Letters on common good, government approval, same-sex marriage
Consider common good, big picture
Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Richard Ranzau’s explanation of his ideology at a recent Wichita Pachyderm Club meeting was illuminating (Aug. 29 Local & State). As I interpret it, it comes down to: It’s all about my rights and not about the common good.
Suddenly I understand why this country is in such a mess since the tea party established a position of power. The tea party members’ ideology is isolationist and eliminates the need to look at the big picture and to consider the common good. This is what makes it impossible for members of Congress to reach across the aisle and work together for the good of the country – because it’s all about the individual.
Their ideology is in direct opposition to what our Founding Fathers had in mind, which was progress through cooperation and collaboration.
It’s a sad moment in our history when we experience gridlock and are threatened with government shutdown because a group of people who got into powerful elected positions will not look at the big picture and consider the common good.
MARGOT BRECKBILL
Valley Center
Need approval?
Rather than asking whether the government will approve gay marriage, we should be asking: Why do we need the government’s approval to get married at all? Does it really serve a legitimate purpose?
The same question should be asked about everything we now have to get the government’s approval to do. A good example of those starting to ask that question are the Internet taxi companies. They are being challenged by taxi companies that have a monopoly on the number of taxi licenses. Is this limit for the benefit of the public, or for the benefit of the owners of the existing limited number of taxi licenses?
Many of the government restrictions and licenses are really for restricting competition and protecting entrenched interests. It’s time we ask the right questions.
ROGER SHEPHERD
Wichita
Congratulations due
As one who struggled against the ugliness, ignorance and cruelty of homophobia during my years as an Episcopal priest, I was especially pleased to see in the Sunday Eagle the announcement of the “engagement and approaching marriage” of Jeffrey Sawyer and Charles Williams, a same-gender couple planning to be wed in early 2016.
I always celebrate love between two people that is strong enough to evoke lasting commitment from each. I pray that they will have many years of marital joy. I enthusiastically congratulate the couple and pray that they can live out their love in peace and respect.
BOB LAYNE
McPherson
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This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on common good, government approval, same-sex marriage."