To the editor:

Strength? Muscle? Clout? Could these terms possibly be meant to apply to our Legislature? In 2005? (Journal-World, April 2). After all, this is the group that gave us skimpy and undependable funding for our public schools. These are the folks who lacked the backbone to stand against a huge influx of money from the anti-tax lobbyists in Washington. Even now they are failing to protect us from the dubious campaign practices such money engenders.

They never summoned the courage to face the issue of raising state taxes, even though we are running on empty. They frittered away valuable time, clamoring for a redundant and cumbersome constitutional amendment. Hoping to “embarrass” Gov. Sebelius, they rejected a health care plan of bipartisan design and health care industry approval. Most of us are embarrassed for them, instead, the weakest Legislature in recent memory.

I am very grateful for our local legislators who were mostly part of the valiant minority, speaking out and standing up for what they know is best for our state as a whole. In the 21st Century we expect a Legislature to lead, not just go with the flow of whatever popular sentiment is current. Wake up Kansas!

Sarah Casad,

Lawrence