Kansas views on refugees, Merrick’s purge
Refugees – Gov. Sam Brownback acted without compassion or even a solid grasp of refugee issues when he issued an executive order directing state agencies not to assist in resettling Syrian refugees in the state. Though refugee resettlement is a federal responsibility, the assistance of state workers would be needed to sign up new arrivals for food stamps and other forms of temporary aid. The governor’s order to prevent that is heartless and foolish.
We’re not sure how Gov. Sam Brownback and other politicians reconcile such a stance against Syrian refugees with this nation’s founding ideals. American values include welcoming huddled masses yearning for freedom, not turning our backs on desperate individuals displaced by a war in which we’re taking part.
Gov. Sam Brownback has been roundly criticized since issuing an executive order that prohibits state agencies or organizations receiving funding from the state from assisting in the relocation of Syrian refugees in Kansas. Brownback, however, has reason for concern. To think the Islamic State in Syria, or other radical Islamic groups, wouldn’t take advantage of the fleeing refugees to send recruiters and trained terrorists to the West is naive.
Merrick’s purge – House Speaker Ray Merrick must be desperate. The Stilwell Republican has purged two committees of GOP moderates. He must have sensed that the tide was turning against him and his governor on Medicaid expansion and block grants for aid to public schools. The folly of extremism in Topeka can’t meet its demise any too soon.
A key part of the legislative process should be to gather as much information and consider as many viewpoints as possible before reaching a decision. House Speaker Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, is systematically derailing that process by ousting legislators from House committees because they have expressed opinions different from his. Not allowing varied views of key state issues to be heard may be a sign of insecurity and certainly is a disservice to the people of Kansas.
This story was originally published November 22, 2015 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Kansas views on refugees, Merrick’s purge."