Shameful turnout

To the editor:

As a lifelong Kansas resident, I was stunned and saddened by the lack of voter turnout in Tuesday’s primary. The issues that face the state are among the most serious in its history. Voter apathy is appalling. If the majority is willing to abide by and pay for the decisions of the vocal few then the state of public debate is in frightening decline.

The right of every citizen to express an opinion and cast a ballot is not work but a privilege that millions of people in the world can only dream about. Shame on us for failing to honor the memory and sacrifice of our forefathers by failing to exercise this fundamental duty. If the majority continues to be silent, the special interest minority will not only control the agenda but make a mockery of the democratic values that we give lip service to.

Unless and until voting and active participation in the democratic process are as important as watching television and buying the latest gadget, Kansas and the democratic institution are in peril.

David Schauner,

Lawrence