Letters on county health program, Schlitterbahn accident, Trump, Carr brothers

Kudos to county on health program

At the Kansas Health Foundation, we see some of the greatest opportunities to improve health take place at the community level, through the leadership of local elected officials. We applaud the Sedgwick County Commission for restoring an essential public health program, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), through its 2017 budget process (Aug. 11 Eagle). Commissioners Tim Norton, Dave Unruh and Jim Howell demonstrated a renewed commitment to the critical role of public health, through data collection and collaboration, to create a road map for better health.

The CHIP is a vital tool to identify health concerns, define goals, and shape plans for improving individual and community health. Health departments all across Kansas have embraced leading CHIP efforts, and now with dedicated resources, the Sedgwick County Health Department will lead community health planning for one of the largest counties in the state.

We also recognize the Health Alliance partners that came together this past year to fill some of the gaps in the planning process, to address access to health care, obesity and diabetes, mental health, oral health and health disparities. It is heartening to see the County Commission rightfully taking steps to resume its leadership role in promoting and protecting the health of our community.

Terrible accident

As the grandmother of a 10-year-old boy, I was brought to tears when I heard about the terrible water-slide accident in Kansas City that took the life of Caleb Schwab, and seeing his photo was more heartbreaking (Aug. 8 Eagle).

In the days since, media have reported on the initial testing of this slide, with weighted rafts regularly flying off the course. It seems there were other engineering challenges and glitches, particularly because the ride was based on roller-coaster specifications. People who have ridden Verruckt have come forward with stories of mishaps, particularly regarding the safety belts coming undone and having to hold on for dear life until the ride ended.

It seems to make sense to dismantle the Verruckt, evermore a painful reminder of this accident.

Senseless death

I had watched a special on television last year about the Schlitterbahn water slide, a marvel of foolishness. I do not know what possessed the company, its financial backers, and no doubt the suits in the legal department to permit this idiocy. And now a Kansas family is experiencing a horrific loss.

Several sites and media outlets have mentioned that restraints were either not working or slipped off of other riders, too. Whether this child was simply too small, there is unfortunately a shared responsibility in this tragedy.

A large number of injuries occur annually on water-park attractions, but this was an occurrence destined to happen, once the approval was made for the construction of this slide. Just because you have the capacity to do something doesn’t mean that it is prudent, or that you should do it.

Beyond the pale

Donald Trump has casually incited violence against Hillary Clinton and the judges she might appoint. We all heard it: “If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people – maybe there is. I don’t know.” As he is often wont to do, he added as an afterthought: “That will be a horrible day – if, if Hillary gets to put her judges in.”

Given his history, there is no ambiguity about what he meant. There is no explaining it away.

Trump has made many racist and inflammatory comments in the past. This latest incendiary comment goes far beyond the pale in inciting those who are emotionally unbalanced.

Trump was smart

Critics try to paint Donald Trump as a dumb businessman who has even filed for bankruptcy four times. But having started many businesses, Trump knows that filing for bankruptcy is a common business decision.

Trump was smart to make the moves when he did. His purpose was not to cheat his friends but to file for Chapter 11 for “reorganization,” which allows a company to restructure without shutting down the business. The purpose was to save the business, rather than using other options, such as liquidation.

Some folks admire a profitable businessman. Trump has a record of achievement. If he could steer the federal government as profitably as he has his businesses, we would not build our national debt – like the insiders who appropriate our money without knowing where it goes until it runs out, then request additional funding.

System failed

Overturning the death sentences of the Carr brothers would mean the system failed the victim families twice (Aug. 11 Eagle). Had Reginald Carr never been released due to an error, his crimes in Wichita may have never been committed.

This injustice occurred in 2002, too, when the Kansas Supreme Court stripped Leon McClennon Jr.’s survivors of justice by overturning part of the 257-year sentence of this repeat offender and serial rapist. The ruling stated former Sedgwick County District Judge Rebecca Pilshaw overstepped in sentencing the rapes as “crime of extreme sexual violence” criteria they didn’t meet.

McClennon had served only three years and was released early in 1980 on prior rape convictions. He then stalked, raped, attempted to strangle, kidnapped, robbed and changed more women’s lives. He has never reimbursed his victims, has worked in a prison cabinetry shop making $12 per hour, and pays only 5 percent to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Fund.

It is injustice when felons’ rights and political correctness supersede the rights of victims and survivors.

I was two weeks from graduation at Wichita State University when McClennon raped me. It determined how many children I could have and changed my career path and life.

My heart goes out to the victims, families and survivor of these crimes. Wichitans shouldn’t judge and place an expiration date on their grief or diminish their experience.

This story was originally published August 14, 2016 at 12:05 AM with the headline "Letters on county health program, Schlitterbahn accident, Trump, Carr brothers."