Letters: Readers discuss young voters, Kansas agriculture and women church leaders
Don’t stand aside
Two years ago, I turned 18 and was excited I could officially vote, but I didn’t realize I was in the minority among my peers. When I tried to talk to them about voting, they didn’t care. Without fail they would say, “Why does it matter? It doesn’t affect me.”
This statement always shocks me. In fact, I find it dumb.
This train of thought is so popular that only around 28 percent of eligible voters aged 18-29 say they are “absolutely certain” to vote in this election cycle. With the registration deadline ending Wednesday in Missouri, I think it is important to remind young Americans that what is at stake does affect them — issues, such as the cost of higher education, medical marijuana and an increased minimum wage, that they do not even know about because they do not pay attention.
The only way to change problems affecting the young generation is to go out and vote and fix those problems.
Marc Williams
Hillsboro, Mo.
Different attire
Justice Brett Kavanaugh = President Donald Trump in robes. This is a picture I cannot get out of my head.
Mary Ann Bergman
Kansas City, Kan.
Agricultural might
As most Kansans know, agriculture is vital to the state. Although the majority of Johnson County residents are not producers, many of us share a bond with the agricultural industry through ties to farms owned by our ancestors or friends.
According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the 44 agriculture, food and food-processing sectors this year will have a total direct output of about $2.14 billion and support 7,843 jobs in Johnson County.
We share an economic connection. Agriculture contributes $67.5 billion, or 44.5 percent, of the state’s total economy, benefiting all Kansans. We proudly celebrate Kansas as a national leader in crop and livestock production.
As a grassroots organization, Johnson County Farm Bureau takes several trips to Topeka to visit with those representing us. It is a privilege to share our core values with them and have a voice.
As producers, farmers and ranchers appreciate the support we receive from our legislators in Topeka and Washington, D.C. With the election quickly approaching, we want to say thank you to those who have listened, led and lobbied with us.
Jessica Brunker
President, Johnson
County Farm Bureau
Spring Hill
Poor choices
The campaign rally Saturday night in Topeka featured President Donald Trump touting candidates Steve Watkins and Secretary of State Kris Kobach. (Oct. 7, 1A, “Trump celebrates at Topeka rally”)
The theme seems to be that Watkins lies and exaggerates and Trump has told bigger lies and more outrageous exaggerations — therefore Watkins would make a great Republican U.S. representative for Kansas’ 2nd Congressional district.
In Kobach’s case, it seems to be that he is mean-spirited, lies and exaggerates the voting problem, as does Trump, so Kobach would be a mini-Trump as governor.
Have all Republicans lost their moral compasses?
I can’t vote for or against Watkins because of the district I live in, but I can vote against Kobach for governor. State Sen. Laura Kelly appears to be a responsible and reasonable middle-of-the-road candidate.
Rep. Kevin Yoder has wisely decided to stay away from the rallies, while still supporting Trump.
I am a sad Republican.
David G. McIntyre
Leawood
Women can lead
In a Sept. 28 letter to the editor, a writer gave his opinion about female pastors, stating that male pastors who allow women to serve as clergy are not Christians and that they will go to hell for this decision. He said the Bible supports his opinion.
Our world has changed immensely since the writings of the Bible, especially in the roles women have in our world. Women are much more respected and educated in today’s society in many countries, such as the United States, where they take on many leadership roles.
My own church is led by a female pastor, and she leads with intelligence, wisdom, love — and the Bible. Perhaps this letter writer views Christ as Jonathan Edwards did back in the Puritan era, when congregations were led with fear and fury and women had no leadership or voice in society. I choose to believe Jesus rejoices in heaven every time a person accepts him as his or her personal savior, regardless of the person’s church leadership.
We will all have to answer to our shortcomings and mistakes someday, but in the meantime, let’s not judge so harshly — especially not of people who are helping make our world a more peaceful and loving place.
Caryee Smith
Warrensburg