Letters on human trafficking, refugees, Islamic State
Rise in human trafficking in Wichita is sickening
Disgust. Sadness. Fear. These are just a few words that come to mind when I think about sex trafficking taking place in what I consider my own backyard (“Trafficking cases soar in Wichita,” Nov. 30 Eagle).
When I think of the issue of sex trafficking, my mind jumps to other countries. Although this horrible act should not take place anywhere, the statistic showing a 50 percent rise in Wichita is sickening. This issue may never be completely controllable, but is there not a way we could be more aware of this and potentially stop it?
A “fresh start” does not take away from the horrific acts, and does not give these victims back the part of their lives that was taken from them. However, I applaud Jennifer White and her organization, ICT S.O.S., for taking the time to ensure that the victims of human trafficking have something with which to begin their lives over again.
Mattie Sharp, Goddard
Get relief in two years?
There is an apparent disconnect in the debate about welcoming new refugees into the United States that would seem to make the arguments moot.
It is agreed that there are worthy folks among the refugees in dire need of immediate help. But even the most ardent believers in welcoming them say all should be vetted, and that we have a good system in place to do that. The experts in our vetting procedures say it takes about two years to do correctly.
So those worthies in the admittedly desperate situation can look forward to getting relief here at about the end of 2017?
Harry R. Clements, Wichita
Not simply criminals
“Be prepared to fight against Islamic State” (Nov. 18 Letters to the Editor) said: “Islamic terrorism appeals to the criminal nature of man.” I agree we need to protect ourselves, but am not sure what the letter writer meant by the “criminal nature of man.”
I assume he meant that is the terrorists’ motivation. But they are not simple criminals acting out of selfish desire for personal satisfaction or gain. They are willing to die for their beliefs.
My understanding is that many of the people doing the killing sincerely believe they are doing God’s will, and doing society a favor by eliminating the infidels – similar to what the inquisitions did in the Middle Ages. In both instances, people have used their interpretation of religion to justify their actions. I do not see that as the criminal nature of man.
These terrorism issues (and other less serious ones) can be very complex. And the polarization and strife will go on and on as long as people with different beliefs believe their way is the only way, and are conditioned to believe they are doing God’s will by eliminating ideas and people who do not agree with them.
Jim Laney, Wichita
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This story was originally published December 2, 2015 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Letters on human trafficking, refugees, Islamic State."