Letters on Brownback experiment, Uber liability, big money in politics
State’s problem is not just economic
Kansas’ economy seems to be heading in the wrong direction. The Brownback “experiment” sounds very much like the Reagan experiment in the 1980s. Both have accomplished the same thing – a reduction in the middle-class population and an increase in both the poor and the rich. It is obvious who is in control in Kansas.
According to Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, the problem is not just economic but also the modern divide of inequality. Reducing the money available for schools can only make matters worse.
CLYDE VASEY
Winfield
Uber questions
Given the public transportation issues we frequently hear about, at first glance Uber and possibly Lyft operating in Kansas appears to be a good thing.
However, when dealing with potential liability issues, there is a glaring issue that needs to be addressed. It always pays to consider the worst-case scenario when pondering possible ramifications to our actions and considering responsibility.
What happens if an Uber or Lyft vehicle has a collision and causes property damage, human injury or death?
If an Uber or Lyft vehicle hits a busload of nuns transporting a group of orphans, who will be responsible?
Will Uber or Lyft step up and shoulder the responsibility and liability involved? Or will it be the driver, or possibly even the consumer?
We currently regulate taxis and taxi services in Kansas. Shouldn’t those same regulations apply to Uber or Lyft?
If not, then in the interest of a level business playing field, maybe it’s time to deregulate taxis as well. Preferably before we’re up to our stylish “U” or pink mustache in problems.
KEVIN HENDERSON
Halstead
Overturn Citizens
Big money has ruined our political system, allowing the rich and corporations to buy our government and their politicians of choice. And the politicians, of course, are going to repay those big donors with favors. That leaves the average American voiceless.
In order to get back to our original form of government – a government of the people, by the people and for the people – we have to get the big money out of politics. We have to get the Citizens United decision by the U.S. Supreme Court overturned with a constitutional amendment.
We need to hold our politicians’ feet to the fire and tell them we want them to support campaign-finance reform and overturning Citizens United.
Many GOP lawmakers, such as Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita, insist that big money in politics is free speech. If that were true, then the rich have a louder voice than the average American, and speech is not free.
Contact your representatives and let them know you want them to support campaign-finance reform and overturning Citizens United, and let them know you won’t vote for them unless they agree. And then do it. Money in politics equals corruption in politics, and it’s time we the people did something about it.
SANDY LOVE
Maize
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This story was originally published April 27, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Letters on Brownback experiment, Uber liability, big money in politics."