Letters: Readers discuss the right to vote, epilepsy awareness and secrecy in Kansas government
Vote, everyone
I believe voting is not only a right but a privilege and the duty of every eligible citizen. I’m appalled that only about 23,000 people bothered to vote in the recent Overland Park election. There’s no excuse for that.
You can vote early or mail in a ballot. You can, with a small effort, vote in person at a polling place during convenient hours.
I’m sure residents who didn’t vote Tuesday would be up in arms if the city said, “It’s too expensive to vote on this, so let’s just do it our way.”
This election was important. The mayor and council members, as well as many others on the ballot, have a lot of control in our city. If you want them to hear your opinions, elect people who listen.
Some folks get upset at the idea of voter ID requirements and so on, but what do they matter if no one cares enough to vote anyway?
If you don’t use an arm or a leg, it atrophies and becomes useless. If you don’t vote, the same thing could happen to that privilege.
Lesley J. Sifers
Overland Park
Epilepsy awareness
Most people don’t realize that after Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October comes Epilepsy Awareness Month in November. More than 3 million Americans have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. I am one of thousands working to raise awareness of this terrible condition.
Epilepsy- or seizure-related causes kill about 55,000 people a year, which is more than breast cancer. Yet you don’t see epilepsy being supported by the NFL by players wearing purple. Delta Airlines doesn’t offer special purple drinks. Yoplait doesn’t sell yogurt with purple lids. The list can go on and on.
Just like cancer, epilepsy is a cruel disease that affects innocent people. Therefore, I don’t understand why they aren’t treated equally. There is no cure, and we have very little funding for research.
As someone affected by epilepsy, I strongly encourage you to get educated. My life or the life of another may depend on you.
To learn more about epilepsy and find ways you can help, visit the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsy.com.
Sienna Paoni
Girard, Kan.
No Moore
Roy Moore must be forced to step down from the race to represent Alabama in the Senate. The GOP must take a stand against sexual assault. He is woefully unfit for office.
His remarks against transgender people, Muslims and gays should have been more than enough, but he was allowed to proceed. His removal from the Alabama Supreme Court twice should have been more than enough, but he was allowed to proceed.
If you do not make a vocal stand against this man, then you support all that he represents. You have already elected a president with multiple women accusing him of sexual assault and his own admission of sexual aggressions.
Do the right thing.
Ryan Denne
Overland Park
Government secrecy
Secret Kansas — wow, what an article. (Nov. 12, 1A, “Why so secret, Kansas?”) That’s some of the best reporting I have ever seen in a local news outlet.
Please keep up the good work. And be ready for the deep swamp dwellers to come after you.
Good luck.
Steve Johnston
Leawood
Beware corruption
Congratulations to The Star for in-depth reporting on the corruption and lack of transparency in Kansas government.
I steadfastly believe that the worst threat to America’s survival in the future is corruption. This isn’t Russian-style corruption (although Gov. Sam Brownback seems more like Russian President Vladimir Putin than a leader of the free world). Rather, it is secrecy and the taking of money by our politicians.
It exists in both parties, and has become more prevalent because of laws allowing the transfer of large sums to candidates. Entities expect something in return. Many of these people have assets but can be bought cheaply. It is supposed to be one person, one vote — but with companies and wealthy individuals willing to spend millions, the playing field is not level.
Throw the bums out, perhaps? But then we get another politician who is willing to be on the take to become re-elected or acquiesce to a lobbyist for money or entertainment.
Is there any morality on either side, and will the checks and balances of our system work with current free-spending laws? Why should an elected official take one dime from a lobbyist or anyone else?
Corruption is the greatest problem in developing counties worldwide, and it is becoming America’s undoing.
Herman Kirkpatrick
Leawood
This story was originally published November 13, 2017 at 8:30 PM with the headline "Letters: Readers discuss the right to vote, epilepsy awareness and secrecy in Kansas government."