If you have not noticed our democracy is on the line, you haven’t been paying attention. It is being eroded by power and greed. Those with power and wealth are taking away our rights and freedoms. The amendment on the Kansas primary ballot is an example of the purge taking place. This amendment, if passed, would take an impartial, independent court and replace it with a political court bought with money from outside Kansas and driven by political motives.
What would we lose? Our democratic system of checks and balances, a safeguard of our political process. The Supreme Court is designed to be an impartial and independent vehicle in the democratic process. A political scandal in the 1950’s prompted the development of the current system for justice selection. There have been no scandals since this merit-based system was instituted. There have been no procedural problems. There have been no complaints until now. Why now push for change if it is working? Why “fix” what is not broken?
The answer is simple. The legislative branch wants control over the independent court we have. They want to institute their agenda for reproductive rights, school funding, and restrictive voting rights. They want to take away our voice. In doing so, they will diminish the democratic system we have. There will be no checks and balances as set up in the Kansas Constitution. This scenario is being played out nationally and will happen in Kansas if we allow it. Vote “No” on the amendment issue. Keep our state integrity. Let your voice be heard.
Candace Anderson Dixon, Hutchinson