Letters to the Editor (Jan. 25)
Parents’ letter gripping
I’ve seldom read a more profound and moving letter than “President’s words denigrate son’s service” (Jan. 21 Eagle). It cut to the heart of the matter concerning human dignity and the repeated derogatory remarks of the president when it asked, “Senators, when will you speak truth to power?”
The pilgrims first used the term “Shining city on a hill” to describe to their brethren in England their enterprise in the New World. That description was far from accurate. From the beginning, our country has struggled to live up to the ideals that have made us a beacon for immigrants from around the world. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives in a Civil War to end slavery.
I’ve seen the beauty of the people and landscape in several African countries, and I understand Africa’s calling. The authors of the letter have an unqualified right to ask such a question of our senators; their son gave his life in service to the people of Africa. Those of us concerned about the future of our democracy need to honor their son and ask our senators and representatives the same question.
William Skaer, Wichita
“Laughing Feet” remarkable
The evening performance of “Laughing Feet” at the beautiful Newman University theater was simply the most outstanding music theater I have ever experienced.
Excellence in a music theater experience is multi-faceted, to include of course the show’s performance talents, but also to take into consideration how the audience is impacted and somehow involved in enjoyment, to include emotional highs. Being in the audience for this performance was one of those unforgettable theater occasions, particularly considering the cast of mostly young folk who were described as disability challenged. The stage was filled with absolutely, remarkably able performers, much to the delight of a very appreciative audience.
Every member of the audience was as moved and virtually transfixed by this program as I was. This initiative, “Laughing Feet,” was new to me and I regret not having learned about it earlier. As more readers learn about this incredibly important organization, I am convinced there will be unprecedented support for its continuance. I salute its mission and hope to become more involved in the near future.
John H. Wilson, Wichita
The stock market party
The run-up in stock market indices over the past decade (Jan. 5 Eagle) is due to the punishingly low interest rates imposed by the Federal Reserve in response to the Great Recession.
In this highly artificial context, the stock market is the only place for the ordinary investor to deploy capital. The federal funds rate target was cut to 0 to 0.25 percent in December 2008; the rate had been 5.25 percent 15 months earlier. The Fed magnified the effects of near-zero interest rates by buying government bonds, a program with a whimsical name and quantitative easing. The federal funds rate target is now 1.25 to 1.5 percent, and any increases in 2018 will be small in size and few in number.
The Wall Street party will probably continue. My hope is that we can again experience a free market in interest rates. That is the only way to achieve rational resource allocation. However, because the stock market is now part of mainstream politics, I am not optimistic.
Dwight Oxley, Wichita
National School Choice Week
As an educator with 28 years of experience, it is a wonderful feeling to know that our students across the state have the ability to choose what school they attend. I share this amazing privilege as a reminder of why we celebrate National School Choice Week at the end of this month.
Students in our state are attending traditional schools, magnet schools, charter schools, home schools and virtual schools. Many many parents are taking thorough action to find the school option that is the best fit for their child. As a native Kansan, I’m very proud of our state for giving families choices and options.
Credit must be given to our state department of education, state board of education, and our legislators for ensuring school choice.
Parents, please do your homework, visit schools, and find the best option for your child. Let’s all be thankful for the ability to choose how we will educate our kids. I encourage you to attend a National School Choice Week event, meeting, or activity.
Zeke Rash, Elkhart
Letters to the Editor
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This story was originally published January 25, 2018 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor (Jan. 25)."