Letters to the Editor (June 10, 2017)

The love of money

The Eagle’s Sunday article on the rise of bitcoin as an alternative currency provided some overdue coverage of a poorly understood subject that is important to everyone: Our medium of exchange – our money.

Outside of language, money may be the oldest and most powerful social medium humans share as a part of their “common wealth” on the planet. It never discriminates based on race, sex or religion. It always bring us together, increasing our awareness of complementary needs from electronic gadgets for Japanese teenagers to mental health services for the poor in Kansas. Money plays an indispensable role in the principles God has given us to live together in peace economically and politically. The use of money predates the recording of the Scriptures themselves and was, in a sense, the beginning of recorded human history.

The abuse of money - the growing global subversion and perversion of this vital God-given human “common wealth” by financial criminals (the oligarchs and their central bankers) - could usher in a brutal and terrifying end to human history, if not civilization as we know it.

Until we collectively awaken a proper love for money and reclaim our rightful control over it as the God-given “common wealth” through which all people can share justice and show mercy, we will find ourselves unable to walk humbly with God or keep peace with one another.

Privatizing the FAA

The June 6 article about general aviation being wary of privatizing the FAA is way behind the times. The current view is based on the concern that privatizing air traffic control would “threaten the options provided by the general aviation community.”

Back in the 1950s, I delivered Cessna single engine airplanes to New Orleans for shipment overseas. I marveled at the great services provided me, alone in my little four-place airplane, by air traffic control, and the weather service, just like for the airliners and their passengers.

Now advance about 30 years into the ’80s when I rented a general aviation plane at then Mid-Continent airport to fly to Tulsa on business. Departure control vectored me straight west, which Wichitans will know is almost opposite the direction to Tulsa, till further instructions.

After 20 minutes, almost a third of the original flying time to Tulsa, without further communications, I called control. The governmental FAA’s explanation for the delayed instruction? They forgot about me! I never flew a general aviation airplane out of Mid-Continent again.

Our river looks like chocolate milk

Tis’ again the time for RiverFest! Fun-haters aside, it’s great watching the city come alive during this week-long event. What a fantastic way to get out with your neighbors to take advantage of the many entertainment options for all ages, all at any affordable price.

It’s also a great opportunity for the city to showcase itself and the quality of life offered here.

I am, however, having much difficulty shaking loose the comment made during last year’s Jet Ski races that our river looks like chocolate milk. The reaction from the crowd was, well, appropriate.

With all the encouraging investment taking place around the river, one would think the city would prioritize cleaning up the very resource they wish to profit from. I understand that civic progress will have its naysayers, but, without polarizing those supporting this week’s events at the federal level in regards to climate, think that most would agree having a clean, attractive river in the city is important to the resurgence in development of the surrounding riverbanks and the community at large.

This story was originally published June 10, 2017 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor (June 10, 2017)."