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LETTERS [Topeka Capital Journal (KS)](Topeka Capital Journal (KS) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) K-STATE EQUESTRIAN Keep the team On Oct. 13, the Kansas State University Athletics Board of Directors made an egregious error by voting to discontinue sponsorship of the Kansas State University equestrian team following the 2015-16 school year. The team is ranked No. 3 in the nation and a legitimate contender for Big 12 and national championships. This decision was made in response to an NCAA committee's recommendation, not a binding NCAA vote. There are several steps that must happen before this is a final decision by NCAA. So why did the K-State board call a special meeting to eliminate the team when there was no real urgency? Why is KSU the only school that has made this decision? There are no good answers for the 49 young women from the United States and Canada who carefully considered where to spend their undergraduate years. Each heard the theme of "family" reiterated by KSU students, athletes, staff and administrators. Each expected to have four years of eligibility where they could wear the Powercat on their backs with pride. Most had multiple offers from colleges and universities, and they chose to represent Kansas State. They have given their hearts and souls to the university. I respectfully ask the athletics board to extend KSU equestrian through 2018 to allow the current team to complete its eligibility. Yes, it would be an added expense to the university -- an amount roughly equivalent to the athletic director's annual salary. But this isn't just about the numbers. Not only can KSU afford this investment in these young women's futures, but it also owes it to them. Join me in supporting these young women and encouraging the athletics board to support equestrian through 2018. KATHY GREEN, Wichita POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS There's so much hate When I turn on my Coldplay or U2, I think of music that inspires people to fight political hate and go against the flow of hate and cruel lies that are called campaign ads. Jesus went against the powers of the day. He went against the religious rulers of the day and the political hatred. He hung out with the poor. He hung out with the prostitutes and the disabled. He touched the untouchables and loved the unlovable. What if Jesus walked among us today? What if he were sitting in the living room with a family watching a TV show and a hateful political ad came on the screen? What would he say? I believe Jesus would go to each family member and say: "It's OK to be scared about the world today. It's OK to feel like losing hope in America. It's OK not to believe in these candidates. It's OK to be angry and it's OK to want to give up." And then I think he would tell them: "I am here with you. I did not create these ads and I care about you. Don't give up." Yes, that is what I believe Jesus would say. So Topekans and Kansans must not give up. We must listen to our own voice and music until one day the hate ends. One day. REBECCA LYN PHILLIPS, Topeka (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |