Letters to the editor

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Sep 17, 2008

Support peace

The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations as an annual day for peace and cease-fire throughout the world. It is celebrated each year on Sept. 21.

True, lasting peace will come when we all realize that we are one family under God, when we love each other like brothers and sisters under the parenthood of God.

BARBARA KARNOWSKI,Emmett

Distorting facts

While watching television, I heard Sen. John McCain assert that he is the only presidential candidate who reached across the aisle to cooperate on legislation with senators of the opposite party.

He said that Barack Obama never had. That is patently false.

McCain's statement is either a lie or another unsettling memory lapse on his part. Either possibility is both sad and frightening.

On a number of occasions, Obama has cooperated on significant legislation with Republican senators. For example, he and Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., authored the proliferation and threat reduction initiative. Also, he and Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., along with McCain, cooperated on federal funding accountability and transparency legislation.

If McCain's allegation isn't a memory lapse, then it's the blatant use of the "big lie" tactic, as practiced by a variety of propaganda practitioners. Neither possibility speaks well for the senator.

LYNN HELLEBUST,Topeka

More of the same

Sarah Palin is the final proof -- as if we needed any more -- that Sen. John McCain has sold out every truly maverick position he ever held to appeal to the extremist elements of the Republican Party. She follows in the Republican tradition of such great vice presidential choices as Richard Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney.

The Republican convention's reaction to her also proves that most Republicans are hopelessly out of touch with the majority of Americans and seek no real change from the failed policies of George W. Bush. He might not have been at the convention in person, but he certainly was in spirit.

BOB BURTCH,Topeka

No comparison

I think Gov. Kathleen Sebelius would do well to keep her mouth shut about Gov. Sarah Palin. She couldn't carry Sarah's lunch bucket. And if Sebelius really thinks she was ever seriously considered for vice president, then she truly does live in the land of Oz.

BOB BARNES,Tecumseh

Means to an end

In the story, "Feeding the meter takes a little more," published in The Topeka Capital-Journal on Sept. 2, city deputy public works director Mike McGee, who oversees the city's parking section, said the reason for parking meter and garage rates being what they are is simple.

He said the fees must, among other things, generate enough money to pay the 18 budgeted employees who gather the money from the meters and the cost of replacing the vehicles used by the parking enforcement staff.

So, part of the reason for the increase in parking meter rates is to pay the wages of the staff who collect the money from the parking meters and for the vehicles they use? Talk about a recession-proof job.

RANDALL A. MARTIN,Topeka

Support Amtrak

It is not wise to vote for a candidate based on one particular issue. However, I think it is important to know the position taken if the issue is of national importance.

During the last year, imported oil and high energy prices have become of great importance. Public transportation ridership, including Amtrak, is at record levels.

Sen. John McCain has voted and spoken publicly against federal support for Amtrak. He only recently voiced his opposition to continued funding for Amtrak and indicated, if it were up to him, he would shut the system down.

Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden are staunch supporters of Amtrak.

Our members of Congress, except for Rep. Nancy Boyda and Rep. Dennis Moore, have less than a 50 percent positive voting record in support of Amtrak. Candidate Jim Slattery, when a congressman, had a perfect voting record in support of Amtrak.

For the first 10 months of fiscal year 2008, ridership on the Southwest Chief, which serves Topeka, was up 3 percent and the train had transported 270,199 passengers, or an average of 443 passengers per trip. Ridership on all long-distance trains, which McCain particularly would like to eliminate, has increased 10 percent. Ridership on the entire system also is up 10.8 percent and is expected to reach 28 million passengers, which is more than double the number of passengers handled in 1970, the last year the private railroads operated the trains.

JOHN A. MILLS,Topeka

Pass the chicken

Come on, like we need another Mexican restaurant in Topeka. Number 33 just opened recently on Wanamaker Road.

For the record, I like Mexican food as much as anyone. We eat it out and I fix it at home.

But I would like to see a nice place serving fried chicken, mashed potatoes and apple pie -- a grandma style of restaurant.

I want one, just one, chicken restaurant in this town -- 33 to 1 isn't asking too much. We enjoyed Tony's restaurant because it served good fried chicken, until it closed. We take our money to Holton because they a have a nice place, unlike Topeka.