Letters on public health, Brownback, Trump
Make public health a priority
It happens every day. Public health workers protect the health of people and the communities where we live, learn, work and play.
Improving access to vaccines, planning for public health emergencies, preventing infectious disease and lead poisoning, and working to ensure easy access to healthy food and physical activity contribute to better health for us all.
But public health needs strong investments to continue to protect our health and well-being. Unfortunately, the progress we’ve made is at risk. We have been on a path of disinvestment and unstable funding for proven public health programs.
The recent primary elections demonstrate that Kansans prefer commonsense investments in public services over fiscal austerity that weakens our communities and our state. Thankfully, some of our elected leaders are listening (Aug. 11 Eagle).
Adequately funding our public health system is critical to protecting Kansans’ health every day. The future of our state’s health depends on a strong and properly equipped public health system at the state and local levels.
It’s time that health is made a priority in our state and our communities. For Kansas’ elected officials, the message is clear: Your commitment to investing in public health is fundamental to our pursuit of stronger, healthier communities.
Shirley Orr, Wichita
Brownback strategy
Couple the recent articles about college graduates leaving the state with articles about cuts to Kansas education and we begin to understand Gov. Sam Brownback’s strategy. Because all these college-educated Kansans are leaving, why are we paying to produce them for other states?
His view seems to be that the majority of Kansans don’t need too much education, health care, a good job with a decent wage, or a clean environment. It would be so much easier if everyone would just do exactly what they’re told and not ask silly questions. If people would just do as they’re told, we could do away with these foolish elections every few years and be grateful for the things God and Brownback give us.
We certainly don’t need a middle class. A grunt labor class and a privileged class seem just fine for Brownback and his buddies. If those in the lower class know what’s good for them and want to eat, they’ll keep their heads down and their mouths shut.
Larry Sizemore, Douglass
Hit with hammer
Our governor reminds me of the guy I asked: “Why do you keep hitting yourself on your head with a hammer?”
He replied, “Because it feels good when I stop.”
Dale Rohrback, Valley Center
Better back Trump
People had better put on their thinking heads and see through what Hillary Clinton is spewing. She is a proven liar, and problems with her e-mails are still looming over her.
She is defending President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Aetna has withdrawn from Obamacare in 11 states. It is too expensive. The premiums are sky high. Why do people like this?
I absolutely believe that Donald Trump, no matter what anyone may think of him, will lift this country up off its knees. Voters gave Obama a chance, and he totally blew it. Why not give someone a chance who does not have a vendetta against the United States?
The Republicans are trying to get rid of Trump because he will mess up the little thing they have going on in Washington, D.C. The Republicans have done nothing since they swept the elections in 2012.
If you’re comfortable with the idea of tens of thousands of Syrian refugees moving in on us, then vote for Clinton. She is going to open the floodgates to all kinds of people who no one knows anything about, or know what they’re up to.
We must have someone who is going to protect us and our homeland. Clinton isn’t the one. Give Trump a chance.
Roxie DeLong, Derby
Trump payback
For decades, Republicans/conservatives have claimed Democrats vote the party line, trying desperately to parallel us with communists. Meanwhile, they claim they “vote for the person not the party.” For those same decades, the right has tried its best to demonize Democrats as unpatriotic, immoral, indoctrinated heathen lemmings who vote for our party because we can’t think for ourselves.
Democrats’ vehement arguments that, in fact, it is Republicans who fill these traits fell on condescending deaf ears. Now along comes Donald Trump, definitely proving our point.
Trump is the embodiment of the kind of candidate the right have been clamoring for – someone who will tell it like it is, stand up to the liberal media and godless liberals, never apologize and, most importantly, not only not be politically correct but would go out of his way to be politically incorrect.
Trump is personification of the Republican Party’s true values. The nation has seen what a “real” Republican is, and we are nauseated by it.
Regardless of the what he says or does in business or his personal life – including implying that a president be assassinated, cheating small businesses into bankruptcy or having multiple marriages – Republicans will not leave his side, holding the party above the country. Democrats will not let them nor the voters forget it anytime soon.
You know what they say about payback, and we are enjoying it.
J. Duncan, Wichita
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This story was originally published August 19, 2016 at 5:03 AM with the headline "Letters on public health, Brownback, Trump."