Kansas seems to be all about theater these days. Political theater that is.
Attorney Derek Schmidt announced Kansas is joining a multistate lawsuit to combat the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Andrew Bahl reported the lawsuit is expected to argue that the rules, filed using a mechanism allowing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to circumvent the usual rulemaking process if a “grave danger” exists, exceed the authority delegated to the agency.
“The net effect of this overreaching federal mandate is to discourage private businesses from employ unvaccinated workers by making it more costly, once again threatening the livelihood of many Kansas workers and businesses and promising more disruptions to supply chains nationwide,” Schmidt said.
We have questions: Should this lawsuit really be something the people of Kansas are attached to? Are we catering to our lowest political instincts or are we appealing to our highest standards? Right now, this doesn’t pass the sniff test.
We understand and appreciate Schmidt’s right to file lawsuits. It’s part of what makes America America. However, we think Kansas has been too eager in recent years to lend its good name to frivolous lawsuits.
The Special Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 has had its share of dramatic moments. Aside from the bizarre public comments — and Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, essentially comparing the vaccine to the Holocaust — the committee is now recommending a special session.
“We have a duty to protect our citizens and our economy, and we urge Governor Kelly to fulfill that duty by calling a Special Session of the Legislature,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman, R-Olathe, said in a statement. “If the Governor is unwilling to call the Legislature back so that we can take swift action, we are prepared to call a Special Session by petition.”
Again with the flair for the dramatic. A special session in this instance sounds more like a kangaroo court. What can it do to justify the extra expense?
Furthermore, what can come of it? More lawsuits? Perhaps a trip to the Supreme Court? Sounds like more theater.
As we’ve said before and will likely have to say again, we think getting vaccinated is the right thing to do and the right thing for our country. Had more of us done it, many fewer people would have died.
