Are you outraged by the radicals in the Kansas Legislature, too? Use your voting power | Opinion

I’m weary of reading about the radicals in Topeka and the outrageous legislation that was proposed during this last Kansas legislative session. I’m flummoxed by words uttered (then denied) by people who call themselves Christians but shamelessly express hate and a desire to drive out people with different beliefs. God directs us to love one another.

What can we do, we ask while wringing our hands and stuffing our mouths with chocolate?

I propose a ban on talking about elected officials. For 30 days, give them the silent treat that you received.

Claim your power. Don’t just register to vote — get out and vote in every election, including the primary. Attend candidate forums to determine whether the people running to represent you reflect your values and are willing to withstand threats from political leadership. Is a plum committee assignment more important than the will of constituents?

Remember: We choose to put people in office, and we can choose to send them packing.

Women have to power to vote for bodily autonomy by voting out elected officials who disregard their rights again and again. LGBTQ people — yes, they are people, not monsters preying on others in public restrooms — have power at the ballot box. People who need Medicaid have the power of the vote.

Instead of complaining, act. Talk to everyone you know about the importance of voting.

I believe we need people from every faith, gender, ethnicity and community to coexist with respect and power. That’s not a radical idea, is it?