Today’s news that Boeing has decided to close its Wichita operation by the end of 2013 is not only disappointing; it’s devastating when considering the impact it will have on thousands of Kansas families.

There’s no question the residents of Sedgwick County will sympathize with those who will ultimately lose their job. But hopefully they also take this opportunity to question the wisdom of decisions made by government officials in the past.

Welcome to 2012! The Wichita Chapter of AFP will have its first meeting of the New Year at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9 at the Central Branch of the Wichita Public Library (223 S. Main, 3rd Floor). The group will be viewing a presentation of John Stossel's "Making Economics Come Alive," followed by a group discussion. For more information, contact Wichita AFP volunteer coordinator John Todd at john@johntodd.net or AFP grassroots coordinator Susan Estes at sestes@afphq.org.

The Wichita Chapter of AFP will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 at the Alford Branch of the Wichita Public Library (3447 S. Meridian). County Commissioner Richard Ranzau will be the guest speaker, presenting "The $1.5 million Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) HUD Sustainable Development Planning Grant: Economic Development or Economic Destruction?" Group discussion will follow Commissioner Ranzau's presentation. For more information, contact Wichita AFP volunteer coordinator John Todd at john@johntodd.net or AFP grassroots coordinator Susan Estes at sestes@afphq.org.