Letters to the editor (Oct. 17, 2018)

Medical marijuana

The upcoming election presents many issues to consider. None stand out like the legalizing of medical marijuana. It’s not visible on the ballot, but it’s nonetheless there.

Those states which have already legalized it are paying a "high" price: More stoned residents. Sad how easy it is to obtain a card allowing the bearer access to this hallucinogen with doctors eager to oblige. Many hand out opioid prescriptions like candy. Our nation is in the grip of an epidemic.

Just because others jump off a cliff, must Kansas follow? We don’t need more impaired drivers on our roads nor employees returning stoned from a casual "smoke” over lunch. Stop and think of the implications.

It’s a given that the stoner heads will support the party with an established record of catering to them. For the rest of us, the choice is not clouded by smoke. We as a state must draw a line and say no further! Although not spelled out, this issue lurks discretely behind our gubernatorial candidates.

Please vote NO to medical marijuana. Do it for the health of our nation.

Care of children

We recognize our children as a valuable resource in our state. Examine the background and agenda of candidates in this election. Carefully select those who will work with us and for us to provide a healthy foundation for their growth.

Today, many of our children are in state custody; they are not receiving proper care or treatment under the current agency’s guidelines. Both abuse and neglect exist, often greater than they have ever known. Many children are removed from their homes and placed in distant communities, harsh and even violent environments. There must be not only re-structuring of the current system, but adherence to existing guidelines under which it functions.

Kansans pay their share of caring for their obligations to our state and nation. Candidates must feel the weight of this challenge as they seek to represent us.

We have a voice: the ballot box. Consider candidates’ positions and commitments to our children when voting.

Tribal ancestry

The discussion of Elizabeth Warren's tribal ancestry has created a somewhat humorous line of inquiry with some of my children: if we get our DNA will we find we are part Arab? My parents were 100% Italian, but from the southern part of that country that long ago was occupied by Arabs, and my older brother was enough darker than me that Mexicans spoke to him in Spanish. So I mentioned that we likely had some Arabic blood. But my kid's mother is Irish-English so I think it unlikely they will be found Arab enough to be moved to consider becoming Muslim. Especially since my father anglicized our Italian family name on coming to the U.S.

Kris Kobach

There are many reasons why I will not vote for Kris Kobach, unlike the six listed by Ms. Sluga (“Why I support Kris Kobach for governor,” Oct. 14 Eagle). But it is crucial that voters be aware that the lack of support of the non-discrimination statement currently in effect would discourage and likely eliminate many who have already committed to coming to our state. This would include the NCAA basketball teams, as well as unknown businesses who want their families in a welcoming community.

Four of the five candidates for governor support the continuation of non-discrimination. I plan to vote for Laura Kelley.