Letters on BB gun clubs, early education, dousing coaches, symphony

Keep all weapons out of schools

The Legislature is considering a bill requiring schools to allow BB guns on school grounds for shooting clubs (Jan. 27 Eagle). Whether it is a BB gun or an air gun, it is still a gun – a weapon.

Lawmakers have canceled the requirement for permits to conceal and carry, and they are canceling the ban on carrying arms on state university campuses. Those who believe or hope they have a right to a weapons-free zone now will have to worry about who’s packing wherever they go.

What happened to protecting us and keeping weapons, except for the police or security, out of public and government buildings including schools? Instead, the Legislature is once again pandering to gun enthusiasts and lobbyists. When will this end?

BB gun clubs may be a minor issue, but weapons do not belong on school grounds.

Early education focus

Our future depends on vibrant communities, and those of us who are parents are responsible to identify risks. We must work with community leaders to support strong families, healthy development and early learning.

As chairwoman of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet, I can report that we’ve made successful investments. Fourteen years ago, children in Sedgwick County had few options for quality early education. Today, thanks to TOP Early Learning Centers, which were founded by an entrepreneur and an educator, each year 650 children are now well-prepared for kindergarten. Results demonstrate that graduates outperform their peers, potentially saving taxpayers $4.5 million in unneeded special education expense.

Gov. Sam Brownback and I have discussed three areas of focus: Kansas needs unified education, government and business leaders working together; Kansas needs shared measurements of success; and Kansas needs to focus on long-term results.

End coach dousings

Our family really enjoyed the recent college football playoffs, as well as the NFL playoffs. But why does our country continue to promote as entertaining and humorous the sick behavior of dousing the winning coach with a frigid, sticky substance?

This action is simply a blindside assault. It’s unsportsmanlike conduct. It is disrespectful of the leadership that got the players to their winning place, and possibly dangerous to the health of the coach.

We dads and moms across America are embarrassed that this practice is continued, and promoted by the media, when it is so clear that it is a bad, sick behavior being taught to our children and grandchildren, against all of our better judgments.

Americans acknowledge and praise winners; we do not dishonor them. So why not show them the proper respect and congratulations they are due, rather than assault them?

Support symphony

I had the best job this week. I play violin in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, which performed for a full house of schoolchildren six different times for our Young People’s Concerts. Students travel on buses and eagerly await this field trip all year. I know, because I saw the symphony play when I was in grade school.

I rehearse with former teachers, mentors and friends who care about each other, so when we play together it’s not just another gig; we are making the music come alive and telling it in our own new way.

The sound of an orchestra changes when playing to a full house with an electricity in the air that can’t be measured. It’s up to the community to help us sound our best – not just when we perform Young People’s Concerts or when a famous guest artist comes to town, but for all of the concerts that we work so hard to prepare. I hope that Wichita will come out and support our symphony and enjoy the amazing experience and variety we offer.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Letters on BB gun clubs, early education, dousing coaches, symphony."