Letters to the editor

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 5, 2008

Passion for the arts

Recently, my husband, Larry Peters, and I attended the 2008 Kansas Governor's Arts Awards event at Washburn University. Excitement was in the air even as we walked across the beautiful campus to the Memorial Union and the splendid Washburn Room. As soon as we entered, we began to see people we knew from across Kansas gathering to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of fellow Kansans.

During dinner, we were treated to the sounds of the New Perspective Trio. Once the festivities had begun, we marveled at the performance of the Elaris Duo. Poet Laureate Denise Low read one of her wonderful poems. The grand finale was one of fun and song from the great voice of Marilyn Maye.

Anita Wolgast graciously conducted the awards ceremony in her role as chairwoman of the Kansas Arts Commission.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, an avid supporter of the arts, joined other dignitaries in celebrating the incredible talent and cultural richness of our state, which has touched the world through the efforts of the individuals and organizations honored at the event.

Of special interest were the acceptance speeches of the recipients, which clearly stated not only gratitude but a profound passion for the arts.

At the end of the evening, a surprise presentation was made to Sebelius for her continuing enthusiasm for the arts and her recognition of the vital role they play in the cultural and economic health of Kansas and the nation.

Standing ovations by the large crowd throughout the event and the generous sponsorships by individuals, corporations, civic organizations and foundations underscored the shared belief in the arts. My heart was full on the way home.

BARBARA WATERMAN-PETERS,Topeka

Support for at-large

Many of us would like to see the Topeka City Council go to at- large elections. Every decision made affects all of us in the city, not just one or two districts. The reasons noted on The Capital- Journal's editorial page on June 24 are why we are due for the change.

I would hope at-large membership would necessitate that council members work together. Over the past 20 years, Topeka has shown little growth. There is a total lack of vision for what our city needs. Council members play one-upmanship, and nothing gets done.

PEGGY CHITTENDEN,Topeka

Confidence necessary

As an average Joe living in Topeka, there is a limit to the knowledge I have regarding the inner workings of our city government, its elected officials and public servants.

I am honored to know a number of firefighters personally, and all enthusiastically consider themselves to be public servants. The current unrest among their numbers is common knowledge. These brave people daily contend with work-related circumstances unlike any we common citizens encounter. Frequently, they are required to entrust their lives to the vigilance of their fellows. If there is an erosion of confidence at any level, untimely caution and doubt will put at risk the very people and property they are dedicated to preserve.

We need to rely upon with confidence that the rank and file will rush to our aid when we call 911. These same people have expressed an overwhelming lack of confidence in the fire chief.

I don't know what laws govern the circumstances, but it seems to me the logical choice would be to do one of three things: Do nothing, which is already being done; fire all the firefighters; or replace the chief. If logic has a place in all of this, it seems to me the choice is obvious.

SKIP ELLIS,Topeka

Obama's inspiration

Although the issue of Barack Obama's church and pastor hasn't received much attention lately, it was brought to mind when I was riding past some of our fellow citizens who enjoy holding hateful signs on our city's street corners.

Is there really a difference between Obama's pastor screaming, "God damn America," and the followers of Phelps holding signs that say, "God Hates America"? Is there a difference between one pastor saying that America more or less got what it deserved on 9/11 and another who parades a sign that reads, "Thank God for 9/11"?

Would Topekans elect a member of Westboro Baptist Church to be even a dog catcher? I suspect not. Then why elect a president who for 20 years attended an extremist and hateful church, and said that its pastor gave him inspiration?

RICK WOOTEN,Topeka

Fighting all waste

Gene Wolfe took a very narrow view in his letter of June 12 when he accused Americans for Prosperity of being "short-sighted" when it comes to wasteful GOP spending. In fact, so narrow was his view that he neglected to mention AFP's track record of opposing the unaccountable practice of earmarking federal tax dollars.

While he claimed AFP has been "strangely silent" on Republican spending, like the infamous Alaska "bridge to nowhere," nothing could be further from the truth. Earmarking is a bipartisan problem, and taxpayers should urge all lawmakers to curb wasteful earmarking and support reforms.

Wolfe's other accusations are also off base. AFP does oppose unnecessary tax hikes and out-of-control government spending, but we are strong supporters of good government initiatives. AFP was instrumental in passing the bipartisan Federal Funding Transparency and Accountability Act sponsored by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.