Letters to the editor

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Mar 12, 2008

Jobs should be ours

Leaders from the Department of Defense shocked Kansans when they announced that a company abroad had been selected instead of Wichita- based Boeing to build a new generation tanker aircraft.

I am very disappointed by this decision. The defense sector brings many important jobs statewide, particularly in high-tech fields. If Boeing had been allowed to build the Air Force tanker aircraft (which refuel other planes in mid-air) 3,800 new jobs would have been generated at Boeing facilities, supplier companies and other employers across the state, helping to fuel our state economy for years to come.

Unfortunately, the Department of Defense instead chose France- based Airbus to build the refueling aircraft. While Airbus claims its tanker will be manufactured in Alabama, reports indicate that 50 percent of the manufacturing will be done in Europe. Rewarding a contract worth tens of billions of dollars to a company located overseas does not make sense.

Airbus produces quality commercial airplanes, but it has never built a tanker. Boeing has spent years designing its new tanker, which is more efficient than Airbus', fits better into parking spaces at military bases (meaning more Boeing tankers can be placed close to areas of need) and will feature the latest refueling technology.

This is the worst example of job outsourcing I have seen in a long time.

Members of the Kansas Legislature, the Kansas congressional delegation and representatives of the Boeing Co. will continue working together to overturn this unfortunate decision. In the meantime, I encourage you to call your congressional representative to voice your opinion on this important matter.

SEN. ANTHONY Hensley, D-Topeka

Chance to save lives

I have been an emergency nurse for more than 30 years. I am proud to currently work at the trauma center at Stormont-Vail HealthCare. I have worked with all five of the verified trauma centers in Kansas and have seen what a difference this kind of commitment of resources can make in caring for injured patients.

The primary goal of a trauma center is to prevent death and disability from injury. But regardless of whether you are cared for at the largest Level I trauma center or by a dedicated team in a small rural hospital, the best trauma care of all is prevention. Currently, the Legislature has an opportunity to directly save the lives of teens by implementing a graduated driver's licensing law.

The number of teens dying in motor vehicle crashes is a public health emergency. Some have characterized this effort as being unfair to teens or targeting those who don't have voting power. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is because novice teen drivers are so vulnerable, that this bill is focused on saving their lives.

I believe our legislators want to enact laws that the general public thinks are important. Please let your senators and representatives know this GDL law is important to you and your family. Lives can be saved, injuries can be avoided and teens will benefit from enhancing the requirements to become experienced independent drivers.

DARLENE S. WHITLOCK, trauma outreach prevention coordinator/ED clinical educator, Stormont-Vail HealthCare,Topeka

Silencing little guy

The speaker of the Kansas House is introducing legislation on campaign financing - again. Requiring the disclosure of membership and financial information from issue advocacy groups - many of whom are advocates of smaller government, thus a threat to the bureaucracy and other groups that use government to gain a financial advantage - the bill seeks to ensure Kansans have the proper fear of government.

Government attacks on individuals who seek to stop government tyranny must be guarded against.

Other obvious targets are groups that work to elect candidates who aren't incumbents or "friendly" with the establishment. The incumbent has access to a lists of those who would like to see him turned out of office. The incumbent also has power over a government entity that affects individuals' lives. The incumbent could easily ensure that members of that advocacy group are so busy with personal government relations problems that they don't have time to affect the outcome of the election.

If you have enough money, you could probably fight city hall, but small groups don't have that kind of money. Let's stop it before it starts. Contact your legislator now. If you do not know who they are, go to www.kansasra.org and click on your county.

DON SMALL,Burlington

Keep Cypress Ridge

Once again, the city council messed up. Last year, it had the opportunity to let the county take responsibility for Cypress Ridge Golf Course. But no, it hired a firm from Virginia to manage the course. Not only did the city lose more money, but it prevented a local and successful Lake Shawnee Golf Course management team from taking corrective measures to make Cypress Ridge the golf course it can become.

Cypress Ridge is a beautiful golf course, and under the right management it can become a top-level golf course in the state.