Letters on commission resolution, Peterjohn, efficiency study

Commission showed its own ignorance

I am truly disappointed and ashamed by the decision of the Sedgwick County commissioners to pass a resolution suggesting our federal leadership is “unable, or unwilling, or is too ignorant to call ‘Islamic terrorism’ by what it is: ‘Islamic terrorism.’” The resolution shows their own ignorance. President Obama has been forthright and avoids posturing in order to keep the focus on what he and other leaders are doing.

Also, Commissioner Karl Peterjohn showed himself ignorant in implying that our president is a Muslim. Many in this country are hiding behind the word “Christian” as a rally cry for bias and hatred. Shame on you.

Peterjohn right

The Eagle editorial board’s response to Sedgwick County Commissioner Karl Peterjohn’s self-described “politically incorrect” statement at the County Commission meeting last week was a glaring bit of overkill (“Peterjohn’s ugly rant was unproductive,” Nov. 20 Eagle Editorial).

I checked out the statement on the website and heard a calm voice telling Sedgwick County residents to be vigilant in their anti-terrorist course of action. He explained his perspective. He pointed out the fact that of all the heinous acts of terror against the Western world, a very large percentage have been perpetrated by people who are members of, or have ties to, the Islamic faith. There was no “rant.” It was not “ugly.” It could only be described as “inflammatory” if it were not true. We all know that what he said is true.

When I see the often-mentioned 99.9 percent peace-loving members of the Muslim population taking an active role in eradicating the murderous ISIS faction from their midst, I will certainly rethink my position. The way it is now, I have to agree with Peterjohn. Be prepared.

Business as usual

So the Legislature commissions an “efficiency” study at the cost to the taxpayers of $2.6 million. Although the firm selected was far from the lowest bidder, it was the only firm that contributed to both of Sam Brownback’s campaigns for governor. And did I mention that the firm selected is under federal investigation in North Carolina for excessive charges? And to top it all, the Legislature has exempted itself from its own efficiency study.

Although all of this stinks to high heaven, nothing surprises us any more in the land of Brownbackistan. On the contrary, this is just business as usual in Topeka.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Letters on commission resolution, Peterjohn, efficiency study."