Opinion Line (July 6)

The Kansas tax hike attacks what is a minority, as 20 percent of Kansans are smokers. A tax increase on fountain-type drinks or even water usage is more appropriate.

You have to wonder about a state’s fiscal planning when they underestimate the incoming monthly tax revenue for the past few years and then brag about the fact that they were wrong less this year than last year.

Marriage now? To whomever you want. Full-time job now? Thirty hours per week. And recessions? Quantitative data no longer needed. Redefinition of all types of terms by this government is an assault on established truths and deception.

Boy, for a country built on freedom and individual rights there sure are a lot of hateful, hurtful people trying to stomp on others’ rights.

It is time for Christians to quit turning the other cheek, and to stand up, rally and explain what the Bible says about homosexuality. It is against God’s law.

God tells us to love everyone, which includes LGBT people. Christians, stop speaking out against them and start loving and praying for them, regardless of their sexuality.

People are clamoring for two flags to be taken down. One is a symbol of love and solidarity against discrimination. The other is a symbol of hate, murder and treason. Guess which one the Christian right wants removed.

The Confederate flag represents segregation, subjugation, slavery and secession. Flying the Confederate flag glorifies it and lends legitimacy to the ideas it represented. This is not what is needed at a time when our states and our people should be united.

How can people be more offended by a Confederate flag flying than by an American flag being burned or walked on?

Who were the obvious “good guys” when you were a kid? Boss Hogg and his corrupt cohorts, or the Duke boys and their Dixie-tooting hot rod with the Confederate flag painted on top? Please quit stirring up trouble where there is none.

It’s time for North High to change the team name. We should work with the Native American community to come up with a name that portrays the Native American heritage at North High, in a positive way.

My cable bill for minimum TV service has doubled in the past seven years. Soon I’ll have to pay monthly “rent” for “mini-boxes” for each TV set, or lose TV service. Feels like extortion.

Ladies over 50: When you wear clothes intended for your daughters or granddaughters and choose their hair and nail colors, you don’t look younger, you just look desperate. Be proud of who you are.

This story was originally published July 5, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Opinion Line (July 6)."