Letters on school funding, IRS building, crazy GOP, Cavaliers video, blood drive
State should do best for schools
Complacency breeds mediocrity. An attorney for the state told a district court panel last week that Kansas is not required by its constitution to have a perfect education funding system or the nation’s best.
Wow. So it follows that Kansas students’ attitudes should be: “I don’t need to do my best, just pass the class.” Our students are our future firefighters, heart surgeons, athletes, engineers, cancer researchers, teachers, airplane mechanics, investigative reporters, police officers, etc. What would happen if all of us lived by the philosophy “I don’t need to be the best; the minimum is my obligation”? If that statement really represents the attitude of our elected officials, they should resign.
You may not be the best, but if that’s your excuse not to try, then leave and we’ll elect people who will do their best without excuse. Kansans deserve nothing less.
PAUL A. KITCHEN
Wichita
Lacks parking
An Eagle editorial (May 8 Opinion) outlined reasons why Sedgwick County’s purchase of the former IRS building was “a good buy.” That may be, and most would agree our tax dollars should be spent wisely. But the editorial mentioned little about application functionality, which would need to be a strong second consideration.
Unfortunately, public buildings are typically built for showy aesthetics, which often means parking is an afterthought. Parking for the 271 Building is inconvenient and insufficient.
County Commissioner Jim Howell was correct when he brought up this concern in moving the tag office or any office there. Even if you put up signs stating “tag office use only,” people there for other business would likely park in tag parking.
The editorial dismissed Howell’s thoughts and concerns out of hand. Really? Go look at the available parking at the 271 Building and consider the numbers needed for a full building.
The editorial board wants Howell to go blindly forward with a project even after he realized it might not be the best use of tax resources. Didn’t we vote for him to use his brain? There is also the option of selling that building to one of the “experts” who claim it was such a great buy at that price. Then the county could buy a different building that would be a better fit.
BOB CROPP
Derby
Crazy Republicans
What is wrong with the Republicans in Texas? Are they all crazy? What would make them think the federal government is going to invade Texas and take it over? Could it be there is a black man in the White House?
If Republicans do not get a grip and stop coming up with these crazy ideas, they will never get the White House back. A question for you voters: Why do you vote for these people? I know you can see how crazy they are.
ALEX RAY Jr.
Wichita
Shocking video
I am shocked that in today’s enlightened world, officials with the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team thought it was appropriate to show a video during an NBA playoff game last week that depicted a male Cavaliers fan throwing either his wife or girlfriend to the floor because she was wearing a Chicago Bulls shirt. The video then showed her on the floor in pain, then snuggled next to him while holding an ice pack to her head and expressing her full support for the Cavaliers.
Cavaliers officials said they didn’t mean to make light of domestic violence. Really? Then what did they mean?
NANCY WINTERS
Wichita
Honor your hero
The following letter was submitted by Wichita Fire Chief Ronald D. Blackwell; Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter; Scott Hadley, Sedgwick County EMS director; Col. Jeffry J. Jordan, 184th Intelligence Wing, McConnell Air Force Base; Sedgwick County Fire Chief Tavis Leake; and Wichita Interim Police Chief Nelson Mosley:
We’re happy to be joining the American Red Cross to offer the Wichita community an opportunity to “Honor Your Hero” by giving blood and helping to save a life throughout May.
For those in our community with access to McConnell Air Force Base, donations can be made from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 13 and 14 at the Dole Community Center and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 15 at the Roost. Donations also can be made from noon to 6 p.m. May 22 at Pathway Church, 2001 N. Maize, and Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 E. 13th St., and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 22 at Bethel Life Center, 3777 S. Meridian. Donations also can be made from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22 and 23 at the Wichita Blood Donation Center, 707 N. Main.
Each person giving blood during the “Honor Your Hero” blood drives will receive a commemorative T-shirt. To make an appointment and get more information, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Blood is needed just about every two seconds by someone in this country. We urge you to choose an “Honor Your Hero” blood drive location in May to help save a life and to honor the heroes among us.
Letters to the Editor
Include your full name, home address and phone number for verification purposes. All letters are edited for clarity and length; 200 words or fewer are best. Letters may be published in any format and become the property of The Eagle.
Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Wichita Eagle, 825 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67202
E-mail: letters@wichitaeagle.com
Fax: 316-269-6799
For more information, contact
Phillip Brownlee at 316-268-6262, pbrownlee@wichitaeagle.com.
This story was originally published May 12, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on school funding, IRS building, crazy GOP, Cavaliers video, blood drive."