Kansas views on Brownback’s executive order, GMO bill, ALEC, Cuba embargo, smoking ban
Executive order – Gov. Sam Brownback issued an unnecessary and insulting executive order in response to last month’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. His order purports to protect clergy from being coerced into performing or recognizing gay marriages but does nothing of the sort. That protection has been in place since the birth of our nation. Brownback’s order may have the pernicious effect of enabling organizations that contract with state government to discriminate against same-sex couples. The governor’s pitiful efforts to turn Kansas into an island of intolerance are certain to be noticed by prospective employers. Besides seeking to locate in places that prioritize education, good companies look for states that welcome diverse workforces. Right now, Kansas is in trouble on both those fronts.
Gov. Sam Brownback wants to make sure that people’s “religious liberties are protected.” Translated: We want to guarantee that you still legally can discriminate against gays and lesbians. Instead of mollycoddling those who don’t believe in equal rights for everyone, how about obeying the Supreme Court and allowing everyone their civil rights?
GMO bill – Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita, is on the right track when it comes to genetically modified foods. A bill he sponsors would establish a voluntary, nationwide system for the labeling of GMOs. A state-by-state patchwork of GMO labeling would be a nightmare for the food industry and for consumers.
ALEC – Many Republican legislators in the Kansas Statehouse follow a specific agenda. It’s not Kansas-based, but does come from a political organization supported in part by Kansas’ own Koch brothers: the American Legislative Exchange Council. A “bill mill” for ultraconservative policymaking, ALEC views statehouses nationwide as places to gain more traction, and has made significant inroads in Kansas. When 2016 elections roll around in Kansas, voters tired of taking a backseat should unseat ALEC followers who put interests of big corporations first – and at significant cost to the state as a whole.
Cuba embargo – Lifting the travel and economic embargoes and restoring diplomatic relations would benefit this country and Cuba, which would become an export for U.S. agricultural products and other goods. Cuban exports to this country and the tourism dollars that could flow to Cuba would generate welcome jobs and incomes for the island’s residents. And as Cubans and U.S. citizens have more opportunity to interact, they probably will recognize the other doesn’t look like an enemy or someone to be feared. This country’s sanctions on Cuba are relics that have outlived their purpose. It’s time to retire them to history.
Smoking ban – The predictions five years ago, when the statewide indoor smoking ban took effect, were dire. Businesses would suffer, critics said. Such regulation was unnecessary and overreaching and would lead to people shopping and dining less. Those apocalyptic prophecies, however, haven’t materialized. Five years later, it’s hard to recall a world in which smoking occurred in restaurants, bars and shopping centers. The time of smoking in malls and retail centers is long gone, and few people miss those days when smoke filled the air for all to breathe.
This story was originally published July 12, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Kansas views on Brownback’s executive order, GMO bill, ALEC, Cuba embargo, smoking ban."