Letters on capitalism, global warming, same-sex marriage, Opera Kansas, Hatteberg, uplifting article

Capitalism not always so virtuous

“Not education” (Dec. 2 Letters to the Editor) made a very valid point, but it could have gone further.

Many years ago, young men (and a few women) were generally expected to serve in the military and become “well-rounded individuals,” go to universities so they could be taught the values of thinking and become good citizens, and attend church for their spiritual needs.

Today, universities (as the letter writer stated) do not teach but train students for the sake of making lots of money; churches have or are becoming capitalists; and government is under siege by capitalist “thinkers” who want to whittle it down to size so that they can someday drown it in a bathtub. It takes little imagination as to what they will do next, which is why history is still a good subject to learn.

President Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, while they were still in office, both blindly extolled the “virtues” of unfettered capitalism. But the Bible had a wholly different take on the matter, calling it “greed.”

So the next time people feel like sermonizing, they might want to take some of this to heart.

CO2 a good thing

I would like to offer three viewpoints on climate change that perhaps many people have never heard: Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a good thing. Man’s contribution to global warming is insignificant or nonexistent. And we all need to be more practical about our environmental passions and keep a much closer eye on the economic and financial costs of environmental policy to our children and grandchildren.

How many of you know that 10,000 years ago, much of our North American continent was covered by glaciers? Luckily for us, the planet has been warming since that time, bringing mankind not only comfort from the extreme cold but better growing conditions for food.

Carbon dioxide is not a bad thing; it is not a pollutant. More CO2 means more robust plant life, better crop yields, more food production.

I consider myself a practical environmentalist. Consider being one yourself. Don’t fall for carbon-tax arguments that would increase costs for all of us.

About the couple

Regarding “Matrimony about becoming a mother” (Nov. 21 Letters to the Editor): So a man and woman who have no children, by choice or fate, are not really married? Using the procreation definition, they are not married even if they adopt.

Marriage is about the couple and legal protections, not reproduction.

A familiar melody

Opera Kansas sponsored its annual performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” Sunday at Mary Jane Teall Theater. The packed house enjoyed seeing such a show at Wichita’s heritage venue. Director and conductor Paul Brodene Smith’s chamber ensemble gave the music a sense of mystery and anticipation.

This is the magical story of a poor, lame shepherd boy and his mother whose lives are permanently changed when they are visited by the Magi.

Brayden Worden shone as the young boy, Amahl, playing the part perfectly. The mother, Katelyn Mattson-Levy, acted well, sang right on each note, and delivered perfect timing.

Melchior, played by Michael Nansel, was the highlight of the show with his “Annunciation” piece, preparing the world for the coming child. His vocal control and power make it obvious why this Kansas native is a national star. Randolph Lacy’s aria to Amahl was funny and engaging. The chorus sounded great. Dances and classical opera costumes added to the celebration.

I look forward to this annual show next year. The classical voice is alive and well in Kansas. Bravo to Opera Kansas, its board and its musical directors.

Gifted journalists

I would like to thank retiring KAKE-TV anchor Larry Hatteberg for 51 years of giving us the news in word, photos and video. He gave us a look inside the lives and hearts of his “Hatteberg’s People.”

Thanks also to Eagle reporter Roy Wenzl for his article on Hatteberg and for his many stories over the years (Nov. 29 Local & State). Wenzl and Hatteberg are both gifted journalists, and I thank them for sharing their talents with the Wichita community.

Uplifting article

I wanted to congratulate The Eagle on the article about Jason Schneiter, the man who went from a wheelchair to being able to walk (Dec. 1 Local & State). The news these days is filled with tragic and upsetting stories. It is nice to hear a story that has a good outcome.

This article not only showed that the city still recognizes the good moments in people’s lives, but also brings hope to the readers who are in a situation similar to Schneiter’s.

This story was originally published December 5, 2014 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Letters on capitalism, global warming, same-sex marriage, Opera Kansas, Hatteberg, uplifting article."