Letters on Uber, Jody Adams, right-wing effect, passing lane, respecting law enforcement, stamping out hunger

It’s not Uber that’s behaving irrationally

As Uber writes off Kansas, I see that Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, plays the typical politician’s game: deny the facts and pass the buck (May 6 Eagle). “The Legislature has not taken any action preventing them (Uber) from operating,” she said. “They have a consistent pattern of irrational behavior, and this is just the latest example.”

Wagle seems to ignore that the government of Kansas has been writing the book on irrational behavior, which has earned us the ridicule of the nation. She also seems to think that regulation has no preventative effects. That’s equivalent to thinking that packing a double load on a racehorse has nothing to do with its ability to win or lose.

Uber has chosen not to allow itself to be drawn into a tar pit and have its efficiency impaired or destroyed by politicians. Smart businessmen with 20/20 vision, Uber officials saw the potential problems and wisely chose to avoid them.

Unfortunately, our politicians’ vision remains myopic, and they have no idea how planning ahead works. Each day is the tomorrow they failed to plan for yesterday – and each problem a crisis because they didn’t see it coming. That is irrational behavior.

Dock Adams’ pay

I am concerned about the consultant in sports psychology who will work with Wichita State University women basketball players and coaches (“Adams, WSU agree to changes for women’s basketball program,” May 6 Sports). I feel this cost should be paid for out of head coach Jody Adams’ salary.

Adams said she is dedicated to preparing young women for life. A life of low self-esteem, maybe.

I raised my daughter to be respectful. When I left her at Charles Koch Arena one June, six days after she graduated from high school, I said to the coaches: “I’ve raised her for 18 years. Now you are taking it from here.”

I wish I had known what she was about to get into.

I am thankful every day she left when she did. This was not a normal way of coaching; it was evil-minded.

Right-wing effect

I grew up in a conservative religious group and saw what radical right-wingers can do to their churches. They can be so rigid and dogmatic that they stunt growth, cause division and stagnation, and in some cases kill their own church. Are we going to let our politicians do the same thing to our county, state and nation?

Passing-only lane

I want to inform all of Kansas, if possible, that the left lane of the highway or turnpikes is for passing. No one should have to pass you using the right lane. You put the drivers who are trying to pass you in a dangerous situation.

Is this not taught by driving instructors and schools and by parents? It drives me crazy. After driving more than 1,500 miles this past week, I know what I’m talking about.

I wish the patrol officers would start writing tickets for this. Impose consequences for putting everyone else at risk.

Kansans need to drive correctly, so we can all arrive alive.

Respect officers

There is an issue that has been on my mind for a long time that needs to be brought up. It is the disrespect many people show to our law enforcement officers.

I am really tired of hearing people say, “I knew I smelled bacon,” whenever they see a police car or sheriff’s vehicle. Such snide remarks make me angry, because those officers put on their uniforms to protect us. In doing so, they face the possibility of not coming home to their families when their shifts are over, because they risk being killed in the line of duty. The law enforcement memorial outside of City Hall proves that.

Stamp out hunger

The National Association of Letter Carriers will conduct its 23rd-annual food drive Saturday. Letter carriers will collect nonperishable food as they deliver mail. It is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, and is held annually in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states.

Hunger affects about 49 million people around the country, including millions of children and senior citizens. One in four households with a member serving in the U.S. military turns to a food bank for food assistance.

Pantry shelves filled through holiday generosity often are bare by late spring. With most school meal programs not available during summer months, millions of children must find alternate sources of nutrition.

On Saturday, letter carriers will collect donations left near mailboxes. They will be joined by retired letter carriers, family members and friends, and countless volunteers to help collect and distribute nonperishable food items.

People are encouraged to leave a bag next to their mailbox containing nonperishable foods such as canned soup, vegetables, meats and fish; pasta; peanut butter; rice; and cereal. Carriers will bring the food to local food banks, pantries or shelters. People who have questions about the drive in their area should go to nalc.org/food or Facebook.com/StampOutHunger.

This story was originally published May 7, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on Uber, Jody Adams, right-wing effect, passing lane, respecting law enforcement, stamping out hunger."