Print edition: 
Coleman layoffs showed distrust
The article about Coleman employee terminations showed how much trust has deteriorated in the corporate world (“Workers detail Coleman layoffs,” Dec. 6 Business Today). When notifying some of the employees of imminent termination, Coleman escorted them out the door. They had to make appointments to return to gather personal belongings.
If the executives of Coleman would do this, they must have a high level of distrust in their own lives.
I would suggest that the move of some jobs to Denver is all about a few top executives wanting to live close to the mountains — another case of the rich getting richer and having their own way at the expense of other families. And, no, I am not a Democrat.
How sad to see the history of this company come down to such a tragic ending.
STAN LAWRENCE
Andover
Iraq emotions
“As Iraq War ends, U.S. faces its legacy” (Nov. 27 Eagle) emphasized a very poignant truth. As this tragic war ends, many will suffer disturbing mixed emotions. Those who’ve lost a loved one in Iraq will first feel great relief and thanksgiving that no more young people will return in flag-draped caskets. But there also may be a painful cry: Why didn’t this end come sooner? Why couldn’t their beloved warrior have walked off the transport?
When people recognize that this war was chosen, unnecessary and immoral, and that it accomplished nothing, betrayal and perhaps rage will become part of the emotional mix. Our young people were sent to war based upon fabricated claims of enemy superweapons.
Nine-term Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., declared that his vote in support of the war was a sin. He, too, was manipulated into war. He has asked forgiveness from many grieving families.
It would seem that George W. Bush and his minions could at least relieve some of the grief by honestly accepting their responsibility for such carnage and asking forgiveness from the families of the fallen. Such contrition, repentance and confession might be the beginning of healing for the many who continue to lament and grieve.
BOB LAYNE
McPherson
In danger
The concentration of special-interest groups in America puts in danger our form of government, which is a government of the people.
However, if our citizens are so lazy and so preoccupied that they sense no loss of their freedoms, there is very little I can say, or write, that will change our course of movement as a nation.
When I listen to the Republican candidates for president, I see one, maybe two, who show some judgment and could be our president. I hope, as a Democrat, that the GOP chooses a good candidate. He might win.
ROBERT M. GREEN
El Dorado
Intrust Opry
The Orpheum Theatre has shown the ability to bring diverse acts and musical groups to Wichita. In my opinion, Intrust Bank Arena has failed to do this. It mainly seems to bring country groups to Wichita — so much so that it should be nicknamed the Grand Ole Opry 2. I hope arena officials know that country music is not the only kind of music and entertainment Wichitans like.
REGINALD S. NULAN
Wichita
Struggle continues
At this season of the year, I reflect on a happening at a Christmas dinner in 1953 at Friends Boys School in the nation of Jordan, now called the West Bank. I was serving as a teacher there, and the headmaster asked me to lead in the singing of Christmas carols.
Everything went along fine with singing “Silent Night.” The second carol sung, “The First Noel,” was booed upon the singing of “born is the King of Israel.”
The word “Israel,” as a nation, was never said aloud in school and in society. Now it is said freely to identify a region.
Palestinian Arabs believe Israel was established on their land by the Western nations, causing many refugees and a people without a nation. Being a refugee is indeed a very unfortunate situation, with loss of property and all other necessities.
The strife and struggle continue with no end in sight between the Palestinian Arabs and Israel. It appears that each side wants all of the land formerly named Palestine.
MARLOW EDIGER
North Newton
Inspiring concert
Anticipating the Candlelight Christmas Concerts at Friends University is very much a part of my Advent season. The diversity of the traditional and nontraditional fare at last weekend’s performances was both heartwarming and inspirational.
I especially enjoyed “What Child Is This” and “There Is No Rose.” My favorite carol was “O Holy Night,” sung by a young man with a truly beautiful voice.
Thank you, young people, for giving those in attendance an evening of pleasure. Friends University is fortunate to have students of this caliber, and the students are fortunate to attend a school such as Friends.
KATHERINE M. PAVLICK
Wichita
