Kansas should back off Chiefs pursuit and older leaders should step back: Readers

Kansas needs to back off in effort to lure Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri

I do not want Kansas to become embroiled in a fiasco known as stealing the Chiefs from Kansas City. This concept is reckless indeed. Taxpayers will not reap the benefits Kansas Republicans put forth. Kansas Republicans are just like Capitol Hill Republicans.

Neither has demonstrated any knowledge of fiscal responsibility much less smart tax dollar management capability.

Case in point: Defunding public education lacks solid logic. Replacing public education with nonsense privatization is nothing more than funneling OUR tax dollars into private bank accounts. The majority of taxpayers will not approve and we do not like having politicians shoving this reckless use of tax dollars down our throats.

Getting into a economic war with Kansas City is simply stupid and a monster waste of my/our tax dollars. I do not want any of my tax dollars wasted on a giant sports stadium which could become an eyesore once Kansas City, Missouri, takes back the Chiefs.

Richard Heckler, Lawrence

Older politicians are clinging to reins a bit too tightly

I’ve noticed a great deal of discussion and controversy surrounding the age and mental faculties of our current presidential candidates. This isn't exactly odd but accurately reflects the condition of our age-heavy electorate.

They've grown accustomed, due to their sheer numbers, of getting most of what they want politically, all their lives. Now, perhaps, they’re holding the reins a bit tightly.

As people live through their senior years, they can often project personal aging experiences onto their perception of the world. Everything can seem like it’s going to “heck in a handbasket.” It’s essential to recognize these biases and seek a balanced view.

It could be time for new, young adult voices to assert themselves in our politics, while our seniors consider loosening their grip. A harmonious blend of experience and fresh perspectives can lead to a more dynamic and responsive political landscape.

When I look at politicians, I could care less about their race or religion. First and foremost, I want to know how deeply they cherish our democracy and whether they will steadfastly defend it both domestically and abroad. Democracy serves as our last line of defense against injustice, exploitation and intolerance.

It’s the beacon the United States offers to the world — a beacon that illuminates the path toward a fairer, more just society.

If you’re young and believe in democracy and what it means to people right across the globe, it’s your time to step up.

David Hewitt, Topeka