Letters on Minnesota’s economy, abortion, same-sex marriage books, foreign policy, Erika Owen, GOP police state

Minnesota offers lesson for Kansas

Wouldn’t it be nice if our budget deficit in the state of Kansas could be reversed, education could be funded adequately, more jobs could be created, and the average income could be raised? Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton did just that in his state.

Dayton was handed a $6 billion budget deficit from Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who refused to raise taxes because of fears that raising taxes would run off the job-creating corporations. Sound familiar? While a net 6,200 new jobs were created during Pawlenty’s two terms of office, Dayton’s policies brought 172,000 new jobs just in his first term.

By January 2015, Minnesota had a $1 billion surplus, and Dayton promised to reinvest a third of this in the state’s public schools. Minnesota’s unemployment rate in December was 3.6 percent, the fifth lowest in the country.

By 2013, Minnesota had the fifth-fastest growing economy in the country. It ranked ninth best for business by Forbes, while Scott Walker’s Wisconsin next door ranked 32nd.

Dayton was able to achieve this kind of economic turnaround at the same time he increased taxes on the wealthy, increased the minimum wage and guaranteed equal pay for women.

Minnesota is fortunate to have the kind of leadership that offers lessons to be learned by our leaders here in Kansas. Bring back the notion of the common good.

Trust women

I am writing in opposition to Senate Bill 95, which should be called the “Physician Intimidation and Criminalization Act.” This proposed legislation is Kansas’ latest attempt to restrict women’s civil and constitutional rights.

By banning a specific medical procedure, SB 95 would tie doctors’ hands and force them to deviate from what could be the most appropriate care for a patient. This is incredibly dangerous for Kansas women seeking necessary medical care.

Women in our state who need an abortion already face intimidation, harassment, obstruction and perhaps even violence. We should be working to make sure women can access care without these barriers. We should pass laws that demonstrate our trust in women to make their own health care decisions. Instead, SB 95 does the exact opposite by suggesting our policymakers know what’s best when it comes to women’s health care.

SB 95 is part of a larger national anti-choice agenda that would put Kansas on the path to being one of the most hostile states for women. Please join me in urging Kansas state legislators to oppose this bill. The message is simple: We trust physicians and we trust women.

Relocate books

The children’s room in Wichita’s Central Library includes books designed to brainwash little kids into thinking that same-sex marriage is normal.

I have asked Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, to introduce a resolution like the one that the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed in 2005 by a vote of 81-3 directing all libraries in the state to keep books on same-sex marriage out of children’s sections.

By letter and phone, notify state senators in Topeka how you want them to vote on this.

Kill or talk

It seems many who express their opinions would prefer killing to talking.

No, this is not about our laws regarding who can carry firearms where and when. I think those who want any guns everywhere all the time are more about fantasy than reality, although certainly the reality will bring still more killing.

This is about foreign policy, and negotiations versus war. President Obama is doing what he was elected and re-elected to do, and he is doing it well.

Three presidents put us or kept us at war in Vietnam. Millions died, and many still suffer. Was it the thing to do?

Then there was Iraq. An old college friend of mine once said that at least President George W. Bush was a “man’s man.” Not this man’s.

I’m sure that most all of those who say Obama is a timid, ignorant coward want someone else to be sent to do the killing and dying. I’d strongly prefer that the president and secretary of state continue to talk as long as possible.

Owen was special

That was a very nice story by Eagle reporter Tim Potter on Erika Owen (“Woman who died in pond loved her dog, loved people,” March 7 Eagle). I would like to add my thoughts on Owen as well.

I was introduced to her a few months back when I went to the hospital as my daughter’s father-in-law lay dying. I noticed a young woman on the floor keeping my grandchildren and other children calm, and helping them to color and work on things to keep them occupied. Even before I was introduced, I could tell that she was very special. She had a great smile and a soft voice, and the children were mesmerized by her. As I have come to know since then, she had that effect on everyone who met or was touched by her.

The city has lost a true child of God with her passing.

Keep us informed

I wish to thank The Eagle editorial staff for the excellent job it does keeping us informed of the politics in Topeka and the state of Kansas.

I was born and raised in Kansas, have lived here all my life, and am a registered Republican. Right now I feel as if I am living in a police state. Where is the party I signed on with 63 years ago?

This story was originally published March 12, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on Minnesota’s economy, abortion, same-sex marriage books, foreign policy, Erika Owen, GOP police state."