Letters to the Editor (Nov. 11)
Shenanigans within the school board
Shock and awe. No, not a military campaign, but my reaction to the latest Wichita school board power grab. I attended Monday’s meeting and was dismayed to see the highly orchestrated resignation of Barb Fuller and her appeal to have the present board appoint her replacement within the next 15 days.
This was the night before the election, where two members were definitely being replaced and two more were up for reelection. That leaves two sitting members who will definitely remain. This board has already appointed one member, and should not appoint another.
Fuller’s concern about her constituents rings hollow. She could have announced this much earlier. The current board has few remaining meetings; Nov. 13 was canceled in favor of meeting Nov. 17 to (hopefully) finalize the teachers union contract; Nov. 27 is a workshop; Dec. 6 will interview candidates; the term closes Dec 11.
There is no valid reason to expedite the process in order to preclude the newly elected board members their right to choose her replacement when they are the people who will have to work together for at least two more years. Respect your constituents — don’t vote yet.
Joy Robertson, Wichita
Help in the checkout line
My wife and I were driving up Rock Road from south Derby to McConnell Air Force Base on Nov. 1 to do some shopping. We made a quick turn into Aldi to pick up some snack food and I left my billfold in the car accidentally.
After making the purchase, I notice the error and started to leave to get it. The really nice lady behind me said not to worry and she paid for the chips. This was amazing and I do think it represents the character of mid-America and Kansans. All I can say is thanks.
Charles McConnell, Rose Hill
Columnist wrong on role of religion
Mr. Gerson (Nov. 4 Eagle) tries to claim that religious belief is the hallmark of a democratic society when the exact opposite is the case. How can any society prosper, how can ideas be debated, how can we arrive at thoughtful conclusions to any of the issues of our day if we are constrained by religious groupthink?
Diversity of ideas and the freedom to share the noble experiments of man are essential if we are to progress politically, intellectually, socially, or in any other endeavor. The political renewal Mr. Gerson seems to hope for is rooted in the narrow objectives of religious subservience, presumably his own religion. The path forward for all endeavors of mankind are not secured by persecuting those whose ideas counter the entrenched tribal thinking required by all religions.
The human capacity to understand ourselves and our universe requires that all reasonable ideas are subjected to the light of informed debate and a democratic consensus derived from human reason, compassion, and justice. Instead of releasing our intellect to explore new ideas and arrive at consensus, religion binds us in servitude to its narrow non-negotiable tenets.
Gary Wagher, Wichita
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This story was originally published November 11, 2017 at 5:51 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor (Nov. 11)."