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Disconnect between theology, actions
One criterion we rarely see employed by our political representatives as they decide how our tax dollars ought to be used is who deserves the benefits, or the polar opposite of who ought to be denied these benefits.
For those who claim to be Christian, this should be simple – decide on the basis of what Jesus would have them support. Surely, when there is a disconnect between a representative’s theology regarding who is deserving and a vote about who ought to be denied an advantage presented by a tax increase, the representative will experience real dissonance (guilt?).
Examples I think of are Gov. Sam Brownback’s very public declaration of Christian faith, contrasted with his policies that deny public schoolchildren excellence in opportunity via education funding and that attempt to block federal health care reform. His alignment with the “no-tax-increases-under-any-circumstances” ideology protects those who are extremely wealthy.
I just can’t imagine my Christian God concluding that those who have plenty should be deserving and those who will benefit by sound schooling or those who are hurting should just “suck it up.”
My sincere wish for our governor this new year is that he reconsider his political actions and aspirations with reference to his theology and this basic criterion: Who among us deserve, and who deserve to be denied?
JOHN H. WILSON
Wichita
Care for dogs
A letter from Caryn Wood, board member of GREY2K USA, about greyhound racing was full of the misinformation and hyperbole for which that organization is famous (“Dogs are pawns,” Jan. 3 Letters to the Editor).
Almost 95 percent of all racing greyhounds are either adopted or returned to the farm when they retire. Between reduced breeding and increasing success with adoption programs, we hope to achieve the goal of 100 percent placement of all greyhounds suitable for adoption in the near future.
Wood distorted the facts on greyhound care as well. Racing greyhounds are among the best-cared-for animals in the world, because they must receive excellent care in order to perform at their best on the track. On the rare occasions when industry members fail in their obligation for responsible greyhound care, the penalties are harsh and long term. People who violate animal-care standards are banned from the sport for life, and others prohibited from doing business with them. That’s because we take greyhound welfare very seriously.
GARY GUCCIONE
Communications coordinator
American Greyhound Council
Abilene
Top 1 percent
I have a wonderful, loving wife. I have a house full of beautiful and healthy children. We have a roof over our heads and food on our table. I consider myself in the top 1 percent.
DAVID GREBENIK
Wichita
