I’m a pro-life Republican who voted no on the Kansas abortion amendment. Here’s why

It’s about trust

I am a pro-life, moderate Republican who voted no on the Kansas abortion amendment, like many moderates did. Lots of moderates voted no not to give a woman a choice, but rather, because as we read the amendment, we realized the real question was, “Can we trust the Kansas Legislature to do the right thing for every Kansan, in every situation, every time?”

Sadly, the answer was no.

- Jeffrey Gudmens, Leavenworth

Are they listening?

It should be clear to Kansas’ representatives in the U.S. House and Senate where Kansans stand regarding women’s right to make decisions regarding their own reproductive health.

Please represent your constituents when the issue is voted upon next.

Sen. Jerry Moran, your job depends upon it.

- Pam Pearson, Paola

Saw the proof

Despite appearances, the world is round in Kansas.

- Jim Holsapple, Boston

Voting blocks

To paraphrase Michael Douglas’ character in the movie “The American President,” Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab has been so busy keeping his job he forgot to do his job.

For years, our household has always received postcards confirming our voter registration and poll location. This year, we did not receive such a postcard. I jokingly told my wife that we may have been expunged from the Kansas voters registration rolls.

Well, I was half right. Our poll location was changed this year — without notice. After going to the previous spot and waiting in line, my wife was redirected to the proper venue. I don’t know if the notification absence was because of budgetary cuts, incompetence by the secretary of state’s office or an attempt at voter suppression.

In the current Kansas political climate, it could have been a little or a lot of all three.

- Larry Boos, Overland Park

All about Whit

How ironic is it that the Royals’ Whit Merrifield gets traded to Toronto after not being able to travel there because he refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19? Maybe now, Whit, you will get your shots. Or maybe you will be like Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets and only play road games.

I would like to thank you, Whit, for seven years of service in Kansas City, but after your recent comments about getting vaccinated only if you were playing for a contender — I just can’t do it. Maybe someday soon you will remember that team sports are about committing yourself to being a team player and doing everything and anything to help your team win.

Later, dude.

- Greg Schoen, Lenexa

Saw no evil

As I watched three or four hours of Fox News Sunday, I noted a glaring omission of one of the important news stories of the weekend. I had to wonder: What Saudi-funded golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster?

- Jim Kilen, Kansas City

Look over there

How typical of the conservative nonprofit Heritage Foundation’s E.J. Antoni to equate high energy prices with President Joe Biden’s energy policies. (Aug. 1, 4A, “Reality’s revenge: The return of stagflation”)

I agree with only one of Antoni’s statements: “Because energy affects everything we do and everything we buy, those high energy prices are now trickling down into the price of everything else.” And they are a major contributor of inflation.

However, Antoni ignores several realities. The price of oil jumped in February when Russian President Vladimir Putin disrupted world oil supplies by invading Ukraine. This is significant because the price of oil is determined at the global level, not domestically. This disruption had no effect on domestic production, but only on prices bringing windfall profits to major oil companies.

Last year, ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron and BP earned more than $75 billion in profits. These profits were not used to cut costs for consumers, but instead mostly to buying back shares of stock and satisfying investors. The United Kingdom imposed a 25% windfall tax on oil and gas company profits to finance grants for its poorest households. Italy imposed a 10% levy to help consumers.

American lawmakers are contemplating the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act to be used for customer rebates. Big Oil must do its part to battle inflation at home.

- Angela Schieferecke, Prairie Village