Letters on threats to courts, voting for change, Longwell, Israel

Assault on courts a threat to democracy

Our courts need independence from threats (“Irrational assault on courts is a danger to all,” March 24 Opinion). For a fair verdict, judges should feel safe and secure in their positions. That is why U.S. Supreme Court justices are appointed for life. For anyone to tell the court to decide in his favor or else face consequences, such as budget cuts, makes a mockery of justice.

The court only steps in when the aggrieved party approaches for justice. A court safeguards against tyranny of the majority.

Any assault on the court is a threat to democracy. There are no assaults that can be considered “rational.”

Vote for change

Remember when the voters of Wichita soundly defeated the Ambassador Hotel giveaway in a special election? That was a vote against the Wichita City Council’s decision for it, including council member Jeff Longwell. Remember the “Minnesota guys,” all the incentives passed for downtown development that have failed, and all the wrong financial decisions made by the City Council and Longwell?

Longwell appointed City Council candidate Bryan Frye to the park board and the District 5 Advisory Board. Frye has said that Longwell has taught him what it takes to be on the council. Frye considers a million-dollar splash park a need and not a want.

Vice Mayor Jeff Blubaugh initially voted to include on the city’s legislative agenda allowing illegal immigrants to get legal permits to drive. He also voted to put the sales tax initiative on the ballot.

Wichita voters can make this a special election. Stop electing the same candidates making the same bad decisions. Bring trust, transparency, responsibility and opportunity back to Wichita.

For a positive change, vote for Sam Williams for mayor and for Gary Bond in District 5 and Josh Shorter in District 4. Wichita voters can make this happen.

Longwell has vision

The Plumbers and Pipefitters of Local Union 441, in conjunction with the 13 other Building and Construction Trades Unions of Central and Western Kansas, unanimously endorse Jeff Longwell to serve as the next mayor of Wichita.

We feel Longwell has the background and expertise needed for this demanding position. After serving eight years on the Wichita City Council, he understands the inner workings of city government and has the insight to identify which parts may need adjustment. We also feel his economic plan for the future is the right plan to allow this community to prosper and reach the next level, and at the same time create jobs that benefit all.

Our job as Building Trades leaders is to represent our members. That primarily involves doing what we can to make sure jobs are available that utilize the skills our members possess and provide employment opportunities. We believe that economic development and growth are essential for a community to thrive so these jobs can be created. Longwell has this same vision, and that is why the Building Trades are supporting Jeff Longwell for mayor and ask for your support as well.

Driven from homes

President Obama has courageously recognized publicly that the United States should no longer give unreserved support to Israel. Americans who know the history of Israel strongly support the recognition of a free state of Palestine and its protection by the United Nations and the international community.

In 1948 we celebrated the creation of Israel in Palestine, because Jews had been so brutally murdered during World War II and survivors could not be expected to return to the countries they could no longer call home. Many people did not realize that there were people already there – Palestinians who had lived peacefully next door to the Jews for decades. All of a sudden they all had to live by Israeli rules or else move out.

Many were killed or driven into refugee camps. Some took the keys to their homes with them; some still have them. Having a whole bunch of foreigners with big guns come to push you out of your home and keep you out tends to make you into a terrorist or one who massacres the thieves.

The Jewish Voice for Peace has called for the world to boycott Israeli businesses and divest from Israeli companies. Its voice helps to protect telling the truth: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been an oppressive and vicious leader against the Palestinian people, not one who represents or enacts the historic character of the Jewish people.

This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 7:03 PM with the headline "Letters on threats to courts, voting for change, Longwell, Israel."