Letters on Peterjohn, health professionals, Kapaun

More worried about Peterjohn

On Wednesday, Sedgwick County Commissioner Karl Peterjohn – an elected official on a mission to minimize the responsibilities of the county government to public health, economic development and quality of life – issued a public safety warning concerning Muslims. Peterjohn wants us to believe that people of Muslim faith, particularly those with “Muhammad” in their name, are a “clear and present danger” and an enemy “inside our gates.” The fact that the majority of the Muslim people in the world are not terrorists was deemed “irrelevant.”

When it comes to using ideology and fear to justify actions that harm individuals and families in our community, it is not people of Muslim faith I worry about. I worry about Karl Peterjohn.

Our only intercession

I totally agreed with “Too much Kapaun” (Nov. 18 Letters to the Editor). We who are Christians believe we are washed clean of our sins and made holy; we are the saints on Earth. No mortal man can make anyone a saint; it doesn’t take a proven miracle to do so. Our only intercession between God and us is Christ Jesus, not a saint for this and a saint for that certain prayer.

I personally am Lutheran, and we believe this as God tells us. Search the Scriptures.

Thanks for coverage

Regarding “Too much Kapaun” (Nov. 18 Letters to the Editor): I want to thank The Eagle for its in-depth coverage of the proceedings leading up to Father Emil Kapaun’s hoped-for canonization. Not only do many readers welcome this news coverage, but the content is welcome refreshment from the myriad city, state and national problems that regularly populate the headlines.

It was interesting to note the letter writer was offering only negative news as “really important news.” His suggestion also gave the appearance of censorship. Like the letter writer, I want to be informed about all the issues surrounding our lives, but not just negative news.

The Eagle needs to keep up its great reporting, and I for one will continue to pray for Father Kapaun’s further advancement to canonization. This is not only a great reflection of Father Kapaun and his life and service, but also a great reflection on our diocese, our state and our country.

Putting people first

The alarm clock buzzes. You wake up and brush your teeth to get ready for the day. On your way to work, you fasten your seat belt. You go to work and notice a “smoke-free building” sign. Your sister calls to tell you that she and her newborn baby have just been released from the hospital, healthy, because of prenatal care.

During your lunch break, you go for a walk and eat a healthy meal. While at work, you hear a story on the radio describing a whooping cough outbreak that disease investigators are tracking. At home, you wash your hands before preparing a dinner. A friend calls who has just been laid off from work. The friend has many worries, but knowing the community offers resources for affordable health care provides comfort.

The news reports a chemical spill, and that public health professionals are on the scene, containing the incident. Time for bed, and you drift off to sleep.

Public health touches your life in countless way, thanks to the public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep you safe and sound. Monday is national Public Health Thank You Day. Tell a public health professional, “Thank you for putting people first.”

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Letters on Peterjohn, health professionals, Kapaun."