By MICHAEL BUGEJA <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/11/01/the-optics-of-american-hate/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

The road to hell isn’t paved anymore with good intentions. The asphalt is hatred.

Chances are you have experienced it recently.

A person may have confronted you because of race or ethnicity. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.route-fifty.com/public-safety/2021/04/survey-22-americans-have-experienced-hate-crime/173093/">One study shows</a> that 22% of Americans have encountered that or had their property damaged because of their skin color or culture.

You may hate someone you once loved because of divorce. <a target="_blank" href="https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/family-home-consumer/dealing-with-couples-anger-10-238/">About half of all marriages</a> end in dissolution. Between 40% and 80% of those will have suffered one or more episodes of violence or abuse.

Many couples struggle in love-hate relationships. Sabrina Romanoff, clinical psychologist, says people in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-love-hate-relationship-5207379">rollercoaster partnerships</a> seek excitement. They endure aggression and frustration so that they might experience passion, mistaking that for intimacy.

Hate has sullied journalism, causing many of us to react bitterly to the news. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.poynter.org/ethics-trust/2021/us-ranks-last-among-46-countries-in-trust-in-media-reuters-institute-report-finds/">The United States ranks last</a> out of 46 countries in media trust. Only 29% of us have confidence in reports.

You may have suffered hatred or expressed some of your own in a social media post. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.adl.org/resources/report/online-hate-and-harassment-american-experience-2021">One recent study</a>
 found that 41% of Americans have experienced online harassment, 27% of 
which was severe, “comprising sexual harassment, stalking, physical 
threats, swatting, doxing and sustained harassment.”

Then there are secrets. The people who keep them may end up hating others or even themselves. Scientific American <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-the-secrets-you-keep-are-hurting-you/">cites research</a> linking secrecy to “increased anxiety, depression, symptoms of poor health, and even the more rapid progression of disease.”

Hatred afflicts politics. Our motto once may have been “E Pluribus 
Unum,” out of many, one; but that has metamorphosed into “E Pluribus 
Duo,” out of many, two: Republicans and Democrats.

And not just any Republican. Many hate RINOs (Republicans in Name 
Only). What, exactly, is meant by that derogatory term? RINOs believe in
 less government, a strong military and the U.S. Constitution. Go 
figure.

And not just any Democrat. There are so many wings — progressive, old
 guard, new guard, moderates and conservatives. Little that they propose
 flies in Congress even though they hold the majority.

<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/28/political-sectarianism-fuels-vaccine-resistance/">Politics are so toxic</a> that many of us hate our opponent’s party more than we love our own, spewing partisan epithets in person or online.

Hate speech, however infuriating, is not a crime. The U.S. Department of Justice <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/learn-about-hate-crimes">cites First Amendment protections</a>,
 noting that people cannot be prosecuted for beliefs, even if racist. 
Nevertheless, free speech does not protect those whose criminal conduct 
is rooted in philosophical beliefs.

Hate crimes are increasingly frequent. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/hate-crime-statistics">The DOJ reports</a> that some 8,052 incidents happened in 2020, involving 11,126 victims.

Hatred erupts in bigoted violence as evidenced in several mass shootings, including the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/05/14/nyregion/buffalo-shooting">Tops grocery store massacre</a> in Buffalo, N.Y. Or it can result in <a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/regulation/3561521-growing-support-for-political-violence-raises-alarms/">political violence</a> as in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

People hate collectively to feel a sense of belonging. Extremist groups pose a distinct threat. The Rand Corporation <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RBA1071-1.html">conducted a study</a>
 on why people join such groups, noting such factors as financial 
instability, mental health, marginalization, recruitment, propaganda 
and, in particular, social bonding.

Interviewees expressed a renewed sense of power, embracing group members as family and friends.

Americans exist “in a perpetual state of love and hate,” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/sep/13/a-perpetual-state-of-love-and-hate-readers-on-what-it-means-to-be-american">according to The Guardian</a>, a British newspaper,

Isn’t love the opposite of hate? Not necessarily. Love and hate are two sides of the same emotional coin.

A psychology study titled “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5725944/#:~:text=The%20results%20showed%20that%20people,between%20romantic%20love%20and%20hate.">The Deeper the Love, the Deeper the Hate</a>”
 focused on the relationship between those intense feelings. Love 
flourishes because of shared values but mutates in the aftermath of 
betrayal into hate.

The late Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, believed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/video/elie-wiesel-talks-about-fighting-indifference#:~:text=I%20have%20devoted%20much%20time,Hate%20is%20an%20action.">the opposite of hate is indifference</a>:

“I came to a conclusion that the peril threatening humankind today is
 indifference, even more than hatred. There are more people who are 
indifferent than there are people who hate. Hate is an action. Hate 
takes time. Hate takes energy. And even it demands sacrifices.”

The UC Berkeley-based Greater Good Science Center lists <a target="_blank" href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/eight_ways_to_stand_up_to_hate">“Eight Ways to Stand Up to Hate.</a>
 Recommendations include educating yourself, understanding all 
viewpoints, speaking up when you encounter racism, resisting social 
pressure and heeding your conscience. The Center also suggests finding a
 role model, connecting with people different than you, and pressing the
 mental pause button so as not to act on impulse.

If you do any of the above, you won’t be indifferent to the plights 
of others and may boost your self-esteem, enhance your values and deepen
 your relationships.

Michael Bugeja, distinguished professor of liberal arts and 
sciences at Iowa State University, teaches media ethics and technology 
and social change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667328291846.png" alt="Images courtesy Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL BUGEJA <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/11/01/the-optics-of-american-hate/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>The road to hell isn’t paved anymore with good intentions. The asphalt is hatred.Chances are you have experienced it recently.A person may have confronted you because of race or ethnicity. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.route-fifty.com/public-safety/2021/04/survey-22-americans-have-experienced-hate-crime/173093/">One study shows</a> that 22% of Americans have encountered that or had their property damaged because of their skin color or culture.You may hate someone you once loved because of divorce. <a target="_blank" href="https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/family-home-consumer/dealing-with-couples-anger-10-238/">About half of all marriages</a> end in dissolution. Between 40% and 80% of those will have suffered one or more episodes of violence or abuse.Many couples struggle in love-hate relationships. Sabrina Romanoff, clinical psychologist, says people in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-love-hate-relationship-5207379">rollercoaster partnerships</a> seek excitement. They endure aggression and frustration so that they might experience passion, mistaking that for intimacy.Hate has sullied journalism, causing many of us to react bitterly to the news. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.poynter.org/ethics-trust/2021/us-ranks-last-among-46-countries-in-trust-in-media-reuters-institute-report-finds/">The United States ranks last</a> out of 46 countries in media trust. Only 29% of us have confidence in reports.You may have suffered hatred or expressed some of your own in a social media post. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.adl.org/resources/report/online-hate-and-harassment-american-experience-2021">One recent study</a>
 found that 41% of Americans have experienced online harassment, 27% of 
which was severe, “comprising sexual harassment, stalking, physical 
threats, swatting, doxing and sustained harassment.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667328401939.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Then there are secrets. The people who keep them may end up hating others or even themselves. Scientific American <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-the-secrets-you-keep-are-hurting-you/">cites research</a> linking secrecy to “increased anxiety, depression, symptoms of poor health, and even the more rapid progression of disease.”Hatred afflicts politics. Our motto once may have been “E Pluribus 
Unum,” out of many, one; but that has metamorphosed into “E Pluribus 
Duo,” out of many, two: Republicans and Democrats.And not just any Republican. Many hate RINOs (Republicans in Name 
Only). What, exactly, is meant by that derogatory term? RINOs believe in
 less government, a strong military and the U.S. Constitution. Go 
figure.And not just any Democrat. There are so many wings — progressive, old
 guard, new guard, moderates and conservatives. Little that they propose
 flies in Congress even though they hold the majority.<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2021/11/28/political-sectarianism-fuels-vaccine-resistance/">Politics are so toxic</a> that many of us hate our opponent’s party more than we love our own, spewing partisan epithets in person or online.Hate speech, however infuriating, is not a crime. The U.S. Department of Justice <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/learn-about-hate-crimes">cites First Amendment protections</a>,
 noting that people cannot be prosecuted for beliefs, even if racist. 
Nevertheless, free speech does not protect those whose criminal conduct 
is rooted in philosophical beliefs.Hate crimes are increasingly frequent. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/hate-crime-statistics">The DOJ reports</a> that some 8,052 incidents happened in 2020, involving 11,126 victims.Hatred erupts in bigoted violence as evidenced in several mass shootings, including the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/05/14/nyregion/buffalo-shooting">Tops grocery store massacre</a> in Buffalo, N.Y. Or it can result in <a target="_blank" href="https://thehill.com/regulation/3561521-growing-support-for-political-violence-raises-alarms/">political violence</a> as in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.People hate collectively to feel a sense of belonging. Extremist groups pose a distinct threat. The Rand Corporation <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RBA1071-1.html">conducted a study</a>
 on why people join such groups, noting such factors as financial 
instability, mental health, marginalization, recruitment, propaganda 
and, in particular, social bonding.Interviewees expressed a renewed sense of power, embracing group members as family and friends.Americans exist “in a perpetual state of love and hate,” <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/sep/13/a-perpetual-state-of-love-and-hate-readers-on-what-it-means-to-be-american">according to The Guardian</a>, a British newspaper,Isn’t love the opposite of hate? Not necessarily. Love and hate are two sides of the same emotional coin.A psychology study titled “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5725944/#:~:text=The%20results%20showed%20that%20people,between%20romantic%20love%20and%20hate.">The Deeper the Love, the Deeper the Hate</a>”
 focused on the relationship between those intense feelings. Love 
flourishes because of shared values but mutates in the aftermath of 
betrayal into hate.The late Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, believed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/video/elie-wiesel-talks-about-fighting-indifference#:~:text=I%20have%20devoted%20much%20time,Hate%20is%20an%20action.">the opposite of hate is indifference</a>:“I came to a conclusion that the peril threatening humankind today is
 indifference, even more than hatred. There are more people who are 
indifferent than there are people who hate. Hate is an action. Hate 
takes time. Hate takes energy. And even it demands sacrifices.”Indifference validates hatred.The UC Berkeley-based Greater Good Science Center lists <a target="_blank" href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/eight_ways_to_stand_up_to_hate">“Eight Ways to Stand Up to Hate.</a>
 Recommendations include educating yourself, understanding all 
viewpoints, speaking up when you encounter racism, resisting social 
pressure and heeding your conscience. The Center also suggests finding a
 role model, connecting with people different than you, and pressing the
 mental pause button so as not to act on impulse.If you do any of the above, you won’t be indifferent to the plights 
of others and may boost your self-esteem, enhance your values and deepen
 your relationships.Michael Bugeja, distinguished professor of liberal arts and 
sciences at Iowa State University, teaches media ethics and technology 
and social change.

COMMENTARY: The optics of American hate

During a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v%253Dp7fyXoJppI4%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548150314%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw3E7zBuAVwDnjpRGo-lJ-SP&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548155720&amp;usg=AOvVaw1lhMgDt6haIcl1oLWKiX5T">debate</a>&nbsp;with Rep. Barb Wasinger, Democrat Hammond said we needed a statesman and not a warrior. Take a minute and think about those two words. A statesman is an experienced and skilled political leader, while a warrior is brave, engaged, and fights the good fight. Hammond’s record suggests that he is neither.

Hammond&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/forward-ever-former-fhsu-president-ed-hammond/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548151030%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0jZ72BvRI6Ent5dBXBf_37&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548155957&amp;usg=AOvVaw1U9NvWzl24dbcwp_sylCtX">told</a>&nbsp;podcaster Gary Shorman this summer that he only became a Democrat in May after having previously been a Republican.In other words, he chose to sign on up with the Democratic Party just as it has given us rising crime, high gas prices, and the worst inflation we have seen in decades. It’s also trying to warp our children:The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/24/republicans-say-kansas-funded-drag-shows-fact-check-ks-election/69587801007/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548151447%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0KnpL7ZMffNjQNpYyr6a6j&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156115&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WDfo6WcFSR8AAh7VgmboZ">reported</a>&nbsp;that Department of Commerce records show Kelly’s administration provided a $10,000 state grant to an organization called OpenStudios. Meanwhile, the group’s Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.facebook.com/OpenStudiosICT/photos/1183219332540752%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548151713%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0T29dNrtzsZ2ox3bIyz6_p&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156240&amp;usg=AOvVaw03kxAmfgAxC6LRZFnCWkXZ">page</a>&nbsp;shows it organized a drag show featuring performers with names like “Pseudocide.” &nbsp;

However, Hammond said that he chose to run as a Democrat because it would be too difficult to challenge Wasinger in a primary race. Are these the actions of a statesman or an opportunist? &nbsp;

At another point in the debate, Hammond told a story about a friend who supposedly had to travel out of state for an abortion at 8 months in order to save her life. First off, a third trimester abortion takes several days to complete, so if she was truly facing an emergency then her doctor would have ordered an emergency C-section. Second, the Supreme Court ruled in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/roe_v_wade_(1973)%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548152174%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw2vCJaMhv9zQXMWdoK1GWww&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156454&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VKGLPkMR1dj4982QKQTrE">Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;(1973) and reaffirmed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/505/833%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548152435%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw3-7pg9XdKGDkXnJL6oxxZo&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156573&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_hdVp1byZb1Kearc7jS6J">Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey</a>&nbsp;(1992) that states had to permit late-term abortion if a woman’s health would be negatively impacted. So either this story happened over 50 years ago or it didn’t happen at all. Is that worthy of a statesman?

Finally, Hammond complained about “dark money” in this year’s election. Well, I recently received a four page flier supporting Gov. Kelly. It was paid for by the Kansas Values Institute, whose donors are teacher unions, abortion related organizations and the Democratic Governors Association. Does a statesman embrace double standards?

The fact is, we need someone who is a statesman AND a warrior, and Barb Wassinger is both. She can work with others in Topeka to get things done but will fight for her principles. Barb has my vote and I hope she has yours!

During a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v%253Dp7fyXoJppI4%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548150314%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw3E7zBuAVwDnjpRGo-lJ-SP&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548155720&amp;usg=AOvVaw1lhMgDt6haIcl1oLWKiX5T">debate</a>&nbsp;with Rep. Barb Wasinger, Democrat Hammond said we needed a statesman and not a warrior. Take a minute and think about those two words. A statesman is an experienced and skilled political leader, while a warrior is brave, engaged, and fights the good fight. Hammond’s record suggests that he is neither.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hammond&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://postpodcast.podbean.com/e/forward-ever-former-fhsu-president-ed-hammond/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548151030%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0jZ72BvRI6Ent5dBXBf_37&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548155957&amp;usg=AOvVaw1U9NvWzl24dbcwp_sylCtX">told</a>&nbsp;podcaster Gary Shorman this summer that he only became a Democrat in May after having previously been a Republican.In other words, he chose to sign on up with the Democratic Party just as it has given us rising crime, high gas prices, and the worst inflation we have seen in decades. It’s also trying to warp our children:The Topeka Capital-Journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/24/republicans-say-kansas-funded-drag-shows-fact-check-ks-election/69587801007/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548151447%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0KnpL7ZMffNjQNpYyr6a6j&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156115&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WDfo6WcFSR8AAh7VgmboZ">reported</a>&nbsp;that Department of Commerce records show Kelly’s administration provided a $10,000 state grant to an organization called OpenStudios. Meanwhile, the group’s Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.facebook.com/OpenStudiosICT/photos/1183219332540752%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548151713%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw0T29dNrtzsZ2ox3bIyz6_p&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156240&amp;usg=AOvVaw03kxAmfgAxC6LRZFnCWkXZ">page</a>&nbsp;shows it organized a drag show featuring performers with names like “Pseudocide.” &nbsp;However, Hammond said that he chose to run as a Democrat because it would be too difficult to challenge Wasinger in a primary race. Are these the actions of a statesman or an opportunist? &nbsp;At another point in the debate, Hammond told a story about a friend who supposedly had to travel out of state for an abortion at 8 months in order to save her life. First off, a third trimester abortion takes several days to complete, so if she was truly facing an emergency then her doctor would have ordered an emergency C-section. Second, the Supreme Court ruled in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/roe_v_wade_(1973)%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548152174%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw2vCJaMhv9zQXMWdoK1GWww&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156454&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VKGLPkMR1dj4982QKQTrE">Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;(1973) and reaffirmed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttps://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/505/833%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;source%3Deditors%26amp;ust%3D1666923548152435%26amp;usg%3DAOvVaw3-7pg9XdKGDkXnJL6oxxZo&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1666923548156573&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_hdVp1byZb1Kearc7jS6J">Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey</a>&nbsp;(1992) that states had to permit late-term abortion if a woman’s health would be negatively impacted. So either this story happened over 50 years ago or it didn’t happen at all. Is that worthy of a statesman?Finally, Hammond complained about “dark money” in this year’s election. Well, I recently received a four page flier supporting Gov. Kelly. It was paid for by the Kansas Values Institute, whose donors are teacher unions, abortion related organizations and the Democratic Governors Association. Does a statesman embrace double standards?The fact is, we need someone who is a statesman AND a warrior, and Barb Wassinger is both. She can work with others in Topeka to get things done but will fight for her principles. Barb has my vote and I hope she has yours!Ruth Legleiter, Hays

LETTER: Barb is the best for Kansas

By SCOTT REEDER <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/10/27/adults-dont-be-monsters-to-trick-or-treaters/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

Little masked hobgoblins will soon be 
knocking at our doors wanting handfuls of candy, and it’s important to 
remember the rules of good behavior — for adults — not just the 
children.

I often hear oldsters grumble about the unruly&nbsp;behavior of youths, but in my experience it is the adults who tend to be the real jerks during this doorstep masquerade.

A person I knew, who was married to a 
prominent lawyer, really took off her mask on Halloween. She lived in a 
nice house in an expensive neighborhood. Her chief complaint about 
trick-or-treaters was that they weren’t “neighborhood children.”

That’s a coded way of saying she didn’t like Black trick-or-treaters in her hoity-toity subdivision.

She bragged about her screening process. 
When youngsters she didn’t recognize would knock on her door, she 
started asking questions.

“Where do you kids live?” “Who are your parents?” “Oh, you live on the next street over? In what house?”

Come on, it’s just a Snickers bar. Give it to anyone who asks. No one will ever complain about you being too generous.

And what prompted these questions? Well, 
these were mostly Black youngsters from Springfield, Illinois’, east 
side who came to trick-or-treat in the more affluent, mostly white 
neighborhoods on the city’s west side.

Why might they do this? Well, many folks in
 their own neighborhoods can’t afford to give away candy. Some 
neighborhoods are safer than others for children to walk through at 
night.&nbsp;&nbsp;And hey, there are no rules that say you can’t trick-or-treat 
wherever you like.

And rest assured, grade school children on 
your doorstep know why you’re asking those questions. They know you’re a
 bigot, even if you haven’t figured that out about yourself yet.

Some religious groups such as Jehovah’s 
Witnesses object to Halloween. It’s understandable that they keep their 
porch lights off. But some evangelicals – the faith group I belong to – 
perplex me.

Most evangelicals I know participate in the
 holiday. A few evangelicals refrain because they believe it’s the 
“devil’s holiday.” But over the years I’ve had several friends who 
viewed the holiday as an opportunity to proselytize. Instead of giving 
away candy, they hand out Bible tracts.

I don’t claim to be an expert on 
evangelism. But my guess is that children leave those front porches 
disappointed and their parents irritated.

Some people complain about teenagers trick-or-treating.

The way I look at it is they are choosing childhood over partying. Just enjoy them while you still have them.

As for parents, take time to be with your 
kids. I remember when I was 4, dressing up for the preschool Halloween 
parade and my father sitting with a group of moms watching us walk by. 
Dads just didn’t do that back in 1969. In fact, it made such an 
impression on me, I still remember it 53 years later.

And finally, there is the issue of 
costumes. A child dressed as a hobo isn’t belittling the homeless. Kids 
dressed as witches and devils aren’t glorifying the occult. And as for 
the ones dressed as politicians, don’t be surprised they are standing on
 your step wanting a handout.

Scott Reeder, a staff writer for the Illinois Times, is a veteran journalist who has worked for newspapers in the Midwest, Texas and Nevada.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666903908737.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By SCOTT REEDER <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/10/27/adults-dont-be-monsters-to-trick-or-treaters/">Courtesy Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>Little masked hobgoblins will soon be 
knocking at our doors wanting handfuls of candy, and it’s important to 
remember the rules of good behavior — for adults — not just the 
children.I often hear oldsters grumble about the unruly&nbsp;behavior of youths, but in my experience it is the adults who tend to be the real jerks during this doorstep masquerade.A person I knew, who was married to a 
prominent lawyer, really took off her mask on Halloween. She lived in a 
nice house in an expensive neighborhood. Her chief complaint about 
trick-or-treaters was that they weren’t “neighborhood children.”That’s a coded way of saying she didn’t like Black trick-or-treaters in her hoity-toity subdivision.She bragged about her screening process. 
When youngsters she didn’t recognize would knock on her door, she 
started asking questions.“Where do you kids live?” “Who are your parents?” “Oh, you live on the next street over? In what house?”Come on, it’s just a Snickers bar. Give it to anyone who asks. No one will ever complain about you being too generous.And what prompted these questions? Well, 
these were mostly Black youngsters from Springfield, Illinois’, east 
side who came to trick-or-treat in the more affluent, mostly white 
neighborhoods on the city’s west side.Why might they do this? Well, many folks in
 their own neighborhoods can’t afford to give away candy. Some 
neighborhoods are safer than others for children to walk through at 
night.&nbsp;&nbsp;And hey, there are no rules that say you can’t trick-or-treat 
wherever you like.And rest assured, grade school children on 
your doorstep know why you’re asking those questions. They know you’re a
 bigot, even if you haven’t figured that out about yourself yet.Some religious groups such as Jehovah’s 
Witnesses object to Halloween. It’s understandable that they keep their 
porch lights off. But some evangelicals – the faith group I belong to – 
perplex me.Most evangelicals I know participate in the
 holiday. A few evangelicals refrain because they believe it’s the 
“devil’s holiday.” But over the years I’ve had several friends who 
viewed the holiday as an opportunity to proselytize. Instead of giving 
away candy, they hand out Bible tracts.I don’t claim to be an expert on 
evangelism. But my guess is that children leave those front porches 
disappointed and their parents irritated.Some people complain about teenagers trick-or-treating.The way I look at it is they are choosing childhood over partying. Just enjoy them while you still have them.As for parents, take time to be with your 
kids. I remember when I was 4, dressing up for the preschool Halloween 
parade and my father sitting with a group of moms watching us walk by. 
Dads just didn’t do that back in 1969. In fact, it made such an 
impression on me, I still remember it 53 years later.And finally, there is the issue of 
costumes. A child dressed as a hobo isn’t belittling the homeless. Kids 
dressed as witches and devils aren’t glorifying the occult. And as for 
the ones dressed as politicians, don’t be surprised they are standing on
 your step wanting a handout.Scott Reeder, a staff writer for the Illinois Times, is a veteran journalist who has worked for newspapers in the Midwest, Texas and Nevada.&nbsp;

OPINION: Adults, don’t be monsters to trick-or-treaters

This election season, Governor Laura Kelly and her allies have relentlessly worked to tie her opponent Derek Schmidt to former Governor Sam Brownback, particularly the unpopular&nbsp;

cuts to education funding.&nbsp; Yet far more can be gleaned about Schmidt’s character from his relationship with Kris Kobach.&nbsp; Why did Schmidt sit by and do nothing while Kobach usurped the power of the Attorney General’s office and then proceeded to handle lawsuits himself, using tactics later described as “antics”?&nbsp; What kind of relationship will these two have if Schmidt wins the Governorship and Kobach wins Schmidt’s old post as Attorney General?&nbsp; These–not the Governor’s tiresome refrain of “Brownback, Brownback, Brownback”-- are the questions voters should be asking before casting their ballots.

Schmidt mostly stayed in his lane as Attorney General during the Brownback Governorship.&nbsp; His formal, legal defense of the state’s tax and funding cuts was simply part of his office’s duties.&nbsp; It does not necessarily reflect support for Brownback’s policies. Schmidt’s relationship with Kobach is another matter, though.

Kobach served as Kansas Secretary of State during the first and second of Schmidt’s three terms as AG.&nbsp; During that time, Schmidt sat back and did nothing while Kobach aggressively usurped the powers of the Attorney General’s office, transferring one of those powers to the Secretary of State in an unprecedented move, unseen in any other state and unused since Kobach left office.&nbsp; Voter fraud in the modern-day United States is rare.&nbsp; When evidence of it does surface, it is typically referred to the state Attorney General or to federal authorities for investigation and, if necessary, prosecution.&nbsp; Yet Kobach got the Kansas Legislature to grant his own office these extraordinary powers when they passed the SAFE Act in 2012.&nbsp; Schmidt uttered nary a peep while these powers were yanked away from the AG, traditionally the state’s second-most powerful executive office, after the governor.

Kobach also hogged the limelight, even defending the state personally when the&nbsp;Fish v Kobach&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bednasek v Kobach&nbsp;cases were heard before the Federal District Court in 2018.&nbsp; This was highly unusual–typically the Secretary of State would use staff attorneys or the Attorney General’s office, or even contract with private attorneys to do this.&nbsp; I was an expert witness for the plaintiffs in&nbsp;Bednasek, and Kobach took my deposition personally, another odd move.&nbsp; Schmidt’s office is just down the hall in the same building, but neither he nor the staff attorneys from his office were anywhere to be found that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Appointed by George W. Bush upon a recommendation from Brownback, Judge Julie Robinson ruled against the state and permanently stayed the SAFE Act’s proof-of-citizenship requirement, which would have required that voters prove they are American citizens when registering to vote, typically by producing copies of their birth certificates.&nbsp; She also ordered Kobach to take continuing education courses or lose his law license.&nbsp; Derek Schmidt and his staff attorneys remained absent the entire time.

Schmidt shares Brownback’s party label and made a few rather general comments expressing support during Brownback’s governorship, but that’s about it.&nbsp; The real question voters should be asking is why he did so little to counter Kobach’s antics, and what this portends if both are elected this year.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>This election season, Governor Laura Kelly and her allies have relentlessly worked to tie her opponent Derek Schmidt to former Governor Sam Brownback, particularly the unpopular&nbsp;cuts to education funding.&nbsp; Yet far more can be gleaned about Schmidt’s character from his relationship with Kris Kobach.&nbsp; Why did Schmidt sit by and do nothing while Kobach usurped the power of the Attorney General’s office and then proceeded to handle lawsuits himself, using tactics later described as “antics”?&nbsp; What kind of relationship will these two have if Schmidt wins the Governorship and Kobach wins Schmidt’s old post as Attorney General?&nbsp; These–not the Governor’s tiresome refrain of “Brownback, Brownback, Brownback”-- are the questions voters should be asking before casting their ballots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Schmidt mostly stayed in his lane as Attorney General during the Brownback Governorship.&nbsp; His formal, legal defense of the state’s tax and funding cuts was simply part of his office’s duties.&nbsp; It does not necessarily reflect support for Brownback’s policies. Schmidt’s relationship with Kobach is another matter, though.Kobach served as Kansas Secretary of State during the first and second of Schmidt’s three terms as AG.&nbsp; During that time, Schmidt sat back and did nothing while Kobach aggressively usurped the powers of the Attorney General’s office, transferring one of those powers to the Secretary of State in an unprecedented move, unseen in any other state and unused since Kobach left office.&nbsp; Voter fraud in the modern-day United States is rare.&nbsp; When evidence of it does surface, it is typically referred to the state Attorney General or to federal authorities for investigation and, if necessary, prosecution.&nbsp; Yet Kobach got the Kansas Legislature to grant his own office these extraordinary powers when they passed the SAFE Act in 2012.&nbsp; Schmidt uttered nary a peep while these powers were yanked away from the AG, traditionally the state’s second-most powerful executive office, after the governor.Kobach also hogged the limelight, even defending the state personally when the&nbsp;Fish v Kobach&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bednasek v Kobach&nbsp;cases were heard before the Federal District Court in 2018.&nbsp; This was highly unusual–typically the Secretary of State would use staff attorneys or the Attorney General’s office, or even contract with private attorneys to do this.&nbsp; I was an expert witness for the plaintiffs in&nbsp;Bednasek, and Kobach took my deposition personally, another odd move.&nbsp; Schmidt’s office is just down the hall in the same building, but neither he nor the staff attorneys from his office were anywhere to be found that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Appointed by George W. Bush upon a recommendation from Brownback, Judge Julie Robinson ruled against the state and permanently stayed the SAFE Act’s proof-of-citizenship requirement, which would have required that voters prove they are American citizens when registering to vote, typically by producing copies of their birth certificates.&nbsp; She also ordered Kobach to take continuing education courses or lose his law license.&nbsp; Derek Schmidt and his staff attorneys remained absent the entire time.Schmidt shares Brownback’s party label and made a few rather general comments expressing support during Brownback’s governorship, but that’s about it.&nbsp; The real question voters should be asking is why he did so little to counter Kobach’s antics, and what this portends if both are elected this year.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Voters should scrutinize Schmidt, Kobach’s history

In just a couple of weeks, Kansans will go to the polls and select our lawmakers. However, there’s another group whose rules we all have to live under: government bureaucrats. Yet while legislators have to earn our votes, unelected officials answer to no one.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5014_enrolled.pdf">HCR 5014</a> is one of two constitutional amendments on November’s ballot, and it will allow the legislature to overrule regulatory decisions by a simple majority vote. During <a href="https://youtu.be/p7fyXoJppI4">a debate</a> earlier this month with her Democratic challenger, Rep. Barb Wasinger talked about why it is crucial that we reform the way regulatory matters are handled.&nbsp;

“There are so many regulations that have overstepped their boundaries,” Wasinger said. “I’m a first-hand witness to agencies trying to pass laws through regulation.

“A good example is the Department of Labor,” she continued. “They changed workman’s comp law with eight regulations. I got the attorney general’s office to revisit those regulations, and they determined that four of them were not constitutional.

“Sorry, but the administration should not be passing laws,” Wasinger insisted, adding that she wants to see regulatory reform aimed at making it easier for farmers and small businesses to get by in tough times. She also pointed to how regulatory reform is needed to alleviate the childcare crisis that Kansas faces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The simple fact is that overly complicated and unnecessary regulations raise prices, waste taxpayer dollars, and drive opportunities away from Kansas. HCR 5014 will empower legislators to do away with rules that are needless or can be fixed with common sense revisions.

What’s more, our founding fathers understood that a government’s legitimacy is derived from the consent of those it governs. And since bureaucrats aren’t elected, they need to operate with the consent of those who are.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adam Peters, Ellis County GOP Chairman&nbsp;

In just a couple of weeks, Kansans will go to the polls and select our lawmakers. However, there’s another group whose rules we all have to live under: government bureaucrats. Yet while legislators have to earn our votes, unelected officials answer to no one.&nbsp;&nbsp;That needs to change.&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hcr5014_enrolled.pdf">HCR 5014</a> is one of two constitutional amendments on November’s ballot, and it will allow the legislature to overrule regulatory decisions by a simple majority vote. During <a href="https://youtu.be/p7fyXoJppI4">a debate</a> earlier this month with her Democratic challenger, Rep. Barb Wasinger talked about why it is crucial that we reform the way regulatory matters are handled.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“There are so many regulations that have overstepped their boundaries,” Wasinger said. “I’m a first-hand witness to agencies trying to pass laws through regulation.“A good example is the Department of Labor,” she continued. “They changed workman’s comp law with eight regulations. I got the attorney general’s office to revisit those regulations, and they determined that four of them were not constitutional.“Sorry, but the administration should not be passing laws,” Wasinger insisted, adding that she wants to see regulatory reform aimed at making it easier for farmers and small businesses to get by in tough times. She also pointed to how regulatory reform is needed to alleviate the childcare crisis that Kansas faces.&nbsp;&nbsp;The simple fact is that overly complicated and unnecessary regulations raise prices, waste taxpayer dollars, and drive opportunities away from Kansas. HCR 5014 will empower legislators to do away with rules that are needless or can be fixed with common sense revisions.What’s more, our founding fathers understood that a government’s legitimacy is derived from the consent of those it governs. And since bureaucrats aren’t elected, they need to operate with the consent of those who are.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adam Peters, Ellis County GOP Chairman&nbsp;

LETTER: Amendment's passage is 'common sense'

By JESSICA LOVE <a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2022/10/27/getting-stuck-with-payday-loans/">Courtesy Indiana Capital Chronicle</a>

Have you ever gotten your car or truck stuck in mud; and the more you try to get out, the deeper your tires sink in? I have.&nbsp;

So, I know from experience: unless 
you have the luxury of waiting for things to dry out, you’re going to 
need help – a push or a pull – to get unstuck.&nbsp;

And you’re probably going to feel 
somewhat embarrassed. I mean, technically, even though you didn’t intend
 to get stuck, no one else was behind the wheel. You either didn’t see 
the hazard ahead of you, or you thought it wouldn’t be as bad to go 
through it as it was.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even if you didn’t have a good way 
around it, or calculated the risk and thought you could get yourself 
through it, the fact remains that it happened, and you were “at fault”. 
Thinking back, you wish you’d done anything other than the solution you 
sought – the one that caused your tires to get “sunk down deep in muck 
and mire” (for fellow Little Blue Truck fans).&nbsp;

Now imagine that the vehicle you’re 
thinking about represents your family’s financial health, and the 
process of getting “more stuck” as a result of the option chosem to 
solve your short-term problem yourself – instead of asking for help or 
not thinking you had other options – represents a payday loan. The 
“solution” now becomes a bigger problem to solve than the initial 
issue.&nbsp;

This is about where the analogy ends,
 since muddy patches don’t have business models designed to keep you 
stuck, and payday lenders do. It’s in getting people more stuck that 
profits are really made, where the interest rate ultimately racks up to 
391% in Indiana. And you really have to find a solution to your 
solution.&nbsp;

This is why I often refer to the 
payday industry as one of the most subsidized markets in existence – 
because government and nonprofit resources are so often required to bail
 people out of the disasters that payday loans cause.&nbsp;

But what if it didn’t have to be that way?&nbsp;

One path to pursue is policy change. 
At the moment, the burden is largely on Congress, and your legislative 
outreach will help make the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.indianaopportunity.net/hrl-news/2021/11/18/bipartisan-legislation-would-expand-military-lending-act-protections-on-payday-and-car-title-loans-to-all-veterans-and-consumers">Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act</a>
 – to cap all payday loans at 36% – a reality. You can also call on your
 state legislators to impose a state 36% cap. But until and even once 
legislation is passed, many Hoosiers will still need a more responsible 
way to borrow.

So, what if there was another route?&nbsp;

What if most of those in the 88% of 
polled Hoosier voters who said they would like to see Indiana have a 36%
 payday rate cap – who are in a position to provide another way – 
established a pathway to an alternative solution for their employees and
 coworkers?&nbsp;

The impact, to belabor my analogy, 
would be earth-shattering for Hoosier families who don’t have the 
resources to weather a financial shock.

One specific “bypass” – previously 
available in only 23 counties – has recently become available statewide.
 If you are a business owner, or a human resources rep, or just someone 
willing to talk to your boss about making a financially sustainable 
option available to those in your workplace, the solution that I present
 to you is the Community Loan Center program.&nbsp;

It’s an affordable, employer-based, small dollar loan program. So what’s the catch?&nbsp;

Well, as hard as it may be to believe, there really isn’t one. For <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/UZNl6K1db0Y">companies signed up for the program</a>,
 the CLC program is provided as an employee benefit at no cost to the 
employer. Employers literally just need to: 1) confirm employment when a
 loan is applied for and 2) set up payroll deduction in accordance with 
the employee’s repayment plan. In doing so, they instantly gain 
employees that are less stressed and more present for their jobs.&nbsp;

Made available through nonprofits, 
this affordable, 12-month loan is designed to get or keep people out of 
debt instead of trapping them in it. (CLC loans can be used to pay off 
payday loans.) The reason is simple: the nonprofit providers offering 
this program would rather put their resources towards improving a 
family’s economic trajectory vs. bailing them out from the quake that 
comes from a payday loan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just consider how you might <a target="_blank" href="https://clcofindiana.org/">bring this alternative to your workplace</a>
 – and actually help solve a colleague’s short-term financial bump in 
the road in a way that makes it manageable and gets people out of the 
muck without getting stuck.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jessica Love is executive director for Prosperity Indiana, a statewide membership organization for individuals and organizations strengthening Hoosier communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666904919259.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JESSICA LOVE <a href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2022/10/27/getting-stuck-with-payday-loans/">Courtesy Indiana Capital Chronicle</a>Have you ever gotten your car or truck stuck in mud; and the more you try to get out, the deeper your tires sink in? I have.&nbsp;So, I know from experience: unless 
you have the luxury of waiting for things to dry out, you’re going to 
need help – a push or a pull – to get unstuck.&nbsp;And you’re probably going to feel 
somewhat embarrassed. I mean, technically, even though you didn’t intend
 to get stuck, no one else was behind the wheel. You either didn’t see 
the hazard ahead of you, or you thought it wouldn’t be as bad to go 
through it as it was.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if you didn’t have a good way 
around it, or calculated the risk and thought you could get yourself 
through it, the fact remains that it happened, and you were “at fault”. 
Thinking back, you wish you’d done anything other than the solution you 
sought – the one that caused your tires to get “sunk down deep in muck 
and mire” (for fellow Little Blue Truck fans).&nbsp;Now imagine that the vehicle you’re 
thinking about represents your family’s financial health, and the 
process of getting “more stuck” as a result of the option chosem to 
solve your short-term problem yourself – instead of asking for help or 
not thinking you had other options – represents a payday loan. The 
“solution” now becomes a bigger problem to solve than the initial 
issue.&nbsp;This is about where the analogy ends,
 since muddy patches don’t have business models designed to keep you 
stuck, and payday lenders do. It’s in getting people more stuck that 
profits are really made, where the interest rate ultimately racks up to 
391% in Indiana. And you really have to find a solution to your 
solution.&nbsp;This is why I often refer to the 
payday industry as one of the most subsidized markets in existence – 
because government and nonprofit resources are so often required to bail
 people out of the disasters that payday loans cause.&nbsp;But what if it didn’t have to be that way?&nbsp;One path to pursue is policy change. 
At the moment, the burden is largely on Congress, and your legislative 
outreach will help make the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.indianaopportunity.net/hrl-news/2021/11/18/bipartisan-legislation-would-expand-military-lending-act-protections-on-payday-and-car-title-loans-to-all-veterans-and-consumers">Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act</a>
 – to cap all payday loans at 36% – a reality. You can also call on your
 state legislators to impose a state 36% cap. But until and even once 
legislation is passed, many Hoosiers will still need a more responsible 
way to borrow.So, what if there was another route?&nbsp;What if most of those in the 88% of 
polled Hoosier voters who said they would like to see Indiana have a 36%
 payday rate cap – who are in a position to provide another way – 
established a pathway to an alternative solution for their employees and
 coworkers?&nbsp;The impact, to belabor my analogy, 
would be earth-shattering for Hoosier families who don’t have the 
resources to weather a financial shock.One specific “bypass” – previously 
available in only 23 counties – has recently become available statewide.
 If you are a business owner, or a human resources rep, or just someone 
willing to talk to your boss about making a financially sustainable 
option available to those in your workplace, the solution that I present
 to you is the Community Loan Center program.&nbsp;It’s an affordable, employer-based, small dollar loan program. So what’s the catch?&nbsp;Well, as hard as it may be to believe, there really isn’t one. For <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/UZNl6K1db0Y">companies signed up for the program</a>,
 the CLC program is provided as an employee benefit at no cost to the 
employer. Employers literally just need to: 1) confirm employment when a
 loan is applied for and 2) set up payroll deduction in accordance with 
the employee’s repayment plan. In doing so, they instantly gain 
employees that are less stressed and more present for their jobs.&nbsp;Made available through nonprofits, 
this affordable, 12-month loan is designed to get or keep people out of 
debt instead of trapping them in it. (CLC loans can be used to pay off 
payday loans.) The reason is simple: the nonprofit providers offering 
this program would rather put their resources towards improving a 
family’s economic trajectory vs. bailing them out from the quake that 
comes from a payday loan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just consider how you might <a target="_blank" href="https://clcofindiana.org/">bring this alternative to your workplace</a>
 – and actually help solve a colleague’s short-term financial bump in 
the road in a way that makes it manageable and gets people out of the 
muck without getting stuck.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jessica Love is executive director for Prosperity Indiana, a statewide membership organization for individuals and organizations strengthening Hoosier communities.

COMMENTARY: Getting 'stuck' with payday loans

Voters in Northeast Kansas will soon decide the shape of the Kansas State Board of Education for the next two years. Candidates chosen by statewide primaries in August have set the stage for a general election that may alter the way KSDE has operated for, at least, the past 10 years and impact all Kansas schools.

The current board consists of four Democrats and six Republicans, but the atmosphere on the board has been bipartisan. Members’ party affiliations are not listed on the board’s Website. Meetings are facilitated by a KSDE civilian workforce.

Ten districts make up the KSDE board with five members elected every two years for four-year terms. Of the five open seats (Districts 1,3,5,7 and 9) redistricting after the 2020 census, left Democrat Janet Waugh without a district to represent and out of the race for District 1, while Republican incumbent Michelle Dombrosky in District 3 did not draw an opponent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The August primary then became a battle among Republican candidates. One moderate Republican and two conservatives emerged winners.&nbsp;

In District 5, Republican incumbent Jean Clifford lost to Cathy Hopkins of Hays.&nbsp;Hopkins told the Fort Hays State Tiger Media Network, “We need engaged citizens. This top-down approach has been ongoing for a long time and many believe a shift must occur to see real change.” &nbsp;Hopkins will run unopposed having no Democrat opponent in the November election.

In District 7, Republican incumbent Ben Jones lost to conservative Dennis Hershberger. Hershberber’s Website says he believes getting back to basics will help every child achieve. Hershberger has no Democrat opponent and will run unopposed in the November election.&nbsp;

In District 9, incumbent and board chair, Jim Porter of Fredonia has spent more than 47 years in education serving as a superintendent for 34 years. Porter beat conservative Luke Aichele and has no Democrat opponent in the upcoming election.&nbsp;

Therefore the three Republican primary winners are presumptive election winners.

Two board seats remain contested. In District 3, conservative Republican Michelle Dombrosky, will face Democrat Sheila Albers, a retired educator from Overland Park.&nbsp;

In District 1, Democrat Jeffrey Howards, a Marine veteran and 20-year civilian military educator, will face conservative Republican Danny Zeck who operated a Ford dealership for 30 years. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported recently that Zeck asked the Leavenworth Board of Education to ban a novel about gender and sexuality.&nbsp;

Since KSDE determines policies that carry out state education laws, the outcome of the November election will impact each school in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;If both Democrats with their elections the board will be balanced with five Democrats and five Republicans, and it’s possible that the board’s former bipartisan decision-making will continue.&nbsp; If only one Democrat or no Democrat wins, the board will be divided with new members bringing a broad conservative agenda to the table.&nbsp;

No one can predict the election outcome or the impact of this election on board policies but it seems likely the result may be more of an earthquake than a tremor.&nbsp;

Voters in Districts 1 and 3 should consider the state board election as important as the governor’s race this Nov. 8.&nbsp; Moreover, all Kansans should be concerned because a lot is riding on this election for students and teachers.&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Voters in Northeast Kansas will soon decide the shape of the Kansas State Board of Education for the next two years. Candidates chosen by statewide primaries in August have set the stage for a general election that may alter the way KSDE has operated for, at least, the past 10 years and impact all Kansas schools.The current board consists of four Democrats and six Republicans, but the atmosphere on the board has been bipartisan. Members’ party affiliations are not listed on the board’s Website. Meetings are facilitated by a KSDE civilian workforce.Ten districts make up the KSDE board with five members elected every two years for four-year terms. Of the five open seats (Districts 1,3,5,7 and 9) redistricting after the 2020 census, left Democrat Janet Waugh without a district to represent and out of the race for District 1, while Republican incumbent Michelle Dombrosky in District 3 did not draw an opponent.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The August primary then became a battle among Republican candidates. One moderate Republican and two conservatives emerged winners.&nbsp;In District 5, Republican incumbent Jean Clifford lost to Cathy Hopkins of Hays.&nbsp;Hopkins told the Fort Hays State Tiger Media Network, “We need engaged citizens. This top-down approach has been ongoing for a long time and many believe a shift must occur to see real change.” &nbsp;Hopkins will run unopposed having no Democrat opponent in the November election.In District 7, Republican incumbent Ben Jones lost to conservative Dennis Hershberger. Hershberber’s Website says he believes getting back to basics will help every child achieve. Hershberger has no Democrat opponent and will run unopposed in the November election.&nbsp;In District 9, incumbent and board chair, Jim Porter of Fredonia has spent more than 47 years in education serving as a superintendent for 34 years. Porter beat conservative Luke Aichele and has no Democrat opponent in the upcoming election.&nbsp;Therefore the three Republican primary winners are presumptive election winners.Two board seats remain contested. In District 3, conservative Republican Michelle Dombrosky, will face Democrat Sheila Albers, a retired educator from Overland Park.&nbsp;In District 1, Democrat Jeffrey Howards, a Marine veteran and 20-year civilian military educator, will face conservative Republican Danny Zeck who operated a Ford dealership for 30 years. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported recently that Zeck asked the Leavenworth Board of Education to ban a novel about gender and sexuality.&nbsp;Since KSDE determines policies that carry out state education laws, the outcome of the November election will impact each school in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If both Democrats with their elections the board will be balanced with five Democrats and five Republicans, and it’s possible that the board’s former bipartisan decision-making will continue.&nbsp; If only one Democrat or no Democrat wins, the board will be divided with new members bringing a broad conservative agenda to the table.&nbsp;No one can predict the election outcome or the impact of this election on board policies but it seems likely the result may be more of an earthquake than a tremor.&nbsp;Voters in Districts 1 and 3 should consider the state board election as important as the governor’s race this Nov. 8.&nbsp; Moreover, all Kansans should be concerned because a lot is riding on this election for students and teachers.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Down-ballot races could shift education agenda

In his race for state representative, Democrat Ed Hammond&nbsp;has been critical of the support of the Kansas Chamber PAC for Representative Barb Wasinger. The Kansas Chamber is an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of Representative Wasinger because she shares our commitment to “continually strive&nbsp;to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to&nbsp;safeguard&nbsp;our system of free, competitive enterprise.”&nbsp;Representative Wasinger&nbsp;held&nbsp;this perspective&nbsp;before she ran for office&nbsp;and her votes in&nbsp;Topeka&nbsp;have stayed true to this worldview.&nbsp;

Like she was when she served as Ellis County Commissioner,&nbsp;Representative&nbsp;Wasinger&nbsp;is a thoughtful legislator who has gained the respect of her colleagues across the state for her willingness to dig into issues on behalf of her constituents.&nbsp;As a member of the House Tax Committee&nbsp;last year, Representative Wasinger was critical to the passage of&nbsp;SB&nbsp;50 which provided $284 million in tax relief to middle class families and&nbsp;job creators across the state.&nbsp;This bill&nbsp;would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Trump tax cuts. Unfortunately,&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;vetoed this tax relief&nbsp;and the Democrats in the legislature voted in lock step to sustain the veto. A veto override requires 84 House votes and Representative Wasinger was one of the exactly 84 Representatives to override the Governor’s veto. Without Representative Wasinger in Topeka, Kansas families would have a higher tax burden today.&nbsp;

Along with President Reagan, Representative Wasinger understands that “as government expands, liberty contracts.” That is why&nbsp;she works tirelessly to fight bureaucratic red tape. She knows that entrepreneurs and small businesses can flourish when they are able to focus on providing&nbsp;products and&nbsp;services and not&nbsp;on unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.&nbsp;As a leader on this issue, Representative Wasinger was asked to carry HCR 5014 on the House floor. This legislation was supported by groups ranging from the Kansas Cooperative Council and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers to the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Livestock Association as a key step to promoting a healthy regulatory environment. Additionally, Representative Wasinger was a driving force in the passage of SB 34 that requires state agencies to review all rules and regulations every five years and allows them to “fast track’ the repeal of outdated or unneeded regulations.&nbsp;

When Representative Wasinger sees a problem, she searches for a limited-government solution.&nbsp;This is why&nbsp;she was a strong advocate for HB 2279 bi-partisan legislation that allowed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Representative Wasinger was not&nbsp;afraid to take on well-connected special interests to pass this legislation. This reform has been critical to&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;affordability and&nbsp;access to health care&nbsp;in the twenty-five other states that have adopted it.

The Kansas Chamber&nbsp;represents small,&nbsp;medium&nbsp;and large employers across the state of Kansas.&nbsp;Because of her commitment to fighting for a fair tax structure, a healthy regulatory environment&nbsp;and free-market solutions, the Kansas Chamber PAC is pleased to support Representative Wasinger. With her, Hays is represented by a strong and respected leader in Topeka.

Christie Kriegshauser,&nbsp;Kansas Chamber Senior Director of Political Affairs

In his race for state representative, Democrat Ed Hammond&nbsp;has been critical of the support of the Kansas Chamber PAC for Representative Barb Wasinger. The Kansas Chamber is an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of Representative Wasinger because she shares our commitment to “continually strive&nbsp;to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to&nbsp;safeguard&nbsp;our system of free, competitive enterprise.”&nbsp;Representative Wasinger&nbsp;held&nbsp;this perspective&nbsp;before she ran for office&nbsp;and her votes in&nbsp;Topeka&nbsp;have stayed true to this worldview.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Like she was when she served as Ellis County Commissioner,&nbsp;Representative&nbsp;Wasinger&nbsp;is a thoughtful legislator who has gained the respect of her colleagues across the state for her willingness to dig into issues on behalf of her constituents.&nbsp;As a member of the House Tax Committee&nbsp;last year, Representative Wasinger was critical to the passage of&nbsp;SB&nbsp;50 which provided $284 million in tax relief to middle class families and&nbsp;job creators across the state.&nbsp;This bill&nbsp;would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Trump tax cuts. Unfortunately,&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;vetoed this tax relief&nbsp;and the Democrats in the legislature voted in lock step to sustain the veto. A veto override requires 84 House votes and Representative Wasinger was one of the exactly 84 Representatives to override the Governor’s veto. Without Representative Wasinger in Topeka, Kansas families would have a higher tax burden today.&nbsp;Along with President Reagan, Representative Wasinger understands that “as government expands, liberty contracts.” That is why&nbsp;she works tirelessly to fight bureaucratic red tape. She knows that entrepreneurs and small businesses can flourish when they are able to focus on providing&nbsp;products and&nbsp;services and not&nbsp;on unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.&nbsp;As a leader on this issue, Representative Wasinger was asked to carry HCR 5014 on the House floor. This legislation was supported by groups ranging from the Kansas Cooperative Council and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers to the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Livestock Association as a key step to promoting a healthy regulatory environment. Additionally, Representative Wasinger was a driving force in the passage of SB 34 that requires state agencies to review all rules and regulations every five years and allows them to “fast track’ the repeal of outdated or unneeded regulations.&nbsp;When Representative Wasinger sees a problem, she searches for a limited-government solution.&nbsp;This is why&nbsp;she was a strong advocate for HB 2279 bi-partisan legislation that allowed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Representative Wasinger was not&nbsp;afraid to take on well-connected special interests to pass this legislation. This reform has been critical to&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;affordability and&nbsp;access to health care&nbsp;in the twenty-five other states that have adopted it.The Kansas Chamber&nbsp;represents small,&nbsp;medium&nbsp;and large employers across the state of Kansas.&nbsp;Because of her commitment to fighting for a fair tax structure, a healthy regulatory environment&nbsp;and free-market solutions, the Kansas Chamber PAC is pleased to support Representative Wasinger. With her, Hays is represented by a strong and respected leader in Topeka.Christie Kriegshauser,&nbsp;Kansas Chamber Senior Director of Political Affairs

LETTER: Wasinger worthy regardless of unwarranted criticism

The&nbsp;Tiger Sports Hall of Fame&nbsp;induction ceremony&nbsp;is one of my favorite campus events.&nbsp;This&nbsp;annual event&nbsp;was established in 1986 to honor former Fort Hays State University athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have made extraordinary contributions&nbsp;to Tiger athletics.

The&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;never disappoints.&nbsp;In story after story,&nbsp;I couldn’t help but marvel&nbsp;at&nbsp;our hall of famers’ perseverance, grit,&nbsp;and&nbsp;remarkable&nbsp;triumphs&nbsp;over adversity. The room is filled with&nbsp;fellowship&nbsp;and&nbsp;shared&nbsp;admiration,&nbsp;and the stories bring laughter, smiles, and tears. In fact, there is always a box of tissues&nbsp;at the podium.

Another aspect of the program I love is that the inductee chooses who will present themto the attendees. Often the presenters are former coaches and teammates. Just as frequently,&nbsp;they are sons, daughters, and,&nbsp;this&nbsp;year, a mom. I loved that!

2022 Hall of Fame inductee Jon Nelson, track and field/cross country (1970-74), was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his daughter. They shared stories of Coach&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;Francis&nbsp;who was knownfor his&nbsp;one-liners, including “beat someone.”

Fred Campbell, men’s basketball (1984-1986),&nbsp;was unable to join us due to an injury. He&nbsp;sent a beautiful letter about how much he was looking forward to returning to Fort Hays State University and what his time here meant to him.&nbsp;Fred&nbsp;promised to return in the near future. He remains in my thoughts and prayers as he goes through&nbsp;his&nbsp;surgery and healing journey.

Steve&nbsp;Broxterman, track and field (1986-88),&nbsp;was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his son,&nbsp;who told several heartfelt stories&nbsp;detailing&nbsp;how his dad overcame&nbsp;adversity several times – two of those stories had to do with earning his way to the&nbsp;national championships in the high jump. The first time he earned a spot&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;national championship, he was a student at Highland Community College in northeast Kansas. The championships that year were in Dodge City. A bus breakdown led to him arriving too late to compete in his event.

Steve went on to continue his career at FHSU, qualifying for the NAIA National Championships in both his junior and senior years.&nbsp;Just prior to the&nbsp;competition&nbsp;in his senior year,&nbsp;Steve&nbsp;blew a hole in his shoe&nbsp;during practice.&nbsp;He&nbsp;did not have a spare pair.So, Steve&nbsp;looked around for&nbsp;somebody&nbsp;who he thought might be&nbsp;the kindest of his competitors&nbsp;and&nbsp;spotted an Emporia State athlete. He&nbsp;asked&nbsp;that competitor&nbsp;if he could wear his shoes.&nbsp;The ESU athlete&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to share his shoes. Round after round,&nbsp;the&nbsp;two athletes&nbsp;shared one pair of shoes.&nbsp;<a></a>This&nbsp;amazing demonstration of&nbsp;the spirit of sportsmanship&nbsp;in action&nbsp;is&nbsp;a great&nbsp;example of what it means to have&nbsp;the heart of a champion.

What I remember most about Greg Yost’s introduction&nbsp;(football 1987-90)&nbsp;was his aggressive,&nbsp;detailed, and dedicated&nbsp;approach to&nbsp;the game.&nbsp;A&nbsp;teammate described the ferocity&nbsp;of his tackles, saying when Greg&nbsp;walked off of the field,&nbsp;his helmet&nbsp;often carried paint streaks&nbsp;from&nbsp;his&nbsp;opponents’ helmets. Greg was also known&nbsp;to spend a lot of time watching the film&nbsp;on his&nbsp;opponents so he could&nbsp;recognize plays and player tendencies ahead of time.&nbsp;That way,&nbsp;he&nbsp;always knew he could stay one&nbsp;step ahead of his opponents.&nbsp;

Damian Evans, men’s basketball (1990-92), was raised by a single parent&nbsp;in Chicago.&nbsp;<a></a>His mom, a tough&nbsp;and&nbsp;loving&nbsp;woman,&nbsp;guided by faith, poured all she had into raising her children.&nbsp;She&nbsp;prepared them to&nbsp;lift themselves up and pay it forward. You can see how her determination fueled the excellence that drove Damian to succeed.&nbsp;He is&nbsp;an&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;example of the work ethic we often talk about as core to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;Nation.

Derek Pomeroy, baseball (1992-93), was introduced by athletic director Curtis&nbsp;Hammeke.&nbsp;Hammeke&nbsp;recruited and coached&nbsp;Derek&nbsp;at FHSU, who would become a key contributor to the winning baseball program Curtis was building. Derek talked a lot about the importance of&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;a winning culture with the right people on the team – reminding me of the well-known saying that you have to get the right people on the bus.

The event concluded with the celebration of Shelby White, women’s golf (2004-07). Shelby was unable to&nbsp;attend. Her sister accepted the award on her behalf.

I left the event filled with so much joy. The&nbsp;authentic stories&nbsp;I heard reinforced for me&nbsp;why the student-athlete experience is so valuable. They are champions of this university, and decade after decade,&nbsp;we&nbsp;always&nbsp;look to our student-athletes to tell our university story&nbsp;through&nbsp;how they practice and play, their character on and off the field, and their success in the classroom&nbsp;and&nbsp;in their professional lives after college.&nbsp;These pages of our “family album” are anchored in our culture and values&nbsp;– it is what makes us Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Tiger Sports Hall of Fame&nbsp;induction ceremony&nbsp;is one of my favorite campus events.&nbsp;This&nbsp;annual event&nbsp;was established in 1986 to honor former Fort Hays State University athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have made extraordinary contributions&nbsp;to Tiger athletics.The&nbsp;ceremony&nbsp;never disappoints.&nbsp;In story after story,&nbsp;I couldn’t help but marvel&nbsp;at&nbsp;our hall of famers’ perseverance, grit,&nbsp;and&nbsp;remarkable&nbsp;triumphs&nbsp;over adversity. The room is filled with&nbsp;fellowship&nbsp;and&nbsp;shared&nbsp;admiration,&nbsp;and the stories bring laughter, smiles, and tears. In fact, there is always a box of tissues&nbsp;at the podium.Another aspect of the program I love is that the inductee chooses who will present themto the attendees. Often the presenters are former coaches and teammates. Just as frequently,&nbsp;they are sons, daughters, and,&nbsp;this&nbsp;year, a mom. I loved that!2022 Hall of Fame inductee Jon Nelson, track and field/cross country (1970-74), was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his daughter. They shared stories of Coach&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;Francis&nbsp;who was knownfor his&nbsp;one-liners, including “beat someone.”Fred Campbell, men’s basketball (1984-1986),&nbsp;was unable to join us due to an injury. He&nbsp;sent a beautiful letter about how much he was looking forward to returning to Fort Hays State University and what his time here meant to him.&nbsp;Fred&nbsp;promised to return in the near future. He remains in my thoughts and prayers as he goes through&nbsp;his&nbsp;surgery and healing journey.Steve&nbsp;Broxterman, track and field (1986-88),&nbsp;was&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by his son,&nbsp;who told several heartfelt stories&nbsp;detailing&nbsp;how his dad overcame&nbsp;adversity several times – two of those stories had to do with earning his way to the&nbsp;national championships in the high jump. The first time he earned a spot&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;national championship, he was a student at Highland Community College in northeast Kansas. The championships that year were in Dodge City. A bus breakdown led to him arriving too late to compete in his event.Steve went on to continue his career at FHSU, qualifying for the NAIA National Championships in both his junior and senior years.&nbsp;Just prior to the&nbsp;competition&nbsp;in his senior year,&nbsp;Steve&nbsp;blew a hole in his shoe&nbsp;during practice.&nbsp;He&nbsp;did not have a spare pair.So, Steve&nbsp;looked around for&nbsp;somebody&nbsp;who he thought might be&nbsp;the kindest of his competitors&nbsp;and&nbsp;spotted an Emporia State athlete. He&nbsp;asked&nbsp;that competitor&nbsp;if he could wear his shoes.&nbsp;The ESU athlete&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to share his shoes. Round after round,&nbsp;the&nbsp;two athletes&nbsp;shared one pair of shoes.&nbsp;<a></a>This&nbsp;amazing demonstration of&nbsp;the spirit of sportsmanship&nbsp;in action&nbsp;is&nbsp;a great&nbsp;example of what it means to have&nbsp;the heart of a champion.What I remember most about Greg Yost’s introduction&nbsp;(football 1987-90)&nbsp;was his aggressive,&nbsp;detailed, and dedicated&nbsp;approach to&nbsp;the game.&nbsp;A&nbsp;teammate described the ferocity&nbsp;of his tackles, saying when Greg&nbsp;walked off of the field,&nbsp;his helmet&nbsp;often carried paint streaks&nbsp;from&nbsp;his&nbsp;opponents’ helmets. Greg was also known&nbsp;to spend a lot of time watching the film&nbsp;on his&nbsp;opponents so he could&nbsp;recognize plays and player tendencies ahead of time.&nbsp;That way,&nbsp;he&nbsp;always knew he could stay one&nbsp;step ahead of his opponents.&nbsp;Damian Evans, men’s basketball (1990-92), was raised by a single parent&nbsp;in Chicago.&nbsp;<a></a>His mom, a tough&nbsp;and&nbsp;loving&nbsp;woman,&nbsp;guided by faith, poured all she had into raising her children.&nbsp;She&nbsp;prepared them to&nbsp;lift themselves up and pay it forward. You can see how her determination fueled the excellence that drove Damian to succeed.&nbsp;He is&nbsp;an&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;example of the work ethic we often talk about as core to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;Nation.Derek Pomeroy, baseball (1992-93), was introduced by athletic director Curtis&nbsp;Hammeke.&nbsp;Hammeke&nbsp;recruited and coached&nbsp;Derek&nbsp;at FHSU, who would become a key contributor to the winning baseball program Curtis was building. Derek talked a lot about the importance of&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;a winning culture with the right people on the team – reminding me of the well-known saying that you have to get the right people on the bus.The event concluded with the celebration of Shelby White, women’s golf (2004-07). Shelby was unable to&nbsp;attend. Her sister accepted the award on her behalf.I left the event filled with so much joy. The&nbsp;authentic stories&nbsp;I heard reinforced for me&nbsp;why the student-athlete experience is so valuable. They are champions of this university, and decade after decade,&nbsp;we&nbsp;always&nbsp;look to our student-athletes to tell our university story&nbsp;through&nbsp;how they practice and play, their character on and off the field, and their success in the classroom&nbsp;and&nbsp;in their professional lives after college.&nbsp;These pages of our “family album” are anchored in our culture and values&nbsp;– it is what makes us Fort Hays State University.

Heart of a Tiger: My evening with Tiger Hall of Famers

You don’t have to look far to see the impact Ed Hammond has had on the local community and on tens of thousands of students over his more than 30 years of service to Kansas. In his time leading Fort Hays State University, Ed transformed the campus, was an innovator in online education, and strategically grew the university while managing expenses and keeping costs affordable for students to achieve their dreams of higher education.&nbsp;

I wanted to share parts of the story you probably haven’t heard. At FHSU, I served as Vice President of the Student Government Association from 2009-2010 and as President from 2010-2012. Over those years, I worked closely with President Hammond in Hays and in Topeka to fight for higher education and had a front-row seat to the leadership qualities that made him so effective in his previous role – and will make him a great representative of the 111th House District.&nbsp;

One of the first times I attended a meeting of the Kansas Board of Regents with Ed, it was the height of the Great Recession. College leaders around the state were struggling to justify more&nbsp;hikes in tuition and fees to skeptical Regents for their approval. But not Ed. He walked up to the microphone and said “Fort Hays State University will be raising tuition $2.75 per credit hour. Any questions?”&nbsp;

The room fell silent. The&nbsp;board thanked President Hammond - and he sat down.&nbsp;

Kirk Schulz, the recently hired President of Kansas State University, was up next. He walked to the microphone and shook his head, “President Wefald told me never to follow a presentation from Ed Hammond.”&nbsp;

That was just the first of many moments I saw where Ed was a few steps ahead and had a commanding presence in Topeka. He knew Kansans needed access to affordable education. Families were struggling to make ends meet and FHSU&nbsp;could meet the moment for them. These efforts&nbsp;built goodwill both from the Regents and the Legislature.&nbsp;

Later that year, I came to Ed with an idea some of the students had been kicking around: we wanted to restrict smoking on campus. We knew it was going to be a contentious issue. I sat in his office on the third floor of Sheridan Hall and told him what we had in mind and asked for his feedback. He considered it for a moment and said without hesitation, “If you can pass this through Student Senate, I will support it.”&nbsp;

We put the issue before the Student Senate and it passed by one vote. Ed approved the policy shortly after – we were the first campus in Kansas to pass such a policy. The issue immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism from some faculty, students, and staff. Heated letters were written to the local&nbsp;newspapers and media outlets all over Kansas covered the issue. Even though it had only passed by one vote, Ed stood by his word and faithfully executed the policy we had requested.&nbsp;

Ed and I didn’t agree on everything and on more than a few occasions we had heated disagreements over certain issues around campus. Through those disagreements, we respected the roles we each had to play in the process and knew we could put those differences aside to move FHSU forward. It is that honesty we should all value in those who serve our communities and something that is desperately needed in our elected officials.&nbsp;

After my time in Student Government had come to an end, I spent the summer interning in Kansas City and went straight from Kansas City to a semester internship in Washington, D.C. I was 22 and money was tight, as it is for any young adult gaining experience in the Capitol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One day during the internship, I received&nbsp;a note that Ed was in town and wanted to get dinner. He took me over to The Monocle, a steakhouse across from Capitol Hill that I could have never afforded back then. We sat and chatted for over an hour about how things were going on campus and what I was learning in my&nbsp;internship. He didn’t have to take time out of his trip to visit with me – in fact, when we finished dinner, he took off for a meeting with Bob Dole. I have&nbsp;always appreciated that he made time that evening for a student instead of his&nbsp;many&nbsp;other options in DC.&nbsp;

That’s the kind of leader Ed is - and will be – as a Representative of the 111th District. He puts his people first and will fight tirelessly for you in the legislature. When he says he is going to support something, he is going to do it and he’s also going to be honest with you about why.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I know because I have seen him do it.&nbsp;

As I watch my three-year-old daughter grow up and prepare to enter the Kansas public education system, I want leaders like Ed in Topeka fighting to invest in her generation. All Kansans will benefit from his service and I hope you will join me in supporting his candidacy.&nbsp;

You don’t have to look far to see the impact Ed Hammond has had on the local community and on tens of thousands of students over his more than 30 years of service to Kansas. In his time leading Fort Hays State University, Ed transformed the campus, was an innovator in online education, and strategically grew the university while managing expenses and keeping costs affordable for students to achieve their dreams of higher education.&nbsp;But you know that story already.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I wanted to share parts of the story you probably haven’t heard. At FHSU, I served as Vice President of the Student Government Association from 2009-2010 and as President from 2010-2012. Over those years, I worked closely with President Hammond in Hays and in Topeka to fight for higher education and had a front-row seat to the leadership qualities that made him so effective in his previous role – and will make him a great representative of the 111th House District.&nbsp;One of the first times I attended a meeting of the Kansas Board of Regents with Ed, it was the height of the Great Recession. College leaders around the state were struggling to justify more&nbsp;hikes in tuition and fees to skeptical Regents for their approval. But not Ed. He walked up to the microphone and said “Fort Hays State University will be raising tuition $2.75 per credit hour. Any questions?”&nbsp;The room fell silent. The&nbsp;board thanked President Hammond - and he sat down.&nbsp;Kirk Schulz, the recently hired President of Kansas State University, was up next. He walked to the microphone and shook his head, “President Wefald told me never to follow a presentation from Ed Hammond.”&nbsp;That was just the first of many moments I saw where Ed was a few steps ahead and had a commanding presence in Topeka. He knew Kansans needed access to affordable education. Families were struggling to make ends meet and FHSU&nbsp;could meet the moment for them. These efforts&nbsp;built goodwill both from the Regents and the Legislature.&nbsp;Later that year, I came to Ed with an idea some of the students had been kicking around: we wanted to restrict smoking on campus. We knew it was going to be a contentious issue. I sat in his office on the third floor of Sheridan Hall and told him what we had in mind and asked for his feedback. He considered it for a moment and said without hesitation, “If you can pass this through Student Senate, I will support it.”&nbsp;We put the issue before the Student Senate and it passed by one vote. Ed approved the policy shortly after – we were the first campus in Kansas to pass such a policy. The issue immediately ignited a firestorm of criticism from some faculty, students, and staff. Heated letters were written to the local&nbsp;newspapers and media outlets all over Kansas covered the issue. Even though it had only passed by one vote, Ed stood by his word and faithfully executed the policy we had requested.&nbsp;Ed and I didn’t agree on everything and on more than a few occasions we had heated disagreements over certain issues around campus. Through those disagreements, we respected the roles we each had to play in the process and knew we could put those differences aside to move FHSU forward. It is that honesty we should all value in those who serve our communities and something that is desperately needed in our elected officials.&nbsp;After my time in Student Government had come to an end, I spent the summer interning in Kansas City and went straight from Kansas City to a semester internship in Washington, D.C. I was 22 and money was tight, as it is for any young adult gaining experience in the Capitol.&nbsp;&nbsp;One day during the internship, I received&nbsp;a note that Ed was in town and wanted to get dinner. He took me over to The Monocle, a steakhouse across from Capitol Hill that I could have never afforded back then. We sat and chatted for over an hour about how things were going on campus and what I was learning in my&nbsp;internship. He didn’t have to take time out of his trip to visit with me – in fact, when we finished dinner, he took off for a meeting with Bob Dole. I have&nbsp;always appreciated that he made time that evening for a student instead of his&nbsp;many&nbsp;other options in DC.&nbsp;That’s the kind of leader Ed is - and will be – as a Representative of the 111th District. He puts his people first and will fight tirelessly for you in the legislature. When he says he is going to support something, he is going to do it and he’s also going to be honest with you about why.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know because I have seen him do it.&nbsp;As I watch my three-year-old daughter grow up and prepare to enter the Kansas public education system, I want leaders like Ed in Topeka fighting to invest in her generation. All Kansans will benefit from his service and I hope you will join me in supporting his candidacy.&nbsp;Tyler Thompson, Kansas City

LETTER: Hammond offers the leadership Kansas needs

When examining and thinking through for whom you’ll be voting for in this upcoming election, it’s important to know the values of the person receiving your vote. It’s essential that each individual representing you at the State Capital holds true to the values of Kansas – and I’m proud to say that my longtime friend and your State Representative, Barb Wasinger, has proven true to those Kansas values upon which we were all raised on. Do not be tricked by the Democrat who may campaign as a “moderate” but will be a rubberstamp for every liberal policy of Joe Biden’s White House.

Barb will fight to keep your families safe, the economy strong, and ensure the schools in Hays and the surrounding area are locally controlled.&nbsp;

Barb Wasinger’s integrity, understanding, and commitment to the people of Hays will be unrivaled in Topeka, and that’s why she has my heartfelt full and total support and endorsement. U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., R-Kan.

When examining and thinking through for whom you’ll be voting for in this upcoming election, it’s important to know the values of the person receiving your vote. It’s essential that each individual representing you at the State Capital holds true to the values of Kansas – and I’m proud to say that my longtime friend and your State Representative, Barb Wasinger, has proven true to those Kansas values upon which we were all raised on. Do not be tricked by the Democrat who may campaign as a “moderate” but will be a rubberstamp for every liberal policy of Joe Biden’s White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barb will fight to keep your families safe, the economy strong, and ensure the schools in Hays and the surrounding area are locally controlled.&nbsp;Barb Wasinger’s integrity, understanding, and commitment to the people of Hays will be unrivaled in Topeka, and that’s why she has my heartfelt full and total support and endorsement. U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., R-Kan.

LETTER: Wasinger has proven true to Kansas values

It is that
time of year again– election season.

Kansas is
a beautiful state–full of wonderful places to explore and people to meet. But during
election season it is easy to become distracted and
forget the good that is in
front of us. Endless
negativity can cause us to forget
that we have much to be proud of.

Our right to vote should be a point of pride. Kansas'
voting process has a
time-honored reputation for working together to hold safe and secure elections. Every
individual vote matters here. Together, this is how we declare our values and shape
our future.

This year, we
have the opportunity to select judicial, executive and
legislative candidates:
representatives for state
legislature, state school board, county commission, judges and many other important positions. All statewide officeholders, U.S. Senate and Congress, and amendments to alter
Kansas’ Constitution are also on the ballot. All of these choices determine whether or not
our communities will be
stronger and healthier.

It is
up to us to decide what matters most as
we cast our ballots. I suggest you think about local impact as you choose leaders. It is
always important to work together to magnify the strength of our neighborhoods and create connections. This is especially
true in the voting booth. 

Do not
let the political rhetoric
of some persuade you that we cannot find our way
forward. We need representation that shares
our best Kansas’ qualities: leaders that work
hard, know their neighbors and pitch in to
help as needed. Look for people you would enjoy chatting with in
local coffee shops or grocery stores. Find candidates that take your phone calls and listen to your
concerns, rather than promoting themselves and their positions.

In the polling booth, make sure your vote builds
connections. Elect leaders that care about you and
your community.

Cast your
vote by November 8. You can request a ballot be mailed
to you so that you can return it by mail or drop it in
a ballot drop off box, vote in
person at an early voting site,
or vote at your designated polling place on November 8.
Use one of the many options to get it done.

Remember
to vote and make election season
something to take pride in once
again.

<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">&nbsp;https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView</a>

Kris Rogers&nbsp;has been a leader in Democratic politics and an educator in her professional career. She is the wife of State Treasurer Lynn Rogers.

It is that
time of year again– election season.Kansas is
a beautiful state–full of wonderful places to explore and people to meet. But during
election season it is easy to become distracted and
forget the good that is in
front of us. Endless
negativity can cause us to forget
that we have much to be proud of.Our right to vote should be a point of pride. Kansas'
voting process has a
time-honored reputation for working together to hold safe and secure elections. Every
individual vote matters here. Together, this is how we declare our values and shape
our future.This year, we
have the opportunity to select judicial, executive and
legislative candidates:
representatives for state
legislature, state school board, county commission, judges and many other important positions. All statewide officeholders, U.S. Senate and Congress, and amendments to alter
Kansas’ Constitution are also on the ballot. All of these choices determine whether or not
our communities will be
stronger and healthier.It is
up to us to decide what matters most as
we cast our ballots. I suggest you think about local impact as you choose leaders. It is
always important to work together to magnify the strength of our neighborhoods and create connections. This is especially
true in the voting booth. Do not
let the political rhetoric
of some persuade you that we cannot find our way
forward. We need representation that shares
our best Kansas’ qualities: leaders that work
hard, know their neighbors and pitch in to
help as needed. Look for people you would enjoy chatting with in
local coffee shops or grocery stores. Find candidates that take your phone calls and listen to your
concerns, rather than promoting themselves and their positions.In the polling booth, make sure your vote builds
connections. Elect leaders that care about you and
your community.Cast your
vote by November 8. You can request a ballot be mailed
to you so that you can return it by mail or drop it in
a ballot drop off box, vote in
person at an early voting site,
or vote at your designated polling place on November 8.
Use one of the many options to get it done.Remember
to vote and make election season
something to take pride in once
again.<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView">&nbsp;https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView</a>Kris Rogers WichitaKris Rogers&nbsp;has been a leader in Democratic politics and an educator in her professional career. She is the wife of State Treasurer Lynn Rogers.

LETTER: The importance of voting   

America will soon be heading to the polls again. If you’re like millions of your fellow Americans, you’re feeling a little anxious about the outcomes. Elections create anxiety and make us feel small because they cause us to face this truth: There’sso much&nbsp;that’s out of our control.&nbsp;We get one vote. That’s it. But regardless of the outcome, I promise the world&nbsp;will&nbsp;keep turning. Don’t let anxiety and fear steal your joy, mental health or determination to do what’s right during this season. Here are a few ways to deal with election anxiety as we head toward November 8. &nbsp;

You&nbsp;must&nbsp;vote. You have to. Voting is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. It’s your responsibility to participate in making this country a better place—for yourself, your family and your neighbors. Take ownership of your life and your future by casting your ballot.

Voting is one of our sacred rights as citizens of this country. Even if our democracy is flawed at times (and it is), we get to carry on a legacy that was hard won by generations of courageous women and men before us. The only way this democracy stops working is if the people stop participating.

Have you heard the term&nbsp;doomscrolling? It’s the habit of mindlessly scrolling through the latest videos, articles and tweets, searching for the next shocking headline. We’ve all been there—it feels like being caught on a hamster wheel of death and destruction. And that’s not much of an exaggeration, because a steady diet of catastrophic news—especially when you can’t do much about it—is bad for your health. Information that creates fear, panic and stress triggers a complex physiological reaction. Your heart rate and blood pressure spike, and stress hormones flood your body. It’s hard to sleep, focus, rest and breathe.

On the side of each electronic device is an off button. Use it.

By now, you know who you’re voting for (and by the way—everyone around you does too, so there’s no need to keep arguing and adding to the noise). You don’t have to keep flooding your brain with the latest arguments and opinions and predictions. Just put down the phone. Protect yourself by setting boundaries for when and how often you’ll access media of any kind.

Very few of us will ever make a big splash in Washington, D.C., but you&nbsp;can&nbsp;make a difference in your neighborhood, town and state. In fact, you can make more of an impact on this level than you realize. Decisive action helps reduce anxiety because it empowers you to focus on what you can control.&nbsp;

Read up on your local candidates. Learn what they stand for, and talk to people in your community about them. Who are the judges, representatives, senators, school board members and city commissioners on your ballot? Their time in office will directly impact your streets, your kids’ classrooms, and how local businesses are run. &nbsp;

You don’t have to hold political office to model what it means to be a good citizen. And if you haven’t noticed, we’re in need of some good citizens! Whether we realize it or not, our families, coworkers, internet friends and real friends are watching us. They’re paying attention to our bickering, our complaining and our mindless fixation on our screens.

Being a good citizen looks like getting intentional about kindness. Tip your waiter or waitress obnoxiously. Be grateful with salespeople. Let folks over in traffic. If you’re in a season of financial blessing, pay for someone’s groceries. Take your dog for a walk and pick up trash in your neighborhood while you’re out.&nbsp;

Specific to the election, I’m going to take my son with me when I vote. I want him to sit in that line with me. He’s 12—it will be painful for all of us—but it’s important to me that he has memories seared in his heart and mind about how important this was for his dad and for our country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Make time for rest, kindness . . . and play

Make time to just be a human being. Laugh. Plan a super hot surprise date for your spouse. Get your friends together to kick a soccer ball around. Take your family on a walk around the neighborhood and wave at people in crosswalks.

Let’s choose to be kind over the next couple of weeks. We’re better than how we’ve been acting.

Connect with others and value your community

I want you to think of valuing your community in two ways. First, when you’re feeling anxious, it’s a sign that you’re feeling disconnected. Spend time with those who support and love you—your spouse, your children and your friends. Talk about your fears and listen to the fears of others. Seek to listen first and explain second.

Next, I want you to value people who don’t align with you politically. No matter who wins, we’re going to pump gas next to each other at the same stations. We’re going to wait in the same carpool lines to get our kids from school. We’re going to share meals next to each other at restaurants. Let’s be with one another as human beings and choose not to go on the offensive.

Folks, we must choose to move forward, united as one group of people, doing the best we can.

Dr. John Delony&nbsp;is a mental health expert with&nbsp;PhDs in Counselor Education &amp; Supervision and Higher Education Administration&nbsp;from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, John worked as a senior leader, professor and researcher at multiple universities. He also spent two decades in crisis response, walking with people through severe trauma. Now as a Ramsey Personality, he teaches on relationships and emotional wellness. Follow John on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/johndelony" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnDelony/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/johndelony" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.johndelony.com/" target="_blank">www.johndelony.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666892697608.jpeg" alt="Dr. John Delony" />
 <figcaption>Dr. John Delony</figcaption>
 </figure>America will soon be heading to the polls again. If you’re like millions of your fellow Americans, you’re feeling a little anxious about the outcomes. Elections create anxiety and make us feel small because they cause us to face this truth: There’sso much&nbsp;that’s out of our control.&nbsp;We get one vote. That’s it. But regardless of the outcome, I promise the world&nbsp;will&nbsp;keep turning. Don’t let anxiety and fear steal your joy, mental health or determination to do what’s right during this season. Here are a few ways to deal with election anxiety as we head toward November 8. &nbsp;You have to voteYou&nbsp;must&nbsp;vote. You have to. Voting is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. It’s your responsibility to participate in making this country a better place—for yourself, your family and your neighbors. Take ownership of your life and your future by casting your ballot.Voting is one of our sacred rights as citizens of this country. Even if our democracy is flawed at times (and it is), we get to carry on a legacy that was hard won by generations of courageous women and men before us. The only way this democracy stops working is if the people stop participating.Limit your media intakeHave you heard the term&nbsp;doomscrolling? It’s the habit of mindlessly scrolling through the latest videos, articles and tweets, searching for the next shocking headline. We’ve all been there—it feels like being caught on a hamster wheel of death and destruction. And that’s not much of an exaggeration, because a steady diet of catastrophic news—especially when you can’t do much about it—is bad for your health. Information that creates fear, panic and stress triggers a complex physiological reaction. Your heart rate and blood pressure spike, and stress hormones flood your body. It’s hard to sleep, focus, rest and breathe.On the side of each electronic device is an off button. Use it.By now, you know who you’re voting for (and by the way—everyone around you does too, so there’s no need to keep arguing and adding to the noise). You don’t have to keep flooding your brain with the latest arguments and opinions and predictions. Just put down the phone. Protect yourself by setting boundaries for when and how often you’ll access media of any kind.Get involved locallyVery few of us will ever make a big splash in Washington, D.C., but you&nbsp;can&nbsp;make a difference in your neighborhood, town and state. In fact, you can make more of an impact on this level than you realize. Decisive action helps reduce anxiety because it empowers you to focus on what you can control.&nbsp;Read up on your local candidates. Learn what they stand for, and talk to people in your community about them. Who are the judges, representatives, senators, school board members and city commissioners on your ballot? Their time in office will directly impact your streets, your kids’ classrooms, and how local businesses are run. &nbsp;Set an exampleYou don’t have to hold political office to model what it means to be a good citizen. And if you haven’t noticed, we’re in need of some good citizens! Whether we realize it or not, our families, coworkers, internet friends and real friends are watching us. They’re paying attention to our bickering, our complaining and our mindless fixation on our screens.Stop.Being a good citizen looks like getting intentional about kindness. Tip your waiter or waitress obnoxiously. Be grateful with salespeople. Let folks over in traffic. If you’re in a season of financial blessing, pay for someone’s groceries. Take your dog for a walk and pick up trash in your neighborhood while you’re out.&nbsp;Specific to the election, I’m going to take my son with me when I vote. I want him to sit in that line with me. He’s 12—it will be painful for all of us—but it’s important to me that he has memories seared in his heart and mind about how important this was for his dad and for our country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Make time for rest, kindness . . . and playMake time to just be a human being. Laugh. Plan a super hot surprise date for your spouse. Get your friends together to kick a soccer ball around. Take your family on a walk around the neighborhood and wave at people in crosswalks.Let’s choose to be kind over the next couple of weeks. We’re better than how we’ve been acting.Connect with others and value your communityI want you to think of valuing your community in two ways. First, when you’re feeling anxious, it’s a sign that you’re feeling disconnected. Spend time with those who support and love you—your spouse, your children and your friends. Talk about your fears and listen to the fears of others. Seek to listen first and explain second.Next, I want you to value people who don’t align with you politically. No matter who wins, we’re going to pump gas next to each other at the same stations. We’re going to wait in the same carpool lines to get our kids from school. We’re going to share meals next to each other at restaurants. Let’s be with one another as human beings and choose not to go on the offensive.Folks, we must choose to move forward, united as one group of people, doing the best we can.We need each other.Dr. John Delony&nbsp;is a mental health expert with&nbsp;PhDs in Counselor Education &amp; Supervision and Higher Education Administration&nbsp;from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, John worked as a senior leader, professor and researcher at multiple universities. He also spent two decades in crisis response, walking with people through severe trauma. Now as a Ramsey Personality, he teaches on relationships and emotional wellness. Follow John on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/johndelony" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/johndelony/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnDelony/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/johndelony" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.johndelony.com/" target="_blank">www.johndelony.com</a>.

DELONY: Election anxiety   

While Ed Hammond says he supports students, comments made during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fyXoJppI4">a debate</a>&nbsp;with state Rep. Barb Wasinger earlier this month suggests that his commitment to protecting girls leaves something to be desired.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Specifically, Hammond refused to say that he would support a ban on biological males competing in girls’ sports. Across the country, we have seen girls lose out on opportunities because they’ve had to compete against those with an unfair physical advantage.&nbsp;

In the 2018-2019 season, University of Pennsylvania transgender swimmer Lia Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220318183249/https:/www.swimcloud.com/swimmer/314430/rankings/">was ranked</a>&nbsp;as the NCAA’s 87th Division 1 male swimmer but took the 31st spot after competing against girls. What’s more, Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-ncaa-news-what-rank-did-lia-thomas-stand-at-while-competing-in-the-mens-swimming-division/">went from</a>&nbsp;holding 554th in the 200-yd freestyle to claiming fifth place now and moved from 65th place in the 200 yard freestyle to number one today.&nbsp;

This is not an isolated example, as former Connecticut high school track athlete Selina Soule is suing her state after having been made to face off against biologically male competitors. She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/connecticut-track-athlete-sues-state-transgender-policy-womens-sports-being-robbed">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News, "I lost out on qualifying spots for the meets, better placement and possibly even scholarship opportunities. It was a very frustrating and heartbreaking thing to have to go through.”

The simple truth is that male and female bodies are inherently different: they develop differently and have different capabilities, which is the whole reason why male and female athletes compete in different divisions. Then there’s the fact that female athletes shouldn’t have to share a locker room and change clothes in front of someone of the opposite sex.&nbsp;

Hammond said at 1:02:58 in his debate with Wasinger that it is “common sense” to let the Kansas State High School Activities Association make decisions regarding transgender issues “on a case-by-case basis.” That isn’t good enough for our girls.&nbsp;

Wasinger understands this, which is why she sponsored “The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” a bill which&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/04/16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-vetoes-gop-bill-banning-trans-athletes/">was vetoed</a>&nbsp;in April by Gov. Laura Kelly. At one point in the debate, Wasinger said, “I want to know why it’s OK to discriminate against young women.” That’s a question the rest of us should be asking too.&nbsp;

While Ed Hammond says he supports students, comments made during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fyXoJppI4">a debate</a>&nbsp;with state Rep. Barb Wasinger earlier this month suggests that his commitment to protecting girls leaves something to be desired.&nbsp;&nbsp;Specifically, Hammond refused to say that he would support a ban on biological males competing in girls’ sports. Across the country, we have seen girls lose out on opportunities because they’ve had to compete against those with an unfair physical advantage.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the 2018-2019 season, University of Pennsylvania transgender swimmer Lia Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220318183249/https:/www.swimcloud.com/swimmer/314430/rankings/">was ranked</a>&nbsp;as the NCAA’s 87th Division 1 male swimmer but took the 31st spot after competing against girls. What’s more, Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-ncaa-news-what-rank-did-lia-thomas-stand-at-while-competing-in-the-mens-swimming-division/">went from</a>&nbsp;holding 554th in the 200-yd freestyle to claiming fifth place now and moved from 65th place in the 200 yard freestyle to number one today.&nbsp;This is not an isolated example, as former Connecticut high school track athlete Selina Soule is suing her state after having been made to face off against biologically male competitors. She&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/connecticut-track-athlete-sues-state-transgender-policy-womens-sports-being-robbed">told</a>&nbsp;Fox News, "I lost out on qualifying spots for the meets, better placement and possibly even scholarship opportunities. It was a very frustrating and heartbreaking thing to have to go through.”The simple truth is that male and female bodies are inherently different: they develop differently and have different capabilities, which is the whole reason why male and female athletes compete in different divisions. Then there’s the fact that female athletes shouldn’t have to share a locker room and change clothes in front of someone of the opposite sex.&nbsp;Hammond said at 1:02:58 in his debate with Wasinger that it is “common sense” to let the Kansas State High School Activities Association make decisions regarding transgender issues “on a case-by-case basis.” That isn’t good enough for our girls.&nbsp;Wasinger understands this, which is why she sponsored “The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” a bill which&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/04/16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-vetoes-gop-bill-banning-trans-athletes/">was vetoed</a>&nbsp;in April by Gov. Laura Kelly. At one point in the debate, Wasinger said, “I want to know why it’s OK to discriminate against young women.” That’s a question the rest of us should be asking too.&nbsp;Eugenia Spady, Hays&nbsp;

Opinion