The Kansas Supreme Court sided with the GOP. Voters, saving democracy is up to you
Court power grab
The Kansas Supreme Court has failed the people by not throwing out the Kansas GOP’s shameless gerrymander power grab redrawing the state’s U.S. congressional districts. (May 19, 1A, “US House map that splits Wyandotte County upheld”) The court has aided and abetted the Republican Party’s attack on democracy.
The Star published a letter I wrote on this topic Feb. 13. (19A) In response to that publication, I got a letter from a Star reader concerned about the state of American democracy. We met for lunch on May 17, and he shared his thoughts: “Our democracy is now facing its ultimate demise.” I agree with him.
It is time to rebel if you actually care about preserving any part of our admittedly imperfect democracy. You should:
▪ Leave the GOP if you are a registered Republican. The Star reader I met with did that in 2018.
▪ Vote against incumbent Republicans.
▪ Be a voice speaking out to friends and family against the GOP and its clear attempts to destroy our democracy.
- Dave Pack, Lenexa
Replace this
We have learned that the “great replacement theory” was the reason behind the shooting in Buffalo, New York: the idea that “native-born Americans are losing economic, political and cultural influence in this country because of the growing population of immigrants,” as a recent poll from The Associated Press and NORC at the University of Chicago put it.
I am no history expert, but my understanding is that the “great replacement” actually occurred hundreds of years ago, when immigrants from Europe came to this country and forced Native Americans off their lands, killing many in the attempt to eliminate their culture and way of life. My guess is that the Buffalo shooter is no more a Native American than I, whose ancestors came from England and Switzerland. I would also guess that the victims of this shooting were not actually immigrants, but more likely born in this country, the same as their attacker.
We need to speak out against those who spread hatred and try to turn people against one another. And we need to take action to ban semi-automatic rifles. These weapons are designed for mass killings and do not belong in the hands of ordinary citizens.
Please speak up and demand action. Representatives who do not respond deserve to be replaced.
- Denise Marchin, Lenexa
Critical need
Many people are not grasping the gravity of the baby formula shortage facing our country. This, in turn, prevents timely action to resolve the life-threatening problem.
The only safe options for nourishment for young babies are breastmilk and infant formula. I am a pediatrician and breastfeeding mom of three. It is important to acknowledge that not every baby can or will breastfeed, and not everyone who gives birth can or will breastfeed. Sometimes it is because of latching difficulty, limited supply or medical contraindications. Other times, it is because of insufficient paid family leave, adoption or personal choice.
It is difficult if not impossible to initiate (or reinitiate) breastfeeding when one’s baby is several months old. There are many reasons that not all babies breastfeed, and asking all mothers to breastfeed is not a realistic solution to the formula shortage. If babies are not breastfeeding, then they must have sufficient formula intake until they turn 1. Without it, they cannot grow or develop.
Not giving a baby enough formula or breastmilk is equivalent to starvation. This formula shortage is a matter of life and death because many babies have no other option for sustenance.
- Kourtney Bettinger, Prairie Village
Not of this world
Let me get this straight: Congress, which can’t even solve identified national problems, is going to investigate “unidentified aerial phenomena.” (May 18, 9A, “Congress dives into ‘unidentified aerial phenomena’”)
Good luck with that.
- Joseph Magerl, Raymore
Jesus’ example
In my opinion, those who call themselves pro-life would have a lot more credibility if they were also actively anti-racist. Republicans who promote pro-life views have too often either fed racist rhetoric or stood by in silence.
The moment Donald Trump attacked Mexicans, he opened the door for the fear and hate that boil in the underbelly of society. When good people see bad things and are silent, the results are the same.
It is time to ask the question that Charles M. Sheldon posed in his book “In His Steps”: What would Jesus do?
- John Bishop, Atchison, Kansas