Letters on black lives, zoo, evil AFP mailing, Trump, Keith

Ask which lives don’t matter

Of course all lives matter. Most members of society understand that all lives matter on philosophical, logical, emotional and spiritual levels. We know surgeons should try to save every life on the operating table.

We need to ask ourselves not which lives matter, because the answer is clear, but which lives don’t matter, and why.

Growing up as a white person, I was told every day that my life matters. My parents’ lives mattered and their parents’ lives mattered, as did the lives of my ancestors ever since they came to the New World.

Meanwhile, society fails to recognize that black lives matter. Black lives were sold and bought, their lives worth only a monetary value. After slavery was abolished, segregation persisted long into the 20th century. Inequality still exists today in education, housing and the workforce.

Laws changed, but history nonetheless shapes how we think of and value ourselves. It never occurred to the white business owner to hire black people disproportionately, because their community needs help. Society never told black children specifically that their lives mattered.

All lives “matter,” but the concept embodied in the Black Lives Matter movement is profound, and society needs to take it seriously.

Leave zoo alone

I agreed 100 percent with The Eagle editorial on how the Sedgwick County commissioners should keep their noses out of the operation of the zoo (“Stop messing with the zoo,” July 20 Opinion).

I do not live in Sedgwick County, but when I have friends and relatives come visit, the No. 1 attraction in this area that they want to see is that zoo. I have been a member there for many years.

The commissioners need to stop and think how much outside money the zoo brings into their county. The people now running the zoo are doing a wonderful job and have built it into one of the best zoos in the United States. Leave them alone.

Evil AFP mailing

Americans for Prosperity just deposited its daily allotment of ineptitude, fear and hate in our mailbox. This concerted effort by the very rich and privileged to use lies, fears, hatred, intimidation and gullibility to end by any means necessary the effective, measured, accountable service of Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, is evil.

It cannot, at the close of the day, bring about true prosperity, better employment opportunities, a common good, a collaborative and respect-deserving government, praiseworthy parenting, educational excellence or safe, life-giving communities. Hatred begets only hatred, never joy.

I am a registered Republican voter who does not always agree with McGinn, but I do trust her to be an intelligent, informed, principled worker in behalf of her whole district, in behalf of the Legislature and in behalf of the whole state. And, ironically, I truly believe she works in behalf of the deepest longings and desires of the very persons who fund and manage Americans for Prosperity.

I expect nothing less. Indeed, I am confident that McGinn understands that contempt is not an effective deterrent to contempt and incivility. Only honesty, deep respect and curiosity will forge the new world we all long for.

Earned reference

As part of the GOP convention, international businessman Tom Barrack provided a “positive job reference” for Donald J. Trump that was earned over decades. You don’t earn the respect of people like Barrack over decades of business deals without doing something right.

I never gave anyone a positive job reference. They were earned by those who got them.

For the first time in this election cycle, I find myself wanting to vote for Trump and not just against Hillary Clinton.

Keith experienced

I am writing in support of Greg Keith, candidate for Sedgwick County District Court judge.

I have had the opportunity to observe him in his capacity as a municipal court judge in numerous municipalities. I have always found him to be fair, respectful and knowledgeable. His many years of judicial experience will benefit the citizens of Sedgwick County.

Letters deadline

Letters to the editor about the Aug. 2 primary must be received by 1 p.m. Thursday to be considered for publication.

This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 12:03 AM with the headline "Letters on black lives, zoo, evil AFP mailing, Trump, Keith."