To the editor:

I am writing to applaud the unpopular decision that Gov. Sebelius made in vetoing the latest coal-fired plants for Kansas. We had an experience recently that I will never forget. My wife and I chose to travel to China in October as we were told that the weather would be great.

Our guide, Shen Shen, was a delight. Her education was impressive and she was generous with her knowledge. She was happy for us that we had two “blue sky” days in Beijing and for our tour of the Great Wall. (Friends who traveled a week later could only see their hands in front of them at the Great Wall which is two hours from the city.) Our group marveled at the many modern cities we passed on the banks of the Yangtze River, as well as the many coal-burning plants that support those cities.

We also were appalled by the hundreds of loaded coal barges that passed us continually during our six days on the river. The trip was enjoyable, but we found we were sucking on lozenges more every day. Shen Shen told us that in China the “dogs howl at the sun.” They see the sun so seldom they don’t know what it is. China is a fascinating country with an amazing history, but they have made mistakes we can learn from.

I have taken note of the beautiful Kansas sky every day since our return. Thank you, Gov. Sebelius, for your courage in this matter.