Bibliophobia

Be resourceful: recycle

The February Topeka City of Character word of the month was resourcefulness. It was defined as finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard. Would this not be a fitting word for the dilemma addressed on the front page of the March 1 Capital-Journal dealing with the problems facing the county landfill?

If any part of the current 900 tons of trash received daily could be resourcefully used (recycled), the concern over the size of the trash hills and what is adjacent land may not be a major issue.

Recycling bins are available throughout Topeka for cans, glass, plastic, newspapers, magazines and cardboard. The overflow of these bins is a testament to the number of people invested in resourcefulness. The challenge is how to engage more people in this process and provide outlets for all recyclable items.

One recyclable item that has been gaining popularity for its versatility in the grocery, fast food and shipping markets is Styrofoam. Without a current recycling program for Styrofoam, it's assumed that foam cups, plates, etc., contribute to the problems of space that exist at the county landfill. The question is, why hasn't the Shawnee County Recycling Department found a way to implement a Styrofoam recycling program?

Looking for options to decrease the amount of material taken to the landfill may prove to be more effective than increasing the size of the trash hills.

Certainly, in a City of Character there is a resourceful way of finding sponsorship for programs that promote recycling of Styrofoam, similar to the programs for recycling tires and household chemicals.

--- CHERYL PATTERSON and MICHAEL T. DREHER, Topeka

Readers to the rescue

This past week, you published a letter regarding a snow removal problem I experienced recently. There are two things I would like to add. One, I am not averse to paying for a good job done, but taking advantage of anybody, elderly or not, is unacceptable.

Secondly, I want you to know that nine compassionate, caring individuals called my home and shared their concerns with me and offered honest help whenever I need it. I want to thank Tim P., Mel L. --- who was recommended by a friend --- Mrs. L. Gary R., Larry L., Cindy B. for her son Austin, Fred D'A. Jack R., Justin H. and Kamanaka Services. Thank you all. You're good people.

This past Saturday morning, after another wind and snow event, I went out to shovel a path for my miniature dachshund and a young man and his two young children were out shoveling my driveway. To Brad Shaffer, Haley and Tyler, who drove in from Overbrook, bless you --- you are special people and I thank you so very much.

--- B. J. McHENRY, Topeka

Corporate god is Profit

"If it ain't broke --- don't fix it." Congratulations to Kathleen Sebelius for telling a corporation that Kansans do not wish to pay homage to their corporate god, Profit. Kansans do not need higher insurance premiums so that a CEO can earn millions of dollars and donate more millions to politicians.

How about those federal congressmen calling Kenneth Lay a "carnival barker" and "confidence man." They passed, at midnight, a 3.5 percent COLA for themselves after giving only 2.6 percent COLA to Social Security recipients. A large portion of them accepted Enron money for political campaigns. Isn't this a case of "the pot calling the kettle black"?

The congressmen need to stop worshipping at the altar of the god Profit and pass some significant campaign reform laws. They also need to repeal their raise of almost $5,000.

--- SARAH KARL, McLouth

AG overturns voters

I write this letter regarding Attorney General John Ashcroft's attempt at thwarting what voters of Oregon have twice voted in favor of in overwhelming numbers.

It is time in the 21st century of this great country to allow people to have the same privilege we give to animals. When faced with illnesses that leave our bodies wracked with pain and virtually no quality of life whatsoever, loved ones are forced to live while we are able to put our beloved pets to sleep.

People holler for state's rights but when the situation doesn't suit them they want Big Brother to watch after us.

Back off, Mr. Ashcroft, and let the Oregon law stand and let other states, should they wish, become so enlightened as Oregon.

--- SWEDE SWENSON, Topeka

Where are the books?

Six months ago I was looking for a book in the temporary new books section of the public library. A fellow seeker commented: "This is a wonderful building, but where are the books?"

I agreed that the pickings were slim but assured her that once the construction was completed there would be books aplenty. Like the good old days.

The new library is finished, has been dedicated with much fanfare and many accolades. It has also received much criticism: ugly, grandiose, wasted space, poorly configured.

I agree with these criticisms. But the most serious fault is the one alluded to in the first paragraph: Where are the books?

The permanent new books section is set up nicely, but the shelves have more bare spaces than books. I don't have much luck finding anything, just like six months ago.

Putting books on hold is a wonderful service, but if the books aren't available they cannot be sent as requested. I have three books on hold now, one for over two months.

Please get more books into circulation. I suffer from bibliophobia (the fear of not having something to read). I don't want to join a book club, but what's a reader to do?

--- LARRY J. HALFORD, Topeka

Strong WU candidates

Elections for Washburn University student body president and vice president

are close at hand. So far, one pair of candidates has baffled the staff and students at the university. The McGinnis/Johnson campaign is possibly one of the most professional campaigns the campus has ever seen.

Their dedication and hard work not only show their passion for the election, but also foreshadow what their administration promises. I encourage everyone to visit campus and see the level of professionalism that is taking place. It is truly monumental.

The McGinnis/Johnson campaign knows how to win, and they don't appear as if they'll be disappointed.

--- ASHLEY MCMILLAN, Washburn student, Topeka

Copyright 2002
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.