By DAVID NORLIN Salina Resident

The Lyin’ kIng is on his throne.&nbsp;&nbsp;Loyal subjects spin yarns night and day to cover his naked untruths.&nbsp;&nbsp;The web of lies and Day One dictator decrees spin out faster than a truckload of spiders.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who can keep track?

Our Kansas representatives, given their oath to protect the Constitution, should erect a barrier wall against this destruction of the Republic.&nbsp;&nbsp;But these Republicans haven’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you are not yet ‘woke,’ it is long past time.

Resistance is imperative.&nbsp;&nbsp;Your life just got unimaginably harder than need be.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is getting far worse, daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;No single writing, podcast, or news report can presently capture all attacks on the body politic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First, the J6 criminal pardons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“In his first 24 hours as President, Donald Trump [took] actions large and small that dramatically compromise the justice system and ……. the Department of Justice.

“Some, like his pardoning of 1,500 defendants ….. convicted and sentenced for their roles in attacking the Capitol on January 6th, including convictions of horrible acts of violence against law enforcement, are high profile. They are a betrayal; a slap in the face to those officers and their families who suffered physical and emotional scars, ongoing trauma, or death. They undermine the hundreds of prosecutors and FBI agents who, regardless of party or politics, worked tirelessly on these cases, as well as bipartisan federal judges who sentenced them….

“[Now] individuals who (not without encouragement) used violence to achieve their ends are back out into our communities, who will [live in fear of] the consequences. The pardons encourage others to use similar means of political protest, without fear of long-term accountability.

“[Even more insidious]: the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/ed-martin-advocate-jan-6-defendants-interim-chief-us-attorney-dc-rcna188446">appointment of Ed Martin</a>, a prominent backer of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists, as interim U.S. attorney in Washington, DC.&nbsp;&nbsp;What does that tell you?

Here’s what it tells us: People loyal to Trump cannot be reached by career federal prosecutors and agents; it is the ultimate politicization of the justice system and Department of Justice.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://contrarian.substack.com/p/undermining-doj?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">Remember the Retrumplican rhetoric about the DOJ being ‘weaponized’?&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;It wasn’t before.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is now.&nbsp;

Secondly, there are the hopelessly incompetent Trump-loyalist cabinet nominees.&nbsp;

This pardon/appointment dirty work bulldozed a path for Attorney General nominees, to head an invaded Department of (In)justice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sexual predator Matt Gaetz has withdrawn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now comes Pam Bondi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Bondi, a well-known figure in Trump’s circle, chaired the America First Policy Institute, a think tank set up by former Trump administration staffers. She’s been a vocal critic of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/">criminal cases against Trump</a>. [Recently], she called Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith and other prosecutors [charging]Trump “horrible” people, trying to make names for themselves by “going after Donald Trump and weaponizing our legal system.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-trump-fbi-justice-department-248b46ba0c882dd46d661568e8bd3bd7">Fair and just?&nbsp;&nbsp;No.&nbsp;&nbsp;And Bondi is just one tip of the iceberg</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is no exaggeration to say that all Trump’s Niagara Falls loyalist-incompetents flood are almost entirely opposed to their respective departments’ purposes.

As such, Individually and collectively, they are a threat to US Security.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our Congress Critters are sworn to protect us from domestic terrorists.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead,&nbsp;&nbsp;they are not watchdogs, but lapdogs brought to heel.

Jerry Moran had one good moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regarding Trump’s J6 pardons, he said: “It is wrong to pardon individuals convicted of violent crime...."&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas common sense, right?

But then he votes for Pete Hegseth to head the Defense Department.&nbsp;&nbsp;A moral reprobate with a history of drunken out-of-control behavior, accused of abuse by previous wives and of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/24/pete-hegseth-confirmed-defense-secretary">gross mismanagement of non-profits, surely would not pass Jerry’s muster--but it did.&nbsp;</a>

Jerry’s been an outspoken advocate for Veterans and our armed forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;But now, his vote for Hegseth spits in the face of our armed servicemen and women—and his own aforementioned common sense.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

I called previous to that vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;Happily, I avoided the usual default message-recorder.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jerry’s real, live DC aide noted that he had met with the Hedger and asked about items the aide ticked off, clearly from a script.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But did was Hegseth’s fitness for the position once mentioned?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nope.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sadly, Jerry is only one such (insert adjectives here) Kansas Republican Congressperson.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rest are serving us equally shamefully.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As illustration, I’ll close with the post-election, widely-published column from Tracey Mann, our illustrious 1st-District Congressman.&nbsp;&nbsp;His role as inheritor of the Marshall/Huelskamp reign of fools (Example: their claims that Barack Obama was not a citizen), was starkly evident throughout.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2025/01/20/trump-mandates-include-protecting-constitutional-rights-opinion/77834480007/">But this line has to rank as Tracey’s most Orwellian, truth-free distortion of reality thus far:&nbsp;</a>

&nbsp;“America has spoken and made it clear that we do not want four more years of chaos. I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver on this mandate in the 119th Congress.”

Chaos, Tracey?&nbsp;&nbsp;You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;And here’s a reality-based statement:&nbsp;&nbsp;You are part of the problem, not the solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="opinion sq.png" />
 <figcaption>opinion sq.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID NORLIN Salina ResidentThe Lyin’ kIng is on his throne.&nbsp;&nbsp;Loyal subjects spin yarns night and day to cover his naked untruths.&nbsp;&nbsp;The web of lies and Day One dictator decrees spin out faster than a truckload of spiders.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who can keep track?Our Kansas representatives, given their oath to protect the Constitution, should erect a barrier wall against this destruction of the Republic.&nbsp;&nbsp;But these Republicans haven’t.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are not yet ‘woke,’ it is long past time.Resistance is imperative.&nbsp;&nbsp;Your life just got unimaginably harder than need be.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is getting far worse, daily.&nbsp;&nbsp;No single writing, podcast, or news report can presently capture all attacks on the body politic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here are two examples:First, the J6 criminal pardons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“In his first 24 hours as President, Donald Trump [took] actions large and small that dramatically compromise the justice system and ……. the Department of Justice.“Some, like his pardoning of 1,500 defendants ….. convicted and sentenced for their roles in attacking the Capitol on January 6th, including convictions of horrible acts of violence against law enforcement, are high profile. They are a betrayal; a slap in the face to those officers and their families who suffered physical and emotional scars, ongoing trauma, or death. They undermine the hundreds of prosecutors and FBI agents who, regardless of party or politics, worked tirelessly on these cases, as well as bipartisan federal judges who sentenced them….“[Now] individuals who (not without encouragement) used violence to achieve their ends are back out into our communities, who will [live in fear of] the consequences. The pardons encourage others to use similar means of political protest, without fear of long-term accountability.“[Even more insidious]: the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/ed-martin-advocate-jan-6-defendants-interim-chief-us-attorney-dc-rcna188446">appointment of Ed Martin</a>, a prominent backer of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists, as interim U.S. attorney in Washington, DC.&nbsp;&nbsp;What does that tell you?Here’s what it tells us: People loyal to Trump cannot be reached by career federal prosecutors and agents; it is the ultimate politicization of the justice system and Department of Justice.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://contrarian.substack.com/p/undermining-doj?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email">Remember the Retrumplican rhetoric about the DOJ being ‘weaponized’?&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;It wasn’t before.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is now.&nbsp;Secondly, there are the hopelessly incompetent Trump-loyalist cabinet nominees.&nbsp;This pardon/appointment dirty work bulldozed a path for Attorney General nominees, to head an invaded Department of (In)justice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sexual predator Matt Gaetz has withdrawn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now comes Pam Bondi.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Bondi, a well-known figure in Trump’s circle, chaired the America First Policy Institute, a think tank set up by former Trump administration staffers. She’s been a vocal critic of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/projects/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/">criminal cases against Trump</a>. [Recently], she called Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith and other prosecutors [charging]Trump “horrible” people, trying to make names for themselves by “going after Donald Trump and weaponizing our legal system.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaetz-trump-fbi-justice-department-248b46ba0c882dd46d661568e8bd3bd7">Fair and just?&nbsp;&nbsp;No.&nbsp;&nbsp;And Bondi is just one tip of the iceberg</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is no exaggeration to say that all Trump’s Niagara Falls loyalist-incompetents flood are almost entirely opposed to their respective departments’ purposes.As such, Individually and collectively, they are a threat to US Security.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Congress Critters are sworn to protect us from domestic terrorists.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead,&nbsp;&nbsp;they are not watchdogs, but lapdogs brought to heel.Jerry Moran had one good moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regarding Trump’s J6 pardons, he said: “It is wrong to pardon individuals convicted of violent crime...."&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas common sense, right?But then he votes for Pete Hegseth to head the Defense Department.&nbsp;&nbsp;A moral reprobate with a history of drunken out-of-control behavior, accused of abuse by previous wives and of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/24/pete-hegseth-confirmed-defense-secretary">gross mismanagement of non-profits, surely would not pass Jerry’s muster--but it did.&nbsp;</a>Jerry’s been an outspoken advocate for Veterans and our armed forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;But now, his vote for Hegseth spits in the face of our armed servicemen and women—and his own aforementioned common sense.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I called previous to that vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;Happily, I avoided the usual default message-recorder.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jerry’s real, live DC aide noted that he had met with the Hedger and asked about items the aide ticked off, clearly from a script.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But did was Hegseth’s fitness for the position once mentioned?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nope.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly, Jerry is only one such (insert adjectives here) Kansas Republican Congressperson.&nbsp;&nbsp;The rest are serving us equally shamefully.&nbsp;&nbsp;As illustration, I’ll close with the post-election, widely-published column from Tracey Mann, our illustrious 1st-District Congressman.&nbsp;&nbsp;His role as inheritor of the Marshall/Huelskamp reign of fools (Example: their claims that Barack Obama was not a citizen), was starkly evident throughout.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2025/01/20/trump-mandates-include-protecting-constitutional-rights-opinion/77834480007/">But this line has to rank as Tracey’s most Orwellian, truth-free distortion of reality thus far:&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;“America has spoken and made it clear that we do not want four more years of chaos. I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver on this mandate in the 119th Congress.”Chaos, Tracey?&nbsp;&nbsp;You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;And here’s a reality-based statement:&nbsp;&nbsp;You are part of the problem, not the solution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wake.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Up.&nbsp;&nbsp;The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

OPINION: Stop the chaos?  Where's it coming from?

By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

For decades, there has been a general understanding of the coalitions that define the two parties. The wealthy and college educated leaned Republican, while the less educated, working class, and the disadvantaged supported Democrats.

We knew generally what to expect from both sides. No longer.&nbsp; 

The college educated and affluent are drifting leftward. The working class and those without a college degree are moving right. The so-called&nbsp; “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Polarized-Degrees-Transformed-American-Politics/dp/1316512010">diploma divide</a>” has arrived.

The divide first took shape in 2008, when Obama carried college educated voters and McCain won those without a college degree.

Since then, the split has expanded considerably.&nbsp;College educated whites now comprise a plurality of the Democrat coalition, reaching&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MattGrossmann/status/1855439671138058673">nearly 40</a>&nbsp;percent of the total Democrat presidential vote. A majority of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/election/2024/exit-polls/national-results/general/president/0">college educated</a>,&nbsp;in fact, voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 while a majority without a college degree voted for Donald Trump.

And, for the first time since the advent of reliable&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/elections/2024/general-results/voter-analysis">exit polling</a>, the Republican candidate won the lowest income group – under $50,000 while the Democrat secured the highest income category – $100,000 plus.

This helps explain why Biden pushed so hard for student loan forgiveness and approved tax credits for electric vehicles. It also sheds light on Trump’s support for tariffs and a no tax on tips plan. 

As new coalition members join, they shape the parties’ cultures which are showcased every four years during party conventions.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Democratic_National_Convention#Schedule">2020</a>, Democrats choose Pulitzer Prize winning author and presidential historian Jon Meacham and former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD to deliver remarks on the final evening of their convention.

By contrast,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Republican_National_Convention#Schedule">Republicans</a>&nbsp;featured Franklin Graham, son of Christian evangelist Billy Graham, and Dana White CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.&nbsp;White was spotlighted again in 2024, this time presenting Trump to convention delegates.&nbsp; Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and Teamster president Sean O’ Brien also received coveted primetime slots.

The party transformations have impacted Kansans as well.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/rankings/1rank2.pdf">Wealthy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/education/6ed15b.pdf">well educated Kansas counties</a>&nbsp;now represent opportunities for Democrats.

Johnson County, a historical stronghold of Republicans, is experiencing a noticeable shift toward Democrats.&nbsp;In 2008, Obama secured nearly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://uselectionatlas.org/">45 percent</a>&nbsp;of the county’s vote, reaching the highest percentage by a Democrat since FDR in 1932.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton nearly equaled that percentage in 2016 and Biden surpassed it with 52.7 percent in 2020, marking the first time a Democrat had won Johnson County in over 100 years.&nbsp;Kamala Harris then improved on Biden’s percentage and won Riley County as well.

Less affluent and less educated counties are moving rightward.&nbsp;Crawford County for example in the southeast quadrant voted for Carter in 1976, Dukakis in 1988, Clinton in 1992 and 1996. And then in 2008, Crawford joined Douglas and Wyandotte as the only counties to support Obama.&nbsp;But over the last four presidential contests, Crawford turned&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://uselectionatlas.org/">red</a>.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton’s 35 percent was the worst performance by a Democrat since 1924 – Biden and Harris managed only a modest uptick.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These changes can be confusing and frustrating for many long-time party loyalists. After all, the parties they had once aligned with and cast their votes for have effectively vanished.&nbsp; 

It’s time to reset our expectations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mark Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight KansasFor decades, there has been a general understanding of the coalitions that define the two parties. The wealthy and college educated leaned Republican, while the less educated, working class, and the disadvantaged supported Democrats.We knew generally what to expect from both sides. No longer.&nbsp; The college educated and affluent are drifting leftward. The working class and those without a college degree are moving right. The so-called&nbsp; “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Polarized-Degrees-Transformed-American-Politics/dp/1316512010">diploma divide</a>” has arrived.The divide first took shape in 2008, when Obama carried college educated voters and McCain won those without a college degree.Since then, the split has expanded considerably.&nbsp;College educated whites now comprise a plurality of the Democrat coalition, reaching&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MattGrossmann/status/1855439671138058673">nearly 40</a>&nbsp;percent of the total Democrat presidential vote. A majority of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/election/2024/exit-polls/national-results/general/president/0">college educated</a>,&nbsp;in fact, voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 while a majority without a college degree voted for Donald Trump.And, for the first time since the advent of reliable&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foxnews.com/elections/2024/general-results/voter-analysis">exit polling</a>, the Republican candidate won the lowest income group – under $50,000 while the Democrat secured the highest income category – $100,000 plus.This helps explain why Biden pushed so hard for student loan forgiveness and approved tax credits for electric vehicles. It also sheds light on Trump’s support for tariffs and a no tax on tips plan. As new coalition members join, they shape the parties’ cultures which are showcased every four years during party conventions.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Democratic_National_Convention#Schedule">2020</a>, Democrats choose Pulitzer Prize winning author and presidential historian Jon Meacham and former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD to deliver remarks on the final evening of their convention.By contrast,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Republican_National_Convention#Schedule">Republicans</a>&nbsp;featured Franklin Graham, son of Christian evangelist Billy Graham, and Dana White CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.&nbsp;White was spotlighted again in 2024, this time presenting Trump to convention delegates.&nbsp; Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and Teamster president Sean O’ Brien also received coveted primetime slots. The party transformations have impacted Kansans as well.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/rankings/1rank2.pdf">Wealthy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksdata.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/education/6ed15b.pdf">well educated Kansas counties</a>&nbsp;now represent opportunities for Democrats.Johnson County, a historical stronghold of Republicans, is experiencing a noticeable shift toward Democrats.&nbsp;In 2008, Obama secured nearly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://uselectionatlas.org/">45 percent</a>&nbsp;of the county’s vote, reaching the highest percentage by a Democrat since FDR in 1932.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton nearly equaled that percentage in 2016 and Biden surpassed it with 52.7 percent in 2020, marking the first time a Democrat had won Johnson County in over 100 years.&nbsp;Kamala Harris then improved on Biden’s percentage and won Riley County as well. Less affluent and less educated counties are moving rightward.&nbsp;Crawford County for example in the southeast quadrant voted for Carter in 1976, Dukakis in 1988, Clinton in 1992 and 1996. And then in 2008, Crawford joined Douglas and Wyandotte as the only counties to support Obama.&nbsp;But over the last four presidential contests, Crawford turned&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://uselectionatlas.org/">red</a>.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton’s 35 percent was the worst performance by a Democrat since 1924 – Biden and Harris managed only a modest uptick.&nbsp;&nbsp; These changes can be confusing and frustrating for many long-time party loyalists. After all, the parties they had once aligned with and cast their votes for have effectively vanished.&nbsp; It’s time to reset our expectations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mark Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Adjusting to the new political reality

By&nbsp;BILL FIANDER Washburn Public Policy Lecturer

Fresh off citizen vitriol for rising property taxes during their 2024 campaigns, a fortified Republican super-majority Kansas Legislature began loading their prized horses into the starting gate of this year’s Property Tax Derby.

Kansas GOP leaders eye this as the final jewel in the coveted Tax Cut Triple Crown – sales, income, and property. In previous sessions, they successfully bet on both Governor Kelly’s food tax horse (Axe The Tax) and their income tax horse (Trickle Down) sired from the Brownback stud farm.

Elected jockeys have three levers at their disposal to determine the pace of property taxes in the derby. The State totally controls the first lever (assessments) and oversees county appraisals for the second lever (property values) which are really at the mercy of market forces. The most powerful lever (mill levy) is nearly all in the grip of local government.

Property taxes fund 60%-100% of local government budgets, but less than 1% of state government. Property tax revenue is the lifeblood for local services such as schools, police, roads, parks, transit, libraries, etc. with some hemorrhaging. Conversely, they mean virtually nothing to the State budget.

With that in mind, let’s handicap three GOP entrants while Democrats snooze in the barn.

· “Cap The Tax” (SCR 1603) – Senate Taxation Farms first entry is a Constitutional Amendment capping taxable property values at 3% annually thus artificially controlling property value – not the free market. This well-intentioned concept has all sorts of unintended consequences. Said cap is lifted for home sales and improvements causing vastly different taxable values on the same block while discouraging mobility and investment for an even tighter housing market. Local budgets get squeezed by inflation over 3% but still could effectively make themselves whole by pulling their prodigious mill levy lever. Ultimately, voters must approve if it gets that far. Given the House killed a 4% cap last year, this horse may get stuck on the rail again.

· “Building Biscuit” (SB 35) - Senate Taxation Farms’ second entry would repeal the State’s paltry 1.5 mill levy that goes towards deferred maintenance of state buildings. This is the most local government-friendly entry because it does not jeopardize local revenue. Building maintenance would shift to the State’s general fund made up of income and sales tax. Without a dedicated mill levy, universities are rightfully nervous their proverbial can could be kicked down the road. Homeowners would save a whopping $22 annually on a $200K house. This horse has the best legs for a stretch run but little return for wagers.

· “School Levy Sugar” (HB 2011) – The entry from House Taxation Stables has a similar profile to Building Biscuit. Instead of building maintenance, 1.5 mills are wiped from the State’s 20 mills for local schools. Relief for homeowners is just as paltry. Ostensibly, local schools would be made whole through the State’s sales and income taxes. But it puts their can on the line instead of universities. Without Supreme Court oversight for a school funding case, this horse is drifting a little wide at the turn.

If these don’t excite everybody, look for late entries like last year’s prized thoroughbred – exempting residential value from the State’s 20 mill school levy, expanding the homestead exemption, OR the ultimate horse trade – Medicaid expansion.

To paraphrase the State’s highest-paid employee (Bill Self), don’t worry about the mules, keep loading the wagon and don’t crash local services.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

The views and opinions expressed in this opinion article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions. If you would like to submit an opinion please submit it&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713976057142.jpeg" alt="bill fiander" />
 <figcaption>bill fiander</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;BILL FIANDER Washburn Public Policy LecturerFresh off citizen vitriol for rising property taxes during their 2024 campaigns, a fortified Republican super-majority Kansas Legislature began loading their prized horses into the starting gate of this year’s Property Tax Derby.Kansas GOP leaders eye this as the final jewel in the coveted Tax Cut Triple Crown – sales, income, and property. In previous sessions, they successfully bet on both Governor Kelly’s food tax horse (Axe The Tax) and their income tax horse (Trickle Down) sired from the Brownback stud farm.Elected jockeys have three levers at their disposal to determine the pace of property taxes in the derby. The State totally controls the first lever (assessments) and oversees county appraisals for the second lever (property values) which are really at the mercy of market forces. The most powerful lever (mill levy) is nearly all in the grip of local government.Property taxes fund 60%-100% of local government budgets, but less than 1% of state government. Property tax revenue is the lifeblood for local services such as schools, police, roads, parks, transit, libraries, etc. with some hemorrhaging. Conversely, they mean virtually nothing to the State budget.With that in mind, let’s handicap three GOP entrants while Democrats snooze in the barn.· “Cap The Tax” (SCR 1603) – Senate Taxation Farms first entry is a Constitutional Amendment capping taxable property values at 3% annually thus artificially controlling property value – not the free market. This well-intentioned concept has all sorts of unintended consequences. Said cap is lifted for home sales and improvements causing vastly different taxable values on the same block while discouraging mobility and investment for an even tighter housing market. Local budgets get squeezed by inflation over 3% but still could effectively make themselves whole by pulling their prodigious mill levy lever. Ultimately, voters must approve if it gets that far. Given the House killed a 4% cap last year, this horse may get stuck on the rail again.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="opinion sq.png" />
 <figcaption>opinion sq.png</figcaption>
 </figure>· “Building Biscuit” (SB 35) - Senate Taxation Farms’ second entry would repeal the State’s paltry 1.5 mill levy that goes towards deferred maintenance of state buildings. This is the most local government-friendly entry because it does not jeopardize local revenue. Building maintenance would shift to the State’s general fund made up of income and sales tax. Without a dedicated mill levy, universities are rightfully nervous their proverbial can could be kicked down the road. Homeowners would save a whopping $22 annually on a $200K house. This horse has the best legs for a stretch run but little return for wagers.· “School Levy Sugar” (HB 2011) – The entry from House Taxation Stables has a similar profile to Building Biscuit. Instead of building maintenance, 1.5 mills are wiped from the State’s 20 mills for local schools. Relief for homeowners is just as paltry. Ostensibly, local schools would be made whole through the State’s sales and income taxes. But it puts their can on the line instead of universities. Without Supreme Court oversight for a school funding case, this horse is drifting a little wide at the turn.If these don’t excite everybody, look for late entries like last year’s prized thoroughbred – exempting residential value from the State’s 20 mill school levy, expanding the homestead exemption, OR the ultimate horse trade – Medicaid expansion.To paraphrase the State’s highest-paid employee (Bill Self), don’t worry about the mules, keep loading the wagon and don’t crash local services.---Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.The views and opinions expressed in this opinion article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions. If you would like to submit an opinion please submit it&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com

INSIGHT: Handicapping the Kansas Property Tax Derby

By SHARON TRENT Dodge City, Kansas

You may be aware that Monarch butterflies are endangered. This is due to the loss of habitat and the use of pesticides. Gardeners can counteract both of these problems. The orange milkweed is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars in the Plains states. 

Seeds can be ordered online and refrigerated for about 30 days on damp paper towels in plastic bags. Then, they can be started in soil, which may take 30 days for sprouting. So, the plant might be ready to set out by the last frost date in spring. You will probably need a dozen plants. 

Conservation efforts saved the bluebirds, and the antelope and are helping the lesser prairie chicken. We are all that's available to save the monarchs. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="opinion sq.png" />
 <figcaption>opinion sq.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHARON TRENT Dodge City, KansasYou may be aware that Monarch butterflies are endangered. This is due to the loss of habitat and the use of pesticides. Gardeners can counteract both of these problems. The orange milkweed is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars in the Plains states. Seeds can be ordered online and refrigerated for about 30 days on damp paper towels in plastic bags. Then, they can be started in soil, which may take 30 days for sprouting. So, the plant might be ready to set out by the last frost date in spring. You will probably need a dozen plants. Conservation efforts saved the bluebirds, and the antelope and are helping the lesser prairie chicken. We are all that's available to save the monarchs. Please help.&nbsp;

OPINION: Help save Monarch butterflies, plant milkweed 

<a href="mailto:rwilson@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By RON WILSON </a>K-State Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“Voice of the Wildcats.” That title belongs to the legendary sportscasters who have broadcast Kansas State University football and basketball games through the years.

Wyatt Thompson is the current and longtime Voice of the Cats, which he especially appreciates because of his roots in rural Kansas. Thompson became Voice of the Wildcats in 2002. He grew up in rural Kansas near Solomon.

Among his interests was livestock judging in high school FFA, which included two elements: One, placing a class of livestock in the desired order; and two, stating oral reasons to a judge to describe the reasons for that placing.

This process required him to make quick judgments and to state his observations articulately and accurately. In a sense, those skills also serve him well as a sportscaster.

Thompson continued livestock judging at Colby Community College but found himself drawn to sports broadcasting. He made the change. In 1976, he began his career, spending time at radio stations in Great Bend and Abilene. He was recognized with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Play-by-Play Award in 1982.

From 1985 until 1989, Thompson worked at KAYS in Hays where he was the play-by-play voice at Fort Hays State. He won the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year Award in 1989.

Then Thompson moved to Denver. He was the play-by-play voice for Colorado State's football and men's basketball teams for five years. In addition to his duties at CSU, Thompson was also a sports reporter on radio and host of the Countdown to Kickoff show for the Denver Broncos.

Thompson won the Colorado Broadcasting Association award for best play-by-play announcer in 2000.

In 2002, he moved to K-State to become the Voice of the Wildcat, a position he still holds today. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of legendary broadcasters who have previously served as Voice of the Wildcats:&nbsp;Dev Nelson, Mitch Holthus, Steve Physioc and Greg Sharpe.

Today, Thompson is senior director of broadcasting for the K-State Athletic Department as well as Voice of the Wildcats. He&nbsp;serves as host of the Chris Klieman and Jerome Tang coaches’ shows on television and radio. In addition, he is heavily involved in various Catbacker Club, alumni and athletic department functions, frequently serving as a keynote speaker.

In an era of NIL -- Name, Image, Likeness -- and the transfer portal, it seems remarkable that he is observing local players from Kansas making an impact for their home state team. 

For example, in football, he sees Sam Hecht from Shawnee snap the ball to Avery Johnson, who went to Maize, who then might hand off the ball to Dylan Edwards from Wichita or D.J. Giddens from Junction City – and they just might be led by a block from Hadley Panzer of Lakin.

An estimated 55 Kansans are on the K-State football roster – far more than any other state.

It is especially exciting to see such in-state talent perform well. According to the K-State athletic department, since 1990 K-State’s all-conference selections have come from 37 cities in Kansas.

“I love broadcasting K-State sports for so many reasons,” Thompson said. “At the top of the list would be the amazing coaches and players that I get to work with daily.”

He also relishes the game day experience. “You can just feel the excitement for each game, and the love this fan base has for Kansas State University and the Cats,” Thompson said.

Thompson won the Hod Humiston Award for sports broadcasting from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in 2011. Over the course of his career, Thompson has been named the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year six times. He ranks second all-time among K-State broadcasters in awards won, and fourth all-time among broadcasters in the state of Kansas.

In 2022 he was inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

It's an impressive record for a farm kid from the rural community of Solomon, population 993 people. Now, that’s rural.

Voice of the Wildcats. We commend Wyatt Thompson for making a difference by sharing the excitement of Power 4 football and basketball with fans across Kansas and beyond. We’re always thankful to hear his voice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737038548828.jpeg" alt="Wyatt Thompson, voice of the Kansas State University Wildcats, is the former voice of the Fort Hays State University Tigers. Photo courtesy K-State" />
 <figcaption>Wyatt Thompson, voice of the Kansas State University Wildcats, is the former voice of the Fort Hays State University Tigers. Photo courtesy K-State</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:rwilson@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By RON WILSON </a>K-State Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development “Voice of the Wildcats.” That title belongs to the legendary sportscasters who have broadcast Kansas State University football and basketball games through the years.Wyatt Thompson is the current and longtime Voice of the Cats, which he especially appreciates because of his roots in rural Kansas. Thompson became Voice of the Wildcats in 2002. He grew up in rural Kansas near Solomon.Among his interests was livestock judging in high school FFA, which included two elements: One, placing a class of livestock in the desired order; and two, stating oral reasons to a judge to describe the reasons for that placing.This process required him to make quick judgments and to state his observations articulately and accurately. In a sense, those skills also serve him well as a sportscaster.Thompson continued livestock judging at Colby Community College but found himself drawn to sports broadcasting. He made the change. In 1976, he began his career, spending time at radio stations in Great Bend and Abilene. He was recognized with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Play-by-Play Award in 1982.From 1985 until 1989, Thompson worked at KAYS in Hays where he was the play-by-play voice at Fort Hays State. He won the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year Award in 1989.Then Thompson moved to Denver. He was the play-by-play voice for Colorado State's football and men's basketball teams for five years. In addition to his duties at CSU, Thompson was also a sports reporter on radio and host of the Countdown to Kickoff show for the Denver Broncos.Thompson won the Colorado Broadcasting Association award for best play-by-play announcer in 2000.In 2002, he moved to K-State to become the Voice of the Wildcat, a position he still holds today. In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of legendary broadcasters who have previously served as Voice of the Wildcats:&nbsp;Dev Nelson, Mitch Holthus, Steve Physioc and Greg Sharpe.Today, Thompson is senior director of broadcasting for the K-State Athletic Department as well as Voice of the Wildcats. He&nbsp;serves as host of the Chris Klieman and Jerome Tang coaches’ shows on television and radio. In addition, he is heavily involved in various Catbacker Club, alumni and athletic department functions, frequently serving as a keynote speaker.In an era of NIL -- Name, Image, Likeness -- and the transfer portal, it seems remarkable that he is observing local players from Kansas making an impact for their home state team. For example, in football, he sees Sam Hecht from Shawnee snap the ball to Avery Johnson, who went to Maize, who then might hand off the ball to Dylan Edwards from Wichita or D.J. Giddens from Junction City – and they just might be led by a block from Hadley Panzer of Lakin.An estimated 55 Kansans are on the K-State football roster – far more than any other state.It is especially exciting to see such in-state talent perform well. According to the K-State athletic department, since 1990 K-State’s all-conference selections have come from 37 cities in Kansas.“I love broadcasting K-State sports for so many reasons,” Thompson said. “At the top of the list would be the amazing coaches and players that I get to work with daily.”He also relishes the game day experience. “You can just feel the excitement for each game, and the love this fan base has for Kansas State University and the Cats,” Thompson said.Thompson won the Hod Humiston Award for sports broadcasting from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in 2011. Over the course of his career, Thompson has been named the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year six times. He ranks second all-time among K-State broadcasters in awards won, and fourth all-time among broadcasters in the state of Kansas.In 2022 he was inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.It's an impressive record for a farm kid from the rural community of Solomon, population 993 people. Now, that’s rural.Voice of the Wildcats. We commend Wyatt Thompson for making a difference by sharing the excitement of Power 4 football and basketball with fans across Kansas and beyond. We’re always thankful to hear his voice.

Now That’s Rural: Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Wildcats, former Voice of FHSU Tigers

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

If you’ve been to the grocery store since the new year you may have noticed that state sales tax on grocery items dropped to 0%.

In 2022, the Kansas Legislature passed a bill that gradually eliminated the sales tax on groceries, with final elimination on January 1, 2025.

To many, tax cuts represent a meaningful win for Kansas, but it also brings with it tough questions about the future of state revenue and services.

According to the 2022 legislation, State General Funds will take a $437.1 million hit this year and $526.2 million hit in 2026 due to the sales tax elimination.

This dilemma highlights the complexities of reducing taxes.

Most Kansans will celebrate the lessened burden on their bank accounts after visiting the grocery store, but in the same breath expect the same level of government services.

Our state is familiar with this dilemma after Governor Brownback’s deep income tax cuts in 2012 and 2013 — widely known as the “Kansas experiment”.

To be clear, there are important differences between Brownback’s income tax cuts, which primarily benefited the wealthiest Kansans, and eliminating sales tax on food, which spreads the benefits more equitably among Kansans. But the same dilemma remains.

Government services don’t exist in a vacuum. They cost money, and usually are paid for through tax revenue.

To add to this dilemma, the state legislature passed a tax reduction bill in 2024 that is expected to cut about $1.2 billion over three years from income and property taxes, and many state legislators have said that further property tax cuts are a top priority for the 2025 legislative session.

While on the surface, tax cuts seem to be a boon for Kansas families, the potential reduction in state revenue raises the question: what sacrifices might be required to maintain essential government services? Will this lead to cuts in education funding, infrastructure projects, or public safety budgets?

Lessons from the past, such as the “Kansas experiment”, remind us of the major risks that come from enacting tax cuts without a sustainable plan. Under Brownback’s cuts, the state’s revenues plummeted and led to major cuts to education, infrastructure, and other vital services.

Kansans have a lot to gain from the elimination of the grocery sales tax and other tax cuts, but they also have a lot to lose if the state’s financial future is not managed responsibly.

 The reality is clear: every dollar saved via tax cuts is a dollar no longer available to fund schools, roads, public safety, and healthcare. The question isn’t whether these tax cuts are beneficial in the short term — most Kansans would agree they are — but whether the state has a plan to sustain the services that keep our communities strong.

As we move forward, we must learn from the past. The Brownback tax experiment serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that poorly planned tax policies can do more harm than good. Kansans deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders about how these cuts will impact the state budget and the quality of life for all residents.

The elimination of the grocery sales tax offers relief, but it also requires vigilance. Kansans should demand a balanced approach — one that ensures tax relief without sacrificing the future of our state.

The choices we make today will shape the Kansas of tomorrow. Will we build a future that prioritizes short-term gains at the expense of long-term stability? Or will we find a path that balances relief with responsibility? The answer is up to all of us.

The success of these policies depends on the willingness of citizens, policymakers, and leaders to come together, ask tough questions, and make informed decisions to ensure Kansas continues to thrive.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="Alexandra Middlewood is&nbsp;an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood is&nbsp;an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas If you’ve been to the grocery store since the new year you may have noticed that state sales tax on grocery items dropped to 0%.In 2022, the Kansas Legislature passed a bill that gradually eliminated the sales tax on groceries, with final elimination on January 1, 2025.To many, tax cuts represent a meaningful win for Kansas, but it also brings with it tough questions about the future of state revenue and services.According to the 2022 legislation, State General Funds will take a $437.1 million hit this year and $526.2 million hit in 2026 due to the sales tax elimination.This dilemma highlights the complexities of reducing taxes.Most Kansans will celebrate the lessened burden on their bank accounts after visiting the grocery store, but in the same breath expect the same level of government services.Our state is familiar with this dilemma after Governor Brownback’s deep income tax cuts in 2012 and 2013 — widely known as the “Kansas experiment”.To be clear, there are important differences between Brownback’s income tax cuts, which primarily benefited the wealthiest Kansans, and eliminating sales tax on food, which spreads the benefits more equitably among Kansans. But the same dilemma remains.Government services don’t exist in a vacuum. They cost money, and usually are paid for through tax revenue.To add to this dilemma, the state legislature passed a tax reduction bill in 2024 that is expected to cut about $1.2 billion over three years from income and property taxes, and many state legislators have said that further property tax cuts are a top priority for the 2025 legislative session.While on the surface, tax cuts seem to be a boon for Kansas families, the potential reduction in state revenue raises the question: what sacrifices might be required to maintain essential government services? Will this lead to cuts in education funding, infrastructure projects, or public safety budgets?Lessons from the past, such as the “Kansas experiment”, remind us of the major risks that come from enacting tax cuts without a sustainable plan. Under Brownback’s cuts, the state’s revenues plummeted and led to major cuts to education, infrastructure, and other vital services.Kansans have a lot to gain from the elimination of the grocery sales tax and other tax cuts, but they also have a lot to lose if the state’s financial future is not managed responsibly. The reality is clear: every dollar saved via tax cuts is a dollar no longer available to fund schools, roads, public safety, and healthcare. The question isn’t whether these tax cuts are beneficial in the short term — most Kansans would agree they are — but whether the state has a plan to sustain the services that keep our communities strong.As we move forward, we must learn from the past. The Brownback tax experiment serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that poorly planned tax policies can do more harm than good. Kansans deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders about how these cuts will impact the state budget and the quality of life for all residents.The elimination of the grocery sales tax offers relief, but it also requires vigilance. Kansans should demand a balanced approach — one that ensures tax relief without sacrificing the future of our state.The choices we make today will shape the Kansas of tomorrow. Will we build a future that prioritizes short-term gains at the expense of long-term stability? Or will we find a path that balances relief with responsibility? The answer is up to all of us.The success of these policies depends on the willingness of citizens, policymakers, and leaders to come together, ask tough questions, and make informed decisions to ensure Kansas continues to thrive.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

Insight Kansas: Balancing tax relief and responsibility

Kansas Democratic Party TOPEKA — First, Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) banned the free press from the Senate Chamber floor and now, as reported by the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/13/kansas-house-speaker-bans-reporters-from-chamber-floor-doesnt-say-why/">Kansas Reflector</a>, his counterpart in the House, Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) is doing the same and forcing the press off the floor of the House Chamber.

Reporters and other media will no longer be allowed access to a designated workstation on either chamber floor and instead must observe and report from the public gallery. 

This move comes on the heels of <a href="http://honest">Senate Democratic Leader’s Dinah Sykes’ recent op-ed</a> highlighting Republican leadership’s efforts to hide their true priorities: “With their supermajority, Republican politicians have promised paybacks for the ultra-rich, big corporations and out-of-state interests trying to impose their will on our state.”

 “Very few things that are good, right or well-intentioned are done in the dark,” said Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass.

 “Our free press and media provide a light on our politics and our lawmakers. It is disgraceful and disrespectful to Kansans to have this assault on the free press in our state capitol. What are Republicans trying to hide from the people who they are supposed to represent?,” said Repass.

 The Kansas Democratic Party calls on Speaker Dan Hawkins to reverse this disturbing measure to suppress the media and reporters immediately. 

As the 2025 legislative session moves into its first full week, Republicans must allow the citizens of Kansas to have access to the people whom we have entrusted as our representatives as they make the laws that impact our lives.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736956952802.png" alt="Kansas Democratic Party" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Democratic Party</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Democratic Party TOPEKA — First, Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) banned the free press from the Senate Chamber floor and now, as reported by the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/13/kansas-house-speaker-bans-reporters-from-chamber-floor-doesnt-say-why/">Kansas Reflector</a>, his counterpart in the House, Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) is doing the same and forcing the press off the floor of the House Chamber. Reporters and other media will no longer be allowed access to a designated workstation on either chamber floor and instead must observe and report from the public gallery. This move comes on the heels of <a href="http://honest">Senate Democratic Leader’s Dinah Sykes’ recent op-ed</a> highlighting Republican leadership’s efforts to hide their true priorities: “With their supermajority, Republican politicians have promised paybacks for the ultra-rich, big corporations and out-of-state interests trying to impose their will on our state.” “Very few things that are good, right or well-intentioned are done in the dark,” said Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass. “Our free press and media provide a light on our politics and our lawmakers. It is disgraceful and disrespectful to Kansans to have this assault on the free press in our state capitol. What are Republicans trying to hide from the people who they are supposed to represent?,” said Repass. The Kansas Democratic Party calls on Speaker Dan Hawkins to reverse this disturbing measure to suppress the media and reporters immediately. As the 2025 legislative session moves into its first full week, Republicans must allow the citizens of Kansas to have access to the people whom we have entrusted as our representatives as they make the laws that impact our lives.&nbsp;

Kansas Democratic Party: 'Republicans intent on hiding their actions from Kansas public'

By LISA NEWMAN K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

Did you set a New Year’s resolution this year?

As the calendar flips to a new year, millions resolve to make big changes: eat healthier, exercise regularly, save more money, or spend more time with loved ones. Yet, by mid-February, many struggle to stick to these ambitious goals. Why do resolutions often fail, and how can we make this year different? The answer might lie in the groundbreaking insights from BJ Fogg's book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.

Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford University, argues that the key to sustainable change isn’t grand gestures but tiny, manageable actions.

 "The essence of tiny habits," Fogg writes, "is to start small, anchor new behaviors to existing routines, and celebrate even the tiniest victories."

 Many New Year’s resolutions falter because they rely on willpower or unrealistic expectations. For instance, committing to an hour-long workout every morning might seem inspiring at first, but the demands of daily life can make it hard to maintain. Instead, Fogg suggests starting with something so small it feels almost effortless. For example, if you want to get fit, start with one or two push-ups a day.

 These micro-actions bypass the brain’s resistance to change and build momentum over time.

 A cornerstone of Fogg’s method is anchoring—connecting a new habit to an existing routine. For example, if you want to practice mindfulness, you might decide to take three deep breaths each time you sit down at your desk. If you aim to drink more water, place a glass next to your coffee maker and take a sip while your coffee brews.

Anchoring ensures the new habit fits seamlessly into your day. Over time, these small actions snowball into more significant changes.

Celebration is another critical ingredient in Fogg’s method. Rather than waiting for a big milestone to celebrate, Fogg encourages acknowledging every small win. A fist pump, a smile, or even saying, “I’m awesome!” can reinforce the positive emotions tied to the habit, making you more likely to repeat it.

“Emotions create habits,” Fogg explains. “The more positive the experience, the more the brain will want to do it again.” 

This year, instead of crafting a daunting list of goals, try a Tiny Habits approach:

1. Pick a small starting point. Want to exercise more? Begin by putting on your workout shoes each morning.

2. Anchor it. Link your habit to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or checking your phone.

3. Celebrate. Cheer yourself on after completing even the most minor step.

Big transformations can start with tiny steps. By scaling down resolutions into bite-sized actions, success becomes attainable and enjoyable. Here’s to making 2025 a year of meaningful progress, one tiny habit at a time! Remember, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your wins – no matter how small they may seem. You’ve got this! For more resources and support, visit K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District at <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu.">https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu. </a>

<a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu."></a>We’re here to help you turn your resolutions into lasting success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729864143137.jpeg" alt="Lisa&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lisa&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA NEWMAN K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension AgentDid you set a New Year’s resolution this year?As the calendar flips to a new year, millions resolve to make big changes: eat healthier, exercise regularly, save more money, or spend more time with loved ones. Yet, by mid-February, many struggle to stick to these ambitious goals. Why do resolutions often fail, and how can we make this year different? The answer might lie in the groundbreaking insights from BJ Fogg's book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford University, argues that the key to sustainable change isn’t grand gestures but tiny, manageable actions. "The essence of tiny habits," Fogg writes, "is to start small, anchor new behaviors to existing routines, and celebrate even the tiniest victories."<h2> Why Tiny Habits Work</h2> Many New Year’s resolutions falter because they rely on willpower or unrealistic expectations. For instance, committing to an hour-long workout every morning might seem inspiring at first, but the demands of daily life can make it hard to maintain. Instead, Fogg suggests starting with something so small it feels almost effortless. For example, if you want to get fit, start with one or two push-ups a day. These micro-actions bypass the brain’s resistance to change and build momentum over time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736264156328.jpeg" alt="KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2> Anchoring New Habits</h2> A cornerstone of Fogg’s method is anchoring—connecting a new habit to an existing routine. For example, if you want to practice mindfulness, you might decide to take three deep breaths each time you sit down at your desk. If you aim to drink more water, place a glass next to your coffee maker and take a sip while your coffee brews.Anchoring ensures the new habit fits seamlessly into your day. Over time, these small actions snowball into more significant changes.<h2>Celebrate Success </h2>Celebration is another critical ingredient in Fogg’s method. Rather than waiting for a big milestone to celebrate, Fogg encourages acknowledging every small win. A fist pump, a smile, or even saying, “I’m awesome!” can reinforce the positive emotions tied to the habit, making you more likely to repeat it.“Emotions create habits,” Fogg explains. “The more positive the experience, the more the brain will want to do it again.” <h2>Resolutions that Stick </h2>This year, instead of crafting a daunting list of goals, try a Tiny Habits approach:1. Pick a small starting point. Want to exercise more? Begin by putting on your workout shoes each morning.2. Anchor it. Link your habit to something you already do, like brushing your teeth or checking your phone.3. Celebrate. Cheer yourself on after completing even the most minor step.Big transformations can start with tiny steps. By scaling down resolutions into bite-sized actions, success becomes attainable and enjoyable. Here’s to making 2025 a year of meaningful progress, one tiny habit at a time! Remember, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your wins – no matter how small they may seem. You’ve got this! For more resources and support, visit K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District at <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu.">https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu. </a><a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu."></a>We’re here to help you turn your resolutions into lasting success.

A fresh start: Achieving New Year’s resolutions with tiny habits

The arctic blast of January 2025 hit Saline County hard. While we often claim to be prepared for snowstorms, the truth is, we seldom are. The storm, which began in the early hours of January 4 and finally subsided on January 6, brought significant challenges.&nbsp; As someone who has lived in the Kipp, Kansas, area since birth, I’m no stranger to harsh winters, but this storm caused me considerable concern. It’s not unusual for me to shovel large amounts of snow from my driveway. However, this time, I had to dig myself out to ensure my vehicles were positioned to face outward for when the county road maintainer passed by. Despite my efforts, I watched snowplows drive toward Kipp—the nearest town—multiple times without clearing my road. The road grader went through Kipp three times, and each time, I hoped they would clear the way for me and my son, who lives just a quarter-mile down the road. Yet, each time, they went in the opposite direction. Around 4 p.m., I called the Saline County Road and Bridge Department to ask when Schilling Road would be cleared. My son, a Great Plains Manufacturing employee, needed the road open to get to work. I spoke with Tyson Gold, who asked how he could assist.&nbsp; I explained our situation, emphasizing the mandatory workdays my son had to attend. I requested the road from Kipp to Whitmore be cleared. Tyson assured me it would be done, and by Tuesday morning, the road was indeed cleared.

A family friend further assisted by clearing the stretch from Whitmore to my driveway and even created a path through a field so my son could walk out to reach work. Tyson had promised the roads on Schilling would be passable by 8 a.m. Tuesday after crews stopped work Monday at 4:30 p.m. Despite multiple equipment breakdowns and crews working tirelessly since 4:30 a.m., they managed to keep their word. However, the challenges didn’t end there. A wall of snow was left on Schilling, which my family friend cleared.On Tuesday morning, I called the county to apologize, hoping my friend’s efforts hadn’t caused issues. I was reassured that the road crew could handle it without any problems. I left my house at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, only to find that Schilling Road, half a mile west of Kipp, was still not fully cleared. After three days of being trapped at home, I was grateful for my family friend’s help. But upon returning home at 3 p.m., I found a three-to-four-foot pile of snow blocking my driveway.&nbsp;Once again, I had to dig myself back in.When I reached out to Saline County Road and Bridge, Supervisor Darrin F. dismissed my concerns, remarking, “It happens.”&nbsp; This response struck me as dismissive, leaving me with a lingering suspicion that the county was acting intentionally. Although I recognize the challenges faced by road crews, such as long hours, harsh weather, and equipment failures, I feel their actions have made life more difficult for us residents of the county.

Living in the country comes with its challenges, and not everyone has skid loaders to move 15 inches of snow and five-foot drifts. Still, I feel the county’s response fell short. Like many others, I’m eagerly awaiting spring or at least some sunshine to melt the snow.

If you’d like to submit an opinion regarding city or county issues please send it to newstips@salinapost.com

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736344000109.jpeg" alt="Lisa McDowell shoveling snow and digging herself out.&nbsp; " />
 <figcaption>Lisa McDowell shoveling snow and digging herself out.&nbsp; </figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA McDOWELL&nbsp;Saline County Resident The arctic blast of January 2025 hit Saline County hard. While we often claim to be prepared for snowstorms, the truth is, we seldom are. The storm, which began in the early hours of January 4 and finally subsided on January 6, brought significant challenges.&nbsp; As someone who has lived in the Kipp, Kansas, area since birth, I’m no stranger to harsh winters, but this storm caused me considerable concern. It’s not unusual for me to shovel large amounts of snow from my driveway. However, this time, I had to dig myself out to ensure my vehicles were positioned to face outward for when the county road maintainer passed by. Despite my efforts, I watched snowplows drive toward Kipp—the nearest town—multiple times without clearing my road. The road grader went through Kipp three times, and each time, I hoped they would clear the way for me and my son, who lives just a quarter-mile down the road. Yet, each time, they went in the opposite direction. Around 4 p.m., I called the Saline County Road and Bridge Department to ask when Schilling Road would be cleared. My son, a Great Plains Manufacturing employee, needed the road open to get to work. I spoke with Tyson Gold, who asked how he could assist.&nbsp; I explained our situation, emphasizing the mandatory workdays my son had to attend. I requested the road from Kipp to Whitmore be cleared. Tyson assured me it would be done, and by Tuesday morning, the road was indeed cleared. A family friend further assisted by clearing the stretch from Whitmore to my driveway and even created a path through a field so my son could walk out to reach work. Tyson had promised the roads on Schilling would be passable by 8 a.m. Tuesday after crews stopped work Monday at 4:30 p.m. Despite multiple equipment breakdowns and crews working tirelessly since 4:30 a.m., they managed to keep their word. However, the challenges didn’t end there. A wall of snow was left on Schilling, which my family friend cleared.On Tuesday morning, I called the county to apologize, hoping my friend’s efforts hadn’t caused issues. I was reassured that the road crew could handle it without any problems. I left my house at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, only to find that Schilling Road, half a mile west of Kipp, was still not fully cleared. After three days of being trapped at home, I was grateful for my family friend’s help. But upon returning home at 3 p.m., I found a three-to-four-foot pile of snow blocking my driveway.&nbsp;Once again, I had to dig myself back in.When I reached out to Saline County Road and Bridge, Supervisor Darrin F. dismissed my concerns, remarking, “It happens.”&nbsp; This response struck me as dismissive, leaving me with a lingering suspicion that the county was acting intentionally. Although I recognize the challenges faced by road crews, such as long hours, harsh weather, and equipment failures, I feel their actions have made life more difficult for us residents of the county.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736344132261.jpeg" alt="McDowell’s driveway on January 7. courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>McDowell’s driveway on January 7. courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Living in the country comes with its challenges, and not everyone has skid loaders to move 15 inches of snow and five-foot drifts. Still, I feel the county’s response fell short. Like many others, I’m eagerly awaiting spring or at least some sunshine to melt the snow.If you’d like to submit an opinion regarding city or county issues please send it to newstips@salinapost.comThe views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

OPINION: 2025 Snowstorm — digging out then back in

By JASON GRAVES K-State Research and Extension Central District&nbsp;Horticulturist

The winter solstice is an important and yet complicated time of year. The shortest days and longest nights of winter affect us both physically and mentally as gardeners and as people in general. Yet, the darkness of the longest night of the year also marks the beginning of a season filled with new light and hope. This duality—of darkness giving way to light—makes the solstice a profound time for reflection and renewal.

This is a key message of the Christmas season: when it is darkest, something new is going to begin. It’s a reminder that even in challenging times, growth and transformation are possible.

Gardeners are familiar with starting seeds, and nowhere is this message clearer than in the process of watching a new seedling germinate out of the darkness of the soil. In fact, some garden seeds actually require the darkness in order to germinate.

A good example of this is the state flower of Kansas, the sunflower. This beautiful summer flower, with its rich and historic symbolism, actually must begin its growth in the dark. The first step is the softening of a hard seed coat. This happens in the darkness of the soil, where the dry seed imbibes (drinks) water. This allows the seed to expand and activates enzymes and food supplies that are needed for the new growth to emerge.

The first thing to emerge from the softened seed is the root (also called the radicle). After this, the shoot will expand and emerge from the seed. Once the shoot breaks through the dark soil and into the light, dramatic changes occur. Perhaps one of the most remarkable transformations is how it turns green. This color change is part of a process called photomorphogenesis, and it allows the shoot to capture light energy and begin photosynthesis.

Without a time of darkness in the moist soil, the tough sunflower seed coat simply won’t soften to allow the new growth to begin. This time in the dark is the essential first step in reaching the light.

In many ways, I can relate. It often takes a period of ‘seed coat softening’ for me to grow as well. Times where challenges or pain make my world feel dark often end up being the very place where something new needs to begin. Pride can give way to a willingness to receive and to grow, just as the seed opens itself to the nourishment of the soil.

As gardeners, we have the privilege of witnessing this transformation in plants and reflecting on its deeper meaning. Every seed we plant holds a promise of renewal and a reminder that growth often starts in places of darkness. Whether it’s a sunflower, a tomato, or a patch of wildflowers, the process is the same: growth emerges not in spite of the dark, but because of it.

During the winter, when outdoor gardening is limited, why not embrace seed starting as an act of hope? Start some seeds indoors to watch the process unfold in real time. Reflect on the ways this process mirrors our own lives—how challenges and dark times soften our hard seed coats and prepare us for new beginnings.

Our K-State Garden Hour series offers wonderful recorded content on seed starting and planning for vegetable gardens to help you get started.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/">Learn more here</a>.

Then, next spring, consider planting sunflowers, which throughout history have been considered emblematic of the pursuit of light due to their ability to turn toward the sun as they grow. By the time their vibrant heads reach toward the summer sky, they will stand as a testament to the transformative power of moving from darkness into light.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692823329994.jpeg" alt="Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES K-State Research and Extension Central District&nbsp;HorticulturistThe winter solstice is an important and yet complicated time of year. The shortest days and longest nights of winter affect us both physically and mentally as gardeners and as people in general. Yet, the darkness of the longest night of the year also marks the beginning of a season filled with new light and hope. This duality—of darkness giving way to light—makes the solstice a profound time for reflection and renewal.This is a key message of the Christmas season: when it is darkest, something new is going to begin. It’s a reminder that even in challenging times, growth and transformation are possible.Gardeners are familiar with starting seeds, and nowhere is this message clearer than in the process of watching a new seedling germinate out of the darkness of the soil. In fact, some garden seeds actually require the darkness in order to germinate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735318837223.jpeg" alt="Sunflower image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Sunflower image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sunflowers</h2>A good example of this is the state flower of Kansas, the sunflower. This beautiful summer flower, with its rich and historic symbolism, actually must begin its growth in the dark. The first step is the softening of a hard seed coat. This happens in the darkness of the soil, where the dry seed imbibes (drinks) water. This allows the seed to expand and activates enzymes and food supplies that are needed for the new growth to emerge.The first thing to emerge from the softened seed is the root (also called the radicle). After this, the shoot will expand and emerge from the seed. Once the shoot breaks through the dark soil and into the light, dramatic changes occur. Perhaps one of the most remarkable transformations is how it turns green. This color change is part of a process called photomorphogenesis, and it allows the shoot to capture light energy and begin photosynthesis.<h2>From Dark to Light</h2>Without a time of darkness in the moist soil, the tough sunflower seed coat simply won’t soften to allow the new growth to begin. This time in the dark is the essential first step in reaching the light.In many ways, I can relate. It often takes a period of ‘seed coat softening’ for me to grow as well. Times where challenges or pain make my world feel dark often end up being the very place where something new needs to begin. Pride can give way to a willingness to receive and to grow, just as the seed opens itself to the nourishment of the soil.As gardeners, we have the privilege of witnessing this transformation in plants and reflecting on its deeper meaning. Every seed we plant holds a promise of renewal and a reminder that growth often starts in places of darkness. Whether it’s a sunflower, a tomato, or a patch of wildflowers, the process is the same: growth emerges not in spite of the dark, but because of it.<h2>Planting as an Act of Hope</h2>During the winter, when outdoor gardening is limited, why not embrace seed starting as an act of hope? Start some seeds indoors to watch the process unfold in real time. Reflect on the ways this process mirrors our own lives—how challenges and dark times soften our hard seed coats and prepare us for new beginnings.Our K-State Garden Hour series offers wonderful recorded content on seed starting and planning for vegetable gardens to help you get started.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/">Learn more here</a>.Then, next spring, consider planting sunflowers, which throughout history have been considered emblematic of the pursuit of light due to their ability to turn toward the sun as they grow. By the time their vibrant heads reach toward the summer sky, they will stand as a testament to the transformative power of moving from darkness into light.

GRAVES: Gardening as an act of hope

By HAROLD COURTOIS Hospital Administrator, Memorial Health System

For over 30 years, the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program has enabled millions of Americans, including our patients in Abilene, to access essential healthcare. This program allows hospitals and clinics to purchase medications at a discount, ensuring that vulnerable populations—including seniors on fixed incomes and low-income families—can access vital services like chemotherapy, diabetes care, and behavioral health.

Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly undermining the 340B Program to boost profits, prioritizing investors over patients. In 2022 alone, Kansas 340B hospitals faced a combined net revenue loss of $18.2 million, while the top eight drug companies earned $99.4 billion.

Without 340B, Kansans would face higher costs, reduced access to care, and poorer health outcomes, especially in rural areas. The program’s savings support community health, keeping hospitals open and services available.

While recent legislative efforts have helped, there’s still work to do. I urge Kansans to contact their elected officials and advocate for preserving 340B. Together, we can protect this vital program and ensure accessible healthcare for all Kansans.

Harold Courtois is the Hospital Administrator of Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene, KS. MHS is an affiliate of Salina Regional Health Center along with the hospitals in Lindsborg and Concordia. Salina Regional Health Center is not a 340B hospital, but advocates for this essential program for its affiliated critical access hospitals as well as other rural hospitals in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By HAROLD COURTOIS Hospital Administrator, Memorial Health SystemFor over 30 years, the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program has enabled millions of Americans, including our patients in Abilene, to access essential healthcare. This program allows hospitals and clinics to purchase medications at a discount, ensuring that vulnerable populations—including seniors on fixed incomes and low-income families—can access vital services like chemotherapy, diabetes care, and behavioral health.Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly undermining the 340B Program to boost profits, prioritizing investors over patients. In 2022 alone, Kansas 340B hospitals faced a combined net revenue loss of $18.2 million, while the top eight drug companies earned $99.4 billion.Without 340B, Kansans would face higher costs, reduced access to care, and poorer health outcomes, especially in rural areas. The program’s savings support community health, keeping hospitals open and services available.While recent legislative efforts have helped, there’s still work to do. I urge Kansans to contact their elected officials and advocate for preserving 340B. Together, we can protect this vital program and ensure accessible healthcare for all Kansans.Harold Courtois is the Hospital Administrator of Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene, KS. MHS is an affiliate of Salina Regional Health Center along with the hospitals in Lindsborg and Concordia. Salina Regional Health Center is not a 340B hospital, but advocates for this essential program for its affiliated critical access hospitals as well as other rural hospitals in Kansas.

OPINION: 340B Program protects access to much-needed health care

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

ibertarianism&nbsp;is a political ideology– a belief system–that contrasts sharply with both liberal and conservative.&nbsp; It is also America’s third largest political party:&nbsp; the only one besides Democrats and Republicans that is officially recognized by the State of Kansas. Once described by a friend of mine as “pro choice on everything,” libertarianism calls for the drastic reduction of government intervention in virtually every aspect of life.&nbsp; Libertarians would keep abortion legal but not give government funding for it–or for much of anything else.&nbsp; They would do away with government-issued marriage licenses, arguing that marriage is a private transaction.&nbsp; There would be no income tax, Social Security, Medicare, or public schools, and U.S. troops stationed overseas would come home.&nbsp; Under libertarianism, individualism is king, and we are all pretty much on our own.&nbsp; Those interested in learning more should check out the outspoken&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHl2PqwRcY0">novelist Ayn Rand</a>.&nbsp; Wichita industrialist Charles Koch is another well-known libertarian.

When I say that America is about to enter a libertarian moment, I do not mean that President-elect Trump is a libertarian– far from it.&nbsp; From tariffs on imported goods, to enabling states to criminalize abortion, to anti-immigration policies, Trump advocates much that is sharply at odds with libertarian principles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Instead, what I am suggesting is that Trump 2.0 is likely to be so chaotic and fragmented that citizens will pretty much be out for ourselves when it comes to determining what is best– a libertarian moment.&nbsp; For example, if conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is indeed confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Americans may essentially be on our own when it comes to getting vaccinated.&nbsp; Mountains of evidence showing the safety and effectiveness of vaccines notwithstanding, there may be a push to remove mandatory vaccinations for school enrollment, bringing back childhood disease epidemics including measles, mumps, and whooping cough.

With his pre- and post-election behavior, his cabinet nominations, and of course his first term as President, Trump appears to be embodying Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s famous quote, “when you elect people who have contempt for government, you get a contemptible government.”

For the next four years, we may not be able to count on the federal government for much of anything– and some states are not looking too good, either.

In this libertarian-by-chaos moment, an irony emerges: those who voted for Vice President Harris are best-equipped to weather it.&nbsp; For example, the COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, and needs to be updated every year for new strains.&nbsp; A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/for-covid-19-vaccinations-party-affiliation-matters-more-than-race-and-ethnicity/">2021 Brookings study</a>&nbsp;found that early COVID vaccination rates were 90% for Democrats, 68% for Independents and 56% for Republicans. I got my booster in October.

On other issues, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2017/06/22/the-demographics-of-gun-ownership/">Pew Research study</a>&nbsp;found that 41% of Republicans owned a gun, versus 16% of Democrats.&nbsp; Most of these are handguns. While many gun owners practice safe and responsible gun handling and storage, the fact remains that ready access to a handgun makes it&nbsp;<a href="https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/06/handgun-ownership-associated-with-much-higher-suicide-risk.html">far more likely that a person will die of suicide</a>.&nbsp; In Kansas, guns are used in&nbsp;<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/kansas">two and a half times</a>&nbsp;as many suicides as homicides.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Democrats are also more likely to&nbsp;<a href="https://dlcc.org/press/washington-post-how-red-state-politics-are-shaving-years-off-american-lives/">support seat belt use and tobacco abatement</a>, and to&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39236212/#:~:text=Positive%20screen%20for%20depression%20did,in%20the%20past%2012%20months.">utilize mental health care</a>– all key factors in living a long and fulfilling life.

The American people voted for this, so here it comes. When we’re each on our own, it will be those who voted against it who are best-equipped to survive and thrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansasibertarianism&nbsp;is a political ideology– a belief system–that contrasts sharply with both liberal and conservative.&nbsp; It is also America’s third largest political party:&nbsp; the only one besides Democrats and Republicans that is officially recognized by the State of Kansas. Once described by a friend of mine as “pro choice on everything,” libertarianism calls for the drastic reduction of government intervention in virtually every aspect of life.&nbsp; Libertarians would keep abortion legal but not give government funding for it–or for much of anything else.&nbsp; They would do away with government-issued marriage licenses, arguing that marriage is a private transaction.&nbsp; There would be no income tax, Social Security, Medicare, or public schools, and U.S. troops stationed overseas would come home.&nbsp; Under libertarianism, individualism is king, and we are all pretty much on our own.&nbsp; Those interested in learning more should check out the outspoken&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHl2PqwRcY0">novelist Ayn Rand</a>.&nbsp; Wichita industrialist Charles Koch is another well-known libertarian.When I say that America is about to enter a libertarian moment, I do not mean that President-elect Trump is a libertarian– far from it.&nbsp; From tariffs on imported goods, to enabling states to criminalize abortion, to anti-immigration policies, Trump advocates much that is sharply at odds with libertarian principles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, what I am suggesting is that Trump 2.0 is likely to be so chaotic and fragmented that citizens will pretty much be out for ourselves when it comes to determining what is best– a libertarian moment.&nbsp; For example, if conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is indeed confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Americans may essentially be on our own when it comes to getting vaccinated.&nbsp; Mountains of evidence showing the safety and effectiveness of vaccines notwithstanding, there may be a push to remove mandatory vaccinations for school enrollment, bringing back childhood disease epidemics including measles, mumps, and whooping cough.With his pre- and post-election behavior, his cabinet nominations, and of course his first term as President, Trump appears to be embodying Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s famous quote, “when you elect people who have contempt for government, you get a contemptible government.”For the next four years, we may not be able to count on the federal government for much of anything– and some states are not looking too good, either.In this libertarian-by-chaos moment, an irony emerges: those who voted for Vice President Harris are best-equipped to weather it.&nbsp; For example, the COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective, and needs to be updated every year for new strains.&nbsp; A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/for-covid-19-vaccinations-party-affiliation-matters-more-than-race-and-ethnicity/">2021 Brookings study</a>&nbsp;found that early COVID vaccination rates were 90% for Democrats, 68% for Independents and 56% for Republicans. I got my booster in October.On other issues, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2017/06/22/the-demographics-of-gun-ownership/">Pew Research study</a>&nbsp;found that 41% of Republicans owned a gun, versus 16% of Democrats.&nbsp; Most of these are handguns. While many gun owners practice safe and responsible gun handling and storage, the fact remains that ready access to a handgun makes it&nbsp;<a href="https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2020/06/handgun-ownership-associated-with-much-higher-suicide-risk.html">far more likely that a person will die of suicide</a>.&nbsp; In Kansas, guns are used in&nbsp;<a href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/kansas">two and a half times</a>&nbsp;as many suicides as homicides.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats are also more likely to&nbsp;<a href="https://dlcc.org/press/washington-post-how-red-state-politics-are-shaving-years-off-american-lives/">support seat belt use and tobacco abatement</a>, and to&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39236212/#:~:text=Positive%20screen%20for%20depression%20did,in%20the%20past%2012%20months.">utilize mental health care</a>– all key factors in living a long and fulfilling life.The American people voted for this, so here it comes. When we’re each on our own, it will be those who voted against it who are best-equipped to survive and thrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: America will soon be plunged into a libertarian moment; Are you prepared?

By LISA NEWMAN K-State Research and Extension Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

I have a very tattered and worn Christmas stocking that is nearly 50 years old. To look at it, it's nothing fancy: it is red and made of thin felt. You can't even hang it up anymore because the loop used to hang it broke many years ago. But this stocking is mine and it is very special to me. What makes it special is the joy I see on my mom’s face when she presents it to me each year, and the childlike wonder it brings as we share time together.

 These emotions have nothing to do with the content of the stocking. Just as my stocking holds memories and love, family traditions can create similar lasting connections. Simple traditions and objects like my Christmas stocking can hold profound meaning, rooted in emotional connection, nostalgia, and shared family rituals. These moments and items are powerful tools in strengthening family bonds, building identity and fostering joy that transcends material aspects. Curious about building or strengthening family traditions in your home? Here are three ways to get you started.

1. Create Traditions with Special Objects

My Christmas stocking is a perfect example of how a simple object can become a cherished part of a family’s story. These items are more than just “things” - they carry the love, joy, and memories associated with family traditions. Research shows that sentimental items linked to rituals strengthen family identity and create lasting emotional connections.

If you’d like to create a tradition around a special object, start by designating what that special object could be – a handmade ornament, a plush elf that only visits the house during December, etc.

The real magic of Christmas for me isn’t about the stocking itself but the time spent with my mom and my family. Studies show that shared activities – like family meals or holiday rituals like opening our stockings – boost communication and emotional closeness. I encourage you to choose a simple activity that everyone in your family enjoys. Maybe it’s baking cookies, or maybe it’s watching holiday movies. The activity itself matters less than the togetherness it fosters.

3. Start New Traditions and Keep Them Flexible 

Traditions don’t have to be old to be meaningful. They can evolve over time, just like my stocking has evolved into a cherished ritual in our family. Starting new traditions ensures they remain relevant and meaningful for the family as they grow and change. This year, reflect on your family’s unique interests and values to create a new tradition. For example, maybe you could all write notes of gratitude to place in stockings or a family journal. 

You could also consider twisting old traditions. For example, you could turn gift-giving into a scavenger hunt or incorporate a charitable activity into your traditions, such as donating toys to a local non-profit.

Family traditions, like my cherished Christmas stocking, remind us that the simplest things often carry the deepest meaning. They are not defined by their material value but by the love, joy, and connection they represent. These traditions become the legacy of togetherness we pass on – a gift more enduring than any object, shaping the heart of our families for generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734361478433.png" alt="Newman shares that family traditions create lasting emotional bonds through shared memories, meaningful objects, and time spent together, fostering connection and identity across generations. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Newman shares that family traditions create lasting emotional bonds through shared memories, meaningful objects, and time spent together, fostering connection and identity across generations. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA NEWMAN K-State Research and Extension Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension AgentI have a very tattered and worn Christmas stocking that is nearly 50 years old. To look at it, it's nothing fancy: it is red and made of thin felt. You can't even hang it up anymore because the loop used to hang it broke many years ago. But this stocking is mine and it is very special to me. What makes it special is the joy I see on my mom’s face when she presents it to me each year, and the childlike wonder it brings as we share time together. These emotions have nothing to do with the content of the stocking. Just as my stocking holds memories and love, family traditions can create similar lasting connections. Simple traditions and objects like my Christmas stocking can hold profound meaning, rooted in emotional connection, nostalgia, and shared family rituals. These moments and items are powerful tools in strengthening family bonds, building identity and fostering joy that transcends material aspects. Curious about building or strengthening family traditions in your home? Here are three ways to get you started.<h2>1. Create Traditions with Special Objects</h2>My Christmas stocking is a perfect example of how a simple object can become a cherished part of a family’s story. These items are more than just “things” - they carry the love, joy, and memories associated with family traditions. Research shows that sentimental items linked to rituals strengthen family identity and create lasting emotional connections.If you’d like to create a tradition around a special object, start by designating what that special object could be – a handmade ornament, a plush elf that only visits the house during December, etc.<h2>2. Make Time for Togetherness </h2>The real magic of Christmas for me isn’t about the stocking itself but the time spent with my mom and my family. Studies show that shared activities – like family meals or holiday rituals like opening our stockings – boost communication and emotional closeness. I encourage you to choose a simple activity that everyone in your family enjoys. Maybe it’s baking cookies, or maybe it’s watching holiday movies. The activity itself matters less than the togetherness it fosters.<h2>3. Start New Traditions and Keep Them Flexible </h2>Traditions don’t have to be old to be meaningful. They can evolve over time, just like my stocking has evolved into a cherished ritual in our family. Starting new traditions ensures they remain relevant and meaningful for the family as they grow and change. This year, reflect on your family’s unique interests and values to create a new tradition. For example, maybe you could all write notes of gratitude to place in stockings or a family journal. You could also consider twisting old traditions. For example, you could turn gift-giving into a scavenger hunt or incorporate a charitable activity into your traditions, such as donating toys to a local non-profit.Family traditions, like my cherished Christmas stocking, remind us that the simplest things often carry the deepest meaning. They are not defined by their material value but by the love, joy, and connection they represent. These traditions become the legacy of togetherness we pass on – a gift more enduring than any object, shaping the heart of our families for generations to come.

NEWMAN: The meaning behind memories — why traditions matter

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article296570569.html">recently affirmed</a>&nbsp;that, with the Republican legislative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article294547689.html">even stronger</a>&nbsp;after the 2024 elections, the leadership will bring back the push to ban transgender surgery on those under 18 years old. The last effort to do so ended with a veto from Governor Laura Kelly and a veto-override attempt which failed by only two votes. So it’s reasonable, now that they have additional votes on their side, that the Republicans would try again.

Reasonable, that is, in terms of signaling. Is it reasonable in terms of substance?

The role of political signaling, as opposed to the usually unglamorous work of addressing policy substance, is a complicated one in democratic governance. It is not uncommon for voters to complain that those elected to represent them are spending their time on meaningless bills or resolutions that show their support for one cause or another, instead of getting down to the business of building actually substantive legislation. It’s a fair—and not inaccurate—complaint.

Yet I sympathize with legislators who operate in a nationalized media environment, whose funding so often depends upon major interest groups and organizations that usually care little for specific budget or policy matters, and instead are focused on creating media messages which exist primarily to rile up or placate key constituencies. A reasonable politician might well conclude that have to play the signaling game, if only to make sure they have the opportunity to also focus on the difficult matters that may concern them most.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasKansas Senate President Ty Masterson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article296570569.html">recently affirmed</a>&nbsp;that, with the Republican legislative majority&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article294547689.html">even stronger</a>&nbsp;after the 2024 elections, the leadership will bring back the push to ban transgender surgery on those under 18 years old. The last effort to do so ended with a veto from Governor Laura Kelly and a veto-override attempt which failed by only two votes. So it’s reasonable, now that they have additional votes on their side, that the Republicans would try again.Reasonable, that is, in terms of signaling. Is it reasonable in terms of substance?The role of political signaling, as opposed to the usually unglamorous work of addressing policy substance, is a complicated one in democratic governance. It is not uncommon for voters to complain that those elected to represent them are spending their time on meaningless bills or resolutions that show their support for one cause or another, instead of getting down to the business of building actually substantive legislation. It’s a fair—and not inaccurate—complaint.Yet I sympathize with legislators who operate in a nationalized media environment, whose funding so often depends upon major interest groups and organizations that usually care little for specific budget or policy matters, and instead are focused on creating media messages which exist primarily to rile up or placate key constituencies. A reasonable politician might well conclude that have to play the signaling game, if only to make sure they have the opportunity to also focus on the difficult matters that may concern them most.That’s not to say that there aren’t members of the Republican super-majority in Topeka who, for a variety of reasons, may well be sincerely concerned—maybe even horrified—by the prospect of someone under the age of 18 receiving gender modification surgery, and see banning such as a necessary action in the name of public health or morality. I’m sure some fit that description.But I suspect most of our legislators actually understand that they are crusading symbolically against an almost non-existent concern. There’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/24/lawmakers-rejection-of-gender-affirming-care-ban-protects-kansas-patients-and-providers/">no evidence</a>&nbsp;of any Kansas medical center ever performing gender transition surgery on a minor, and nationally the numbers are&nbsp;<a href="https://watermark.silverchair.com/dai_2024_ld_240088_1718729289.71123.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAy8wggMrBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggMcMIIDGAIBADCCAxEGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMq2ySlf_ZCW-pvwHmAgEQgIIC4k9G2PoPW44Q7r0qvv8AfyF0kchyr9YKN9egZT5Qmd9VK62TxiYvv2LtvNOi3VnCvcVlbjXSvXRjAuGw6byQz4RcG8-FnBCjAHPwXFzSoc4zny38NPJ0fNIi8PepKwj9P-X1oTPKyoveFWZNuJlYyUgzdQc-ajmfwYzaDjYwLTWbOnuSV3I8I3EIymEhTpargG-uif_PsydOSbE1Y--l85qSsyrPcPF7ks5ubBXchNOc4QTZNi9uzrn6_rpR9AMSwuue5474-C1lrivJ3K1KAJFlOLhAWN6sr3oPhByLUusa9ofhCC0qFG9KEwaDWk7xQ0gQ77CyxFB5hd_dKNEBrNmP4Xn2WXxL_6PukPWd_wPF0UYJ0CawqJayIZs5BaB-kemVQLLKFFcDDpl3fVzszOHldLkbWWT-r2RyvFkXGU-SDkMyj3ioERPZtNI8adB2bZUHq_jaqdBejIA9Q8onSLbD8V_dfHd4GbKW2oViCGd622MwlG0YRtrplAesWfLJLqo2YtPewAAp8PE45pMHiqiGFDTP07olQpn6QHOUfS1Va2G6cuJQZPyzHtEYxdIu5QmQZ1Ka2fM-aNg034pFHNMG8KaBtiXAzZcaRtO4O4Q0H3Pw8L6Ncnd635TaWywF7Y1zdPcpm1498KLeD4xpugdjxF5AdesbmPKtnPOwPgtR2tb1Cxdg5qWoRvSotjHPodnkjq2loo1Dug1bmyetPUx6m-3LkYefFOAMQ4PSc9w10bBo3eKf4_WKVAs6P_36zQOeKDVILXMDFp4mgyjp-CFl0gJpNbrJLekDylEg2ZFUFhW1xkhlRVyfTwDUqwgcCeTYLabHuVNTrVmpwS39mjJTq6bFB2Mv8qu_eU8ONe7prWat9YAHzuNdRJetY6WuMN0q5qCeUXRhRRoG77TtQSmZ7SqGIjXJumpBcp_e3RyLyViQG8oGo0gYmhFBF6WDRRy8TVh4pK3mMR5iIF_it0MQTw">incredibly low</a>: out of all gender-affirming surgeries in the United States in recent years, perhaps 2 out of every 100,000 were performed on a person between the ages of 15 and 17, and 1 out of 1,000,000 were performed on a person between the ages of 13 and 15. Beneath that age, the number is zero.This pattern—when the data and the message don’t match--holds for many other issues as well. The number of transgender athletes seeking to play sports competitively in the category of their chosen gender is tiny, yet everyone seems to have a story about some transgender woman with an unfair advantage at their child’s high school. It’s the same for illegal immigrants, who are&nbsp;<a href="https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/undocumented-immigrant-offending-rate-lower-us-born-citizen-rate">far more law-abiding</a>&nbsp;than the rest of the population, yet every story about an undocumented resident who commits a crime will be shared over and over and over again.On a certain level, one must simply accept this as a political reality: most people, lacking both the time and inclination to become experts regarding any given matter, depend upon—and make decisions upon—the conveying of key signals, whether involving law or morality or anything else. For those who do have expert information—often because they actually are one of the people being symbolically discussed (a person with sexual dysphoria, a Dreamer, or more)—the battle to call attention to the actual data, and introduce substantive arguments, is never-ending. But necessary, all the same.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

Opinion