Electoral College is an outdated system that undermines the democracy of voters | Opinion

Electoral failure

I will cast my vote in November, as I always try to do. However, it appears that Donald Trump has already won the presidential election here in Kansas. In fact, it appears in multiple states around the country that the winner has already been chosen.

It seems much less like a national election coming up than a “battleground state” election. George W. Bush and Donald Trump both lost the popular vote but still won because of the electoral-college process.

I know, griping about the electoral college is nothing new, but I’m bringing it up again. Voters want to believe their votes count — that they make a difference. The electoral college chips away at that belief. It essentially signals to people that larger forces are in play and that, however they choose to vote, the electoral college will have its way.

If the electoral college were functioning in a beneficial way, its results would reflect the popular vote, and that hasn’t happened. Let’s get rid of it. Whatever theoretical purpose it was supposed to serve has long expired. Our fragile democracy needs all the direct representation we can muster.

- Shane Smith, Olathe

Too risky

The president, as commander in chief, has the sole final authority to order a launch of nuclear weapons. It is balanced somewhat by the Uniform Code of Military Justice to follow orders “provided they are legal and have come from competent authority.”

Donald Trump’s problems with cognition, emotional stability, judgment and understanding of and respect for the military make him unfit for this authority. Recall his reckless 2018 exchange with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un about who had the bigger button to push for a nuclear strike.

Recall the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi phoned Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about Trump’s authority for nuclear decision-making under the circumstances. Milley assured her the nuclear arsenal was secure because the military was “not going to do anything illegal or crazy.”

Consider what could happen during another Trump presidency if a military leader of Milley’s standing is not in place. As a nuclear decision-maker, Trump would present an unacceptable risk to the global ecology and civilization as we know it. He is therefore unfit to be president.

- Michael Miller, Roeland Park

Sherman praise

Many thanks for a well-written article on Marny and John Sherman. (Sept. 13, 1B, “Contrary to false narratives, KC Royals owner John Sherman is crucial community pillar”)

Vahe Gregorian captured not only their generous financial contributions but their sincere dedication to the local organizations they support.

It has been disturbing to read so many negative comments on social media this past year. Thank you for setting the record straight on two individuals who have done wonderful things for our community.

Go Royals.

- Jan Stephenson, Fairway

Hating immigrants

Amid recent jokes and memes about eating pets, I heard a newscaster say, “How would you like to be a Haitian child going to school in Springfield?” It took me back to my time as a school librarian.

One of my greatest joys was sharing books with kids — especially fiction. It helps us walk in another’s shoes — creates empathy. One book whose title seems particularly apt, “Home of the Brave” by Katherine Applegate, is the story of a young African refugee sent to live in Minnesota and his unlikely and loving relationship with a cow — the only familiar thing he sees in this new land.

Maybe if more teachers and librarians shared stories like these we wouldn’t see people who are different from us with fear and hatred. But as Kamala Harris says, “We would see that we have so many more things in common than we have differences.”

- Jan Bombeck, Overland Park

Lost truth

Over the last several years, I have seen many things. I have heard many things. I have read many things. Now there are people telling me that I did not see, hear or read any of these things and that they were innocent and that they want to be my king. I don’t think so. It seems to me that I read this was how great nations were lost.

- Richard Clyde Lumpkin, Prairie Village

Farms champion

Agriculture is the backbone of Kansas’ economy, contributing more than $82 billion annually and supporting 250,000 Kansas jobs.

Rep. Sharice Davids understands this and is working to secure a Farm Bill that strengthens our agricultural economy, protects farmers and ensures a stable and affordable food supply for generations to come.

She can’t do it alone, though. That’s why passing a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill is essential — not only for farmers and ranchers but for the entire Kansas economy.

Rep. Davids has demonstrated a deep commitment to Kansas agriculture and the importance of a Farm Bill that works for everyone. She held a listening tour and met with farmers and ranchers to better understand the issues affecting them.

This relationship-building and hands-on approach have not gone unnoticed. It’s one of the reasons Rep. Davids earned the endorsements of the National Farmers Union PAC and the Kansas Farm Bureau PAC.

She knows the best Farm Bill will be one that is realistic, can gain bipartisan support and invests in Kansas agricultural professionals while protecting vital nutrition programs that ensure families don’t go hungry.

- Nick Levendofsky, Executive Director, Kansas Farmers Union, Courtland, Kansas

No MAGA for me

I’ve been voting for nearly 50 years, mostly Republican. I believe in law and order (not MAGA’s Jan. 6), fiscal responsibility (tax cut plus lifting the debt ceiling), conservation of resources (drill baby drill) and free trade (100% tariff). I’m a Dinosaur (Dino), not a RINO, and will continue voting against MAGA.

- Jim Turner, Independence