After 23 years at the Kansas Statehouse advocating for schools, I took my retirement this year. I was hoping to work longer. However, I was wrong. The Statehouse has become a polluted place to work. It’s not a suitable environment for anyone concerned about the lives of the working Kansans.
Legislative leaders are snobbish towards the working class, of any who doesn’t conform to their code of hatred and intolerance. Redistricting debates are the perfect illustration. People living in “blue” areas like Douglas and Wyandotte counties should be relegated to the margins before the blue contagion spreads.
At the moment, Democrats can manage to keep one of the seats in Congress. The GOP is worried that one day a Democrat might be elected. It is believed that the GOP thinks that a majority in the legislative process is entitled to select their voters. According to this world view, they believe that voters do not have a right to choose their representatives. So, the two blue zones need to be separated to ensure they have no way that they will have someone who shares the same values as them in Congress.
This isn’t about what’s best for Kansas. It’s all about what’s best for the GOP and retaining power at all costs, even if that results in the marginalization of minority voters in Wyandotte County, even if that means dividing communities such as Douglas County and the reservations.
However, it extends far beyond redistricting debates.
It’s apparent in every room of the committee and the introduction of every bill and every statement that allows for debate. The GOP won’t allow the voice of working people and will not permit those with low incomes to receive healthcare. They will not help women take control of their bodies, let teachers speak truthfully about the past, or allow LGBTQ individuals to live their lives free.
There is no longer a time when lawmakers in leadership positions listen, nor do they consider different points of view or even permit them. There is no longer a way to be in disagreement with a policy but to remain courteous, social, or even respectful.
In a move that is a threat to democracy, committee chairs refuse to let hearings be held on bills that they do not personally endorse. They provide only a brief notice of hearings on bills which leaves the public, and even lobbyists from having the opportunity to speak -with the exception, of course, lobbyists who are in favor of the bill be given notice in advance.
I believe our democracy is dead. Our politics are toxic.
Recently, a Kansas legislator addressed the Rabbi the message on Twitter with a tweet calling the Rabbi a “dumbass” and suggesting he “Shut the f up.” This is the Kansas Legislature in 140 characters.
I’m not a fan of the idea of censorship. I’m aware that I’ve posted some critical comments via social networks. However, this was a politician — the representative of Kansas citizens who speaks on behalf of their interests. What would his constituents think if they said like this? Would they be interested in what they do? Unfortunately, after watching every current political debate, I am starting to believe that nobody will care. This is our democratic system that is in a spiral of death.
If I’m confronted with most legislators who aren’t concerned about the human condition, it’s time to leave. If I am faced with an overwhelming majority of voters who accept this, it’s time to move on. Due to these reasons and the fact that I want to feel less stress and greater joy, I’ve quit and retired. I wish God bless Kansas; however, I am concerned that the blessing may be too small or late.
It is also important to mention that I am grateful for the GOP legislators’ suggestions on getting to know about my departure. They were accommodating, and I took care that I did not let my door strike me in the back as I left.