There is no doubt that there are vast differences in opinions, ideas, and alternatives to many and complex problems we face in our state and in our nation. Sometimes the debate and argument can become difficult and complicated. It is a system that depends on the right to express ourselves with respect for our opponents and their supporters. This is the system we have developed and that men and women have fought and died to protect.
Since the election of 2010 I have witnessed a decided and troubling change in the public discussions. The tone of our community conversations has become harsh, personal, and even violent. In the last legislative session Rep. Virgil Peck suggested shooting immigrants, like feral hogs, from helicopters. Rep. Peter DeGraaf compared the consequence of being raped to the inconvenience of a flat tire, and recently the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Mike O’Neal, forwarded an email making disparaging and racist remarks about our nation’s First Lady referring to her as Mrs. Yomama.
I am proud to be a Kansan. I have been all my life. I am also proud to represent the citizens of my district and people of this great state. But, lately I have been ashamed of the institution that is known and the “People’s House” and its leaders. We can and must do better.
Our state needs thoughtful, patient, and dignified discussion to guide it through hard times. Hateful, angry, and disparaging language and appeals belittle our state, its institutions, and its people.
It must stop.
Thank you. Perhaps we can spend 2012 focusing on the Kansas economy-for the betterment of all Kansans.
Well said. Decent, honest discussion is appropriate to a Democracy. Harsh, personal attacks are inappropriate everywhere. Your plea for civility is what one would expect from a man whose life is devoted to serving his constituents, his state, and is nation.
I am deeply troubled by the policies coming out of and be spawned presently by the Kansas Legislature. The rhetoric is obviously the substitute for logic, fairness and as you have pointed out “decency!” From “out here” it appears the majority and its leadership has decided to take an approach of legislating growing ever closer in appearance to the image of what they have been telling US we need to fear! Thank you, Rep. Dillmore for standing up for the concept of decency. Stay strong!
Thank you for your reasoned plea for civility, which is badly needed, not only in our government but in our homes and schools. Would our own representatives use such language as you have described if the chambers had visiting students present? I am a retired public middle school teacher. Thirty years ago, if a student used violent or disrespectful language at school, I would ask if his/her parents would support such behavior. The answer was always a horrified, “NO.” Now, the answer is, “You should hear how my parents talk. It’s much worse than what I said.” Young people need models of civility. Since many do not live with such models, it is important they find them elsewhere. What better place than among our government representatives! I am grateful for your fine example, Rep. Dillmore.
I notice that most of these people will retort when challenged that they mis-spoke or that their words were taken the wrong way. I assume that these are reasonably intelligent people, and as such, suspect that they full well know what they are saying, and of the implications of the message. They just don’t expect their words to surface outside their own little circle of like thinking people. The saddest part is that for the most part, the voters who put them there think the same way. These are the people that will continue to run the state as long as the majority of the people don’t exercise their right to vote. I fully agree with your position and really appreciate having you as my representative.
Thank you for your continued clarity regarding the “red meat” rhetoric coming from the political fringes. Some of this political speak makes me sick to my stomach. Such as, Mike O’Neal, the Republican Speaker of the Kansas State House, who was praying for President Obama. He appears to be exploiting the Bible by circulating an email that cites Psalm 109: “Let his days be few; and let another take his office. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow.” During my 67 years of life I have rarely seen such a race to the bottom regarding civility.