Letters on transgender women, the real moochers, Gospelfest, Miss Kansas pageant

Don’t joke about others’ struggles

The transgender community, especially transgender women, has been gaining momentum in the media. People are becoming aware of issues concerning sexuality and gender. Because of women such as Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner, there is much-needed attention and support.

However, there have also been ugly attacks toward these women. In recent televised segments on Fox News, its “professionals” have mocked and even gone so far as to misgender Jenner.

There is absolutely no excuse for these ignorant and hateful segments. These reporters repeatedly break Associated Press style guidelines, something I’m sure all journalists are at least aware of, by calling her “him” and “he.” They break not only AP style, but the golden rule of: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.”

I understand the First Amendment, and I acknowledge their right to free speech. I am not trying to limit or contradict that right. However, nowhere in the Constitution does it say to “be as rude as you want – nobody is going to call you out on it.”

Fox News needs to stop making a joke out of someone’s struggles.

Real moochers

A June 7 Opinion Line comment said that “Democrats are for: ‘Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme.’” That is just what I would expect from a person who doesn’t know one.

I’m 61 and retired. I had worked since I was 12. I have been blessed and haven’t needed help, but I know people who have. We raised four kids, all of whom have jobs. We always paid our own way, but we could still see there are people who need help. We never minded helping, either.

But the moochers getting the tax breaks are the real “gimme, gimme, gimme” types. They are the ones I don’t want to help – rich people who just want more and don’t care that everyone else has to pick up the slack.

The people in Topeka had such a hard time because they knew there was only one right thing to do, but they wouldn’t or didn’t have the good sense to do it. We need to get rid of the nonessential people up there.

Shining example

Kudos to The Eagle staff for wonderful coverage of Riverfest 2015, and particularly for the article about Gospelfest (“Sister act to solo act,” May 31 Arts & Leisure). Organized for nearly 20 years by faithful volunteers, Gospelfest has seen its profile rise recently, attracting even more people to this inspiring event. This is thanks to great leadership by our board members and engagement by churches and community organizations.

The effort to grow the event was propelled by Wichita Festivals board members Kaye Monk-Morgan and Prisca Barnes. Others – such as Sherdeill Breathett, Carla Eckels, Ronda Kingwood, Keith Norris, Rachel Norwood and Cameo Profit – served on the organizing committee, recruited and directed performers, or hosted the crowd during the event itself. Then there are the sponsors: Spirit AeroSystems, Cox Business and Westar Energy presented the event, joined by HealthCore Clinic, the Greater Wichita Ministerial League, the Urban League of Kansas and other churches, service organizations and individuals too numerous to name.

The staff of Wichita Festivals remains in awe of the commitment and dedication of our volunteers and supporters, and Gospelfest is a shining example of the results that can be achieved when members of a broad team put their hearts and hard work into making something great, for all.

Pageant impressive

KWCH, Channel 12, has had a long relationship with the Miss Kansas organization. Until this year, I had never had a personal experience with the pageant. That changed when I was asked to be a judge.

I learned so much more about the organization. I had no idea that everyone associated with Miss Kansas is a volunteer. There are no paid employees on the state level in the Miss America organization.

I also learned a lot about the young women competing for the title of Miss Kansas. They are not only beautiful but smart and talented. They put in lots of hours preparing and volunteering.

Finally, I learned firsthand why the pageant has been in Pratt for 60 years. The hospitality was overwhelming. Pratt Community College is a wonderful facility and host to the pageant. The spirit of this pageant lives in the heart of Pratt.

I would encourage you to learn more about the organization. If you have a daughter, consider encouraging her to participate in one of the events. Scholarship money is available at all levels.

So, thank you to everyone involved. It was an exhausting and exhilarating experience.

Pageant unfair

The Miss Kansas pageant was not Kansas’ finest hour.

Almost all the judges were from the Wichita area. Nearly all the finalists were from greater Wichita or surrounding towns, and the winner, of course, was from Wichita.

The qualifications of these judges were also a joke. A fair contest would have been to select judges from outside of Kansas or at least to represent the entire state.

This story was originally published June 11, 2015 at 7:03 PM with the headline "Letters on transgender women, the real moochers, Gospelfest, Miss Kansas pageant."