Readers share thoughts on Kansas schools, fuel standards, congressional pay
Kansas schools
It is time to remove the courts from Kansas school policy (6-4, A1, “’05 law could affect school feud”). Distribution of available funds should be the prerogative of the Kansas Legislature. Maybe it is time to remove the judges.
One can rightfully argue that the state is underfunding education and that taxes ought to be increased. But to say the judicial branch has the power to harm a majority of school districts because a few think they are not getting their share of the pie is ridiculous.
This is a matter to be decided in the people’s house. It should not be left to the omniscience of a few individuals.
Stephen R. Kunz
Overland Park
Fuel standards
The Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires petroleum refiners to use increasing amounts of ethanol and other biofuels, has been a success. Since 2005, the standard has lowered gas prices, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, decreased dependence on imported oil and stimulated investment in biofuel technologies.
However, it is jeopardized by the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent proposal to slash the biofuel requirements established by Congress. The EPA has adopted the oil industry narrative that gasoline with more than 10 percent ethanol cannot be distributed by gas stations or used by today’s cars. The EPA is wrong.
Blends like E15 and E85 are sold at thousands of stations today and can be used by millions of vehicles. The EPA’s proposal is the subject of a public hearing Thursday in Kansas City, where farmers, biofuel producers and consumers will tell the agency it should allow the use of more biofuel, not impose arbitrary barriers. We encourage the public to attend and voice support for a strong fuel standard.
Bob Dinneen
Renewable Fuels
Association president
and CEO
Washington, D.C.
Congressional pay
Members of Congress live the adage: The one who controls the purse has the power. They have always had the luxury in voting themselves a raise.
Back in 1955 when I was 16 years old, U.S. representatives were paid $22,500 annually. In 1980 when Ronald Reagan was elected president, members of Congress were paid $69,800 annually. They increased their wages threefold in 25 years, and they get free medical care.
Back in 1955, an average family of four earned about $7,000 per year with no medical coverage. In 1980, an average family of four earned about $18,000 a year with no medical coverage.
Today an average family of four struggles if its annual income is less than $40,000 a year. Congress members are paid $174,000 a year with free medical coverage and retirement after holding office only five years.
If Congress members were ethical and actually served the people, they wouldn’t vote to increase their salaries. I don’t see how congressmen can vote for an increase and have an honest and clear conscience.
Terrance R.
Hawbaker
Atchison, Kan.
Muhammad Ali
I’m not sure how many hours were spent by our local TV media on the death of Muhammad Ali, but it was a great amount. I just wonder how much time was given to our military personnel who lost their lives trying to save others. They were the real heroes.
Julie Watterson
Independence
United America
A strong America is dependent on strong, independent citizens of all races, using the enormous advantages of being American to set goals and seek harmony in their private lives.
History and a series of acts have been designed to improve the lives of all citizens, regardless of their race or gender.
These are positive acts that no other country in the history of the world can match in the time frame demonstrated by this great nation. There are still ways to move forward but exacerbating the racial difference issues serves no good purpose, except to those agitators who feed on divisive dissension.
Every freedom we choose to give up for the sake of “equality” for all should be weighed against the future expansion of that freedom lost. The saying that “life is not fair” is going to be true no matter how many good or bad changes take place, and a freedom lost is not one easily recovered.
It’s time we moved on as one, united and colorblind, people. It’s time to promote America and not tear it down.
It’s time to quit baiting and demonizing our fellow citizens because they don’t see things just like you.
Calvin Day
Kansas City
This story was originally published June 7, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Readers share thoughts on Kansas schools, fuel standards, congressional pay."