We have worked, bought property, paid taxes and enjoyed what Wichita has to offer and all the improvements that have taken place in this time.
But when we have relatives or friends come to visit us, we hold our breath as we drive west on Harry past Edgemoor across from L.W. Clapp Golf Course. We feel like the powers that be are capable of eliminating a potential hazard: tree limbs that could fall and cause harm.
I still take my chances, because we like Wichita and are proud of the improvements that have been made here. Kudos to all who made it happen.
V. LaFORCE
Wichita
Don’t miss lights
I had the distinct pleasure of being at the Botanica gala featuring the lights of Illuminations, which will be featured until New Year’s Eve. It was fabulous. Do not miss it. It’s an absolute delight for young and old alike. Wichita should be very proud.
CAROLYN GRIER
Wichita
