Letters to the Editor (Aug. 23): Eclipse, Constitution
Eclipse brings out the good
Kudos to Imagine That Toys for reaching out to those of us looking for eclipse glasses, for being concerned about our health and welfare while waiting in line, and for reminding us to look out for each other, make new friends and enjoy the wait.
Best conversation: “Do you have a public restroom?” “We’re a toy store, of course we have a public restroom. Go to the back to the door that says ‘Potty.’ Lock the door and remember to wash your hands.”
They did an amazing job managing a gigantic task with grace, patience and a sense of humor.
Sheryl Davis, Wichita
Exploration eclipse
Thank you to Exploration Place, its staff and volunteers for an absolutely wonderful eclipse party. What a gift to bring our community together.
Blanche Parker, Wichita
Statues have historical significance
Am I missing something here? Is our right to free speech, as guaranteed by the First Amendment, being overrun by zealots tearing down statues and burning flags? Don’t we all have an equal say in what we support and believe in?
Let’s remember that the Civil War was initially about state’s rights, not slavery. There was slavery in the north, too.
Are the inherent rights of all our citizens being trampled? Doesn’t our freedom of expression include speech, writing, music and art?
If we don’t learn from history and just obliterate our past history, how are succeeding generations going to have an understanding of who we are?
Bob Bayer, Wichita
That’s long enough for Trump
Among a multitude of recent grandiose claims, President Trump asserted himself to be the most presidential president we’ve had, except for Honest Abe Lincoln — with whom he compared himself. He now finds himself more than ever on the world stage with his every utterance all about him. He glorifies in responding to North Korean threats, with every response a threat of greater escalation. North Korea has deliberately baited him by calling the U.S. stupid, among other choice words.
We have allowed this man to enjoy the role of chief executive long enough. It is time for the other two branches of power — the legislative and judicial — to put an end to the reign of this dangerous despot.
Robert Cook, Manhattan
Supporting the Constitution
The League of Women Voters Wichita-Metro stands in support of the Constitution of the United States. There is no place for hatred and violence in our democracy.
We must send a strong message that while the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly are some of our most cherished rights and must be protected, those rights do not provide citizens an excuse to destroy property or harm others. It is “peaceful assembly” and “freedom of speech,” not violence, hate and slander.
We believe in fair treatment for all who share our nation, no matter the color, religion, gender or economic status — and demand this of our laws and leaders. Those who speak with hatred and seek to destroy or do harm, in any manner, are not honoring American values and are not welcome. The League stands in solidarity with the victims of violence in Charlottesville and against all hate groups.
Sharon Aislieger and Pat Reinhold, Wichita
Letters to the Editor
Include your full name, home address and phone number for verification purposes. All letters are edited for clarity and length; 200 words or fewer are best. Letters may be published in any format and become the property of The Eagle.
Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Wichita Eagle, 330 N. Mead, Wichita, KS 67202
E-mail: letters@wichitaeagle.com
Fax: 316-269-6799
This story was originally published August 23, 2017 at 4:37 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor (Aug. 23): Eclipse, Constitution."