Readers discuss politicians’ lies, voting, Kansas House District 21 race

Truth challenged

Why are some people demanding that the media call out Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on his lies the moment he spits one out? Why aren’t those people demanding the same of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and the lies she utters?

Why are so many people accepting Clinton’s lies as being not as bad as Trump’s lies? How can that be?

Why did so many go to the polls and vote these liars into the final stretch while applauding that all presidential candidates are not allowed into the debates?

It does appear that the majority of voters are no more credible than the candidates they put forward.

I am demanding that the private corporation that stole the debates from the League of Women Voters invite all presidential candidates into the mix in future elections. Perhaps we’ll see that not all candidates are liars.

Richard Heckler

Lawrence

Political beefs

I’m not a political activist, nor do I wish to become one. With that said, I’d like to express my thoughts.

The first is on the use of government transportation for political purposes. Recently, a public official in Kansas was accused of using a state aircraft for political purposes. Yet nothing is said about the president taking a trip on Air Force One with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to attend a political function.

I assure you that I am not picking on the president or his political party, as this has been a long-standing practice by both parties.

I would like to see a report from the Government Accountability Office showing how many people are required to support a trip on Air Force One and the overall cost. I am sure voters would be greatly surprised and probably a bit angry.

In closing, isn’t the upcoming presidential election exciting? Making a choice between Clinton and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is like deciding whether I want to be bitten by a copperhead or a rattlesnake.

Maybe we should just cut to the chase, put the job on Craigslist and save all of the drama.

Lawrence I. Howland

Harrisonville

Politics, dishonesty

Most of the candidates I’ve had to vote for over the last 56 years were greedy, narrow-minded, prejudiced bigots. Who cares what color a person is as long as he is honest and godly?

Most lawmakers who are setting our standards are not worthy of our attention.

When the honest taxpayer is robbed of an honest way of life while the lawmakers care for the criminals, it’s wrong. They have almost destroyed the United States with the wars, job sellouts, bankruptcies and dishonesty.

I am ashamed of the whole professional lawmaker clan. No wonder so many people out there are going crazy.

William Leroy Elwood

Osceola, Mo.

Art of the deal

Those who thought truth and facts would ultimately derail Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, guess again. If you don’t take a stand, you will be casting a vote for Trump. Don’t wake up Nov. 9 and wonder what just happened. It will be too late.

It really shouldn’t matter to me. I’m a Caucasian, straight, relatively affluent, male senior citizen.

But if you are or know someone who is a woman, under age 55, African-American, Hispanic, Muslim, poor or middle class, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, a student, disabled or in need of better medical coverage, or if you don’t want to suffer because of unregulated industry pollution or otherwise be co-opted by rich white men, you should be very concerned.

And you must do something about it. It’s not just about stopping Trump; it’s about stopping the Republicans from nominating Supreme Court justices who will serve long after everyone realizes Trump’s utter incompetence.

Do people need another reminder about what kind of snake-oil salesman he is? Read the Aug. 2 Newsweek article about his business dealings.

It should forever dispel the myth that Trump knows how to get things done. What he does know is how to con people.

Scott Roby

Lenexa

Vote for education

Schools.

You have probably heard that the principal reason people move to and live in Johnson County is its schools.

And in this election, voters in Kansas House District 21 have the opportunity to send to Topeka a person whose education credentials are unsurpassed: Jerry Stogsdill.

Stogsdill taught in Ray Marsh Elementary School for 11 years. He was a three-term president of the Shawnee Mission National Education Association. His wife, Deanna, is a former teacher and a counselor at Shawnee Mission East High School, from which their son graduated.

Stogsdill has two degrees from Kansas State University. He has worked his entire career in the trenches of education, economic development and business.

With education (and tax policy) the top issues in the upcoming legislative session, voters should choose Jerry Stogsdill.

Is quality education important to you? If so, vote for Stogsdill.

Mike Zakoura

Prairie Village

Power of voting

This year, I have heard many things about the election. For instance: “The alternatives are so poor. And my vote won’t count.”

I’ve gone through these ways of thinking and will propose five ways I’ve tested to effect change. They can work for you in future years.

First, register and vote. You can register at the Department of Motor Vehicles or online at your county’s election office website.

Multiply your results: Ask everyone you know and everyone you meet to vote. Studies have shown that asking people to vote is the most effective way of getting them to vote.

Get voter registration into high school government classes by addressing your district’s school board. Registering in class increases registration rates.

Get voter registration forms offered with college identifications at your alma mater and local colleges. Student ID issuance is the only place all college students must physically go nowadays.

I have tested these methods. They work. Be the change.

Take the power back. Let’s make a difference.

Chris Roesel

Roeland Park

This story was originally published October 27, 2016 at 1:54 PM with the headline "Readers discuss politicians’ lies, voting, Kansas House District 21 race."