To the editor:

Recently, I wrote letters to both of our senators and my congressional representative (Jim Ryun). As of this writing I have yet to hear from Mr. Ryun; however, I have “heard” from both Mr. Roberts and Mr. Brownback. I had addressed a specific issue about taxing of military retired pay and its effects on retirees and their annuitants who receive the Survivor Benefit Plan or SBP.

Both my senators (no, probably their interns) sent me a canned message about how great the SBP program was and how they supported it, not at all addressing the specific subject I had taken the time to write them about.

I’m sure that Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback have much more important things to worry about than little ol’ me. After all, I am nothing but a voting constituent of this great state. I am nothing but a retired, disabled American veteran who served his country in two branches of service. I am nothing but a mailing address to solicit contributions from.

Yet, I still feel as though I am somebody. I am a voice. I am a man. I am a Kansan. To both senators, I would ask that you actually listen to your constituents a little more closely and be more attentive. We are more than your meal ticket. We are your employer.

Robert M. Tyler,

Ozawkie