Reject judicial election amendment in Kansas

In today’s polarized political environment, it’s easy to take partisan positions on issues like judicial selection. However, the proposal to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices directly risks undermining the impartiality and fairness that our courts are meant to uphold.

Kansas adopted its current merit-based selection system in 1958 after the "Triple Play" scandal exposed the dangers of political interference in judicial appointments. This system ensures that justices are chosen based on qualifications, not political allegiance.

Reverting to elections would invite special interest influence and partisan campaigns, eroding public trust in our judiciary. Kansans deserve a system that prioritizes justice over politics.

I urge my fellow citizens and lawmakers to reject this amendment and preserve the integrity of our judicial system.

Practicing demonolater questions Kansas governor's decision

Jack (Harvel) recently reported that Gov. Kelly refused the Satanic Grotto's permit to hold mass in the Capitol rotunda on the 28th of this month. Kelly denounced the planned event but shared that she's still obligated to protect freedom of expression, "regardless of how offensive or distasteful" the content is.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

As a practicing demonolater and former precinct committee woman that met the governor, I'm deeply troubled. Though we share the same hopes for Kansans — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — would she sneer at me too after denying my First Amendment?

How you can assist state efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect

Why is United States allied with murderous tyrant in Russia?

Today, the United States and Russia are allies. This is a day undreamt of by most of us, especially under present circumstances. There was always the faint hope that one day Russia would become a peaceful democracy, and we would then extend our hand in friendship.

But Russia today is ruled by a murderous tyrant with no regard for international law or even the lives of his own people — happily sacrificed to his dreams of Empire. Nonetheless, we are now allies.

Our refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the UN (voting with Russia, Iran and North Korea), our beginning efforts toward removing sanctions against them, our withdrawal of Ukrainian support including the sharing of intelligence, our shameful treatment of Zelensky in the White House (choreographed for the benefit of Russian reporters Trump allowed to live stream), and giveaways to Putin too numerous to list here — all make clear our new relationship with Russia.

This is what we voted for ... a president doubling as Russia's chief propagandist — determined to turn our country from leader of the free world into Putin's lap poodle.

And our Republican representatives applaud.

I'm sure we're all so proud.

Kansas infrastructure must keep pace with demand for energy

Throughout our history, Kansas has thrived when we invest in key industries that support our economy. As one example, oil and natural gas have played a critical role here for more than a century. Today, the industry still provides affordable energy for homes and businesses while supporting thousands of jobs.

The oil and gas industry in Kansas contributes billions of dollars to the state economy each year. Beyond direct jobs in drilling and production, it supports manufacturing, transportation, and refining, as well as local businesses in nearby communities. It also generates millions in tax revenue, helping to fund schools, roads and public services in Kansas communities.

To ensure Kansas remains a leader in American energy production, we must maintain and expand our infrastructure. Pipelines and other infrastructure safely transport oil and gas where it’s needed, which supports economic growth and keeps energy costs stable for working families. Across the country, other states have invested in modernizing infrastructure to meet demand and improve efficiency. Kansas must do the same to stay competitive.

Ensuring a strong energy future requires careful planning and coordination. For Kansas to continue benefiting from its energy industry, infrastructure must keep pace with demand. Ensuring a stable, reliable energy future means making smart investments in pipelines and other critical systems so that we can continue to enjoy affordable, homegrown energy for generations to come.

Firing federal workers isn't the goal but the distraction

Some numbers recently opened my eyes. How much money do all federal government employees add up to? About $350 billion. The entire government budget is $6.5 trillion. $350 billion is roughly only 4.3% of the whole budget. A drop in the bucket.

If the goal of Trump and Musk is to cut $2 trillion, the $350 billion isn’t anywhere close to that goal. How are they going to get to the $2 trillion? They’ll go after Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, which is frightening to seniors, children and disabled.

Even if you fired ALL of the federal employees, it wouldn’t make a hill of beans difference in their $2 trillion goal.

We also hear they want to cut waste, fraud and abuse. Everybody wants that. Then why fire 18 inspectors general, whose sole job in a department or agency is to root out waste, fraud and abuse? The excuse of cutting fraud is a bogus claim, or you’d keep the I.G.s.What could be the reason to inflict such pain? It’s not to save money. I can only speculate. One is to create chaos on purpose. This is exactly what dictators do. This leads up to their real cuts, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.