At Monday night’s political forum Rep. Kent Thompson warned those upset with school finance, or the lack thereof, to sit tight.
Better to wait out the two-year block grant funding method enacted last year than to cry out change.
Why?
Because the alternative could be worse, he said.
Ultra-conservatives are sensing voter opposition, he said, and as their “last hurrah” could devise an even more punitive plan.
NOT TO BE contrary, but it seems ultra-conservatives are feeling very self-assured, as by evidence of:
1. A budget deficit that is heresy to the Republican mantra of fiscal responsibility;
2. Sharpened attacks against public education, public health, and public assistance to the point they are crippling; and
3. The recent ouster of moderate Republicans serving on both the Health and the Education committees.
If these things truly could rile up a credible opposition, that would be welcome news. But we’re not holding our breath.
Why?
Because public engagement is so low.
Take Monday night. Of the 40 or so gathered, only a handful were under the age of 50.
Seems politics in Kansas has become a pastime of senior citizens.
Which is a real crime, considering the very future of Kansas is at stake.
THE FORUM Monday night was democracy at its best. Participants — citizens and elected officials alike — enjoyed a healthy exchange of ideas.
Townsfolk learned more about the machinations in Topeka and the obstacles they create for the more moderate-leaning legislators.
Likewise, representatives learned firsthand more about the concerns weighing on the people down this way.
Such communication is critical to the success of government, schools, and programs. But for whatever reason, we put forums such as Monday night’s on par with Chinese water torture.
And with that attitude, their makeup will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
It’s up to us as citizens to give a fig about our communities and state as a whole and contribute to their success.
If you don’t, then you have no right to complain.
— Susan Lynn
