Opinion > Letters to the Editor

Posted on Tue, Oct. 27, 2009

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Letters to the editor on Afghanistan decision, Limbaugh, Obama dog party, Morningstar, annoying servers

Obama needs to decide on war

President Obama has brought the war in Afghanistan to somewhat of a standstill while trying to decide if he should send more troops or withdraw our forces altogether. Before making the call, however, he says he needs to get his strategy right first.

Strategy is a developmental and ongoing process, and it likely will change depending on events in the near future. It is not wise to completely stop and reconfigure the plan. For all we know, our enemies could be waiting for us to back out and let our guard down. This is why it is imperative that Obama make his decision quickly.

On a similar note, it would help if the commander in chief would be a little more trusting of his top military leaders who are actually doing the fighting. As retired Army Lt. Col. James Carafano said, "You can't fight a war from Washington, D.C. There's only one way this works: You have trust and confidence in the leaders on the ground, or you don't."

RACHAEL E. ROOD

Wichita

Funny stuff

I recently read the most humorous letter I have ever seen. The writer blamed the hypocrites of America for talk-show host Rush Limbaugh's failure to become an NFL owner ("Limbaugh's truth," Oct. 23 Letters to the Editor). Funny stuff, given that Limbaugh is the biggest hypocritical windbag of our generation.

The primary example of his hypocrisy is Limbaugh's longtime banter about how drug addicts deserve nothing short of being disposed of in society, all the while he was using and abusing powerful drugs illegally. Here's one such statement:

"Too many whites are getting away with drug use. Too many whites are getting away with drug sales. Too many whites are getting away with trafficking in this stuff. The answer to this disparity is not to start letting people out of jail because we're not putting others in jail who are breaking the law. The answer is to go out and find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them and send them up the river, too."

There are several more cases, but as with the rest of the extreme right-wing nuts, Limbaugh fans only hear what they want to hear, which is usually misrepresented information with the sole intent of spreading hate and discontent with anything other than his agenda.

JEFF MYERS

Wichita

Wrong priorities

Regarding "First lady has inside scoop" (Oct. 25 People in the News): Does anyone really care that the Obamas gave their dog his first birthday party in the Rose Garden? Does anyone think having party hats was just a little ridiculous? Does anyone think it was obscene that the Obamas' dog had a cake made out of veal shaped like a doghouse? I imagine that hungry children would like to have veal for their meals.

I think that the Obamas need to get their priorities in order, such as by sending troops to Afghanistan to help the troops we have there instead of having a birthday party for a dog.

SUE PERRY

Wichita

No free ride

Though I was dismayed that drunken-driving charges against University of Kansas basketball player Brady Morningstar were dismissed as part of a diversion agreement, it didn't surprise me. In fact, most college students get off or receive a slap on the wrists for such behavior. I'm not condoning such actions. But if one would search today's court records, you would find that nearly all college students brought before a judge on DUI charges get warnings or light sentences.

The reason Morningstar made the headlines is because he plays for KU and that makes news. I'm sure if my son who graduated from KU were picked up on a DUI charge, you wouldn't hear anything about it. Only if he were involved in an accident that badly hurt or killed someone would it make the news.

So before we go off on college athletes getting a free ride, think about the degree of the incident and how many college students do what Morningstar has done and not make the news.

KEN WOODARD

Wichita

Don't interrupt

My husband and I have been fine-dining servers in the past, and I am not slamming servers or the managers per se, just the training style currently in place for many full-service restaurants in Wichita. We tip well, regardless of the style being utilized.

My request is this: When I am dining at a full-service restaurant in Wichita, please do not interrupt me nine times (as was the case when my sister and I dined for lunch at a top-notch east-side restaurant recently) to see if I need anything or to ask how everything is. I also do not need the manager to troll by and ask me if everything is to my satisfaction. These perceived displays of attentiveness and service to the customer are interruptions of the dining experience.

Instead, allow ample time for me to be seated before addressing my table. Be prepared with information about specials or anything you may be out of. During the meal, it requires no conversation to fill my water, wine, bread, etc. Laying the check on the table at the end of the meal does not need interpretation.

Show respect and anticipate the needs of your patrons. You can pass by a table without interrupting. If they need you, you are there. If you are available, they will let you know if there is a problem, a need or to give a compliment if they so desire. I understand that some diners want your conversation and constant attention, but as a rule you should assume that most do not.

SIMONE KHAN

Wichita