To the editor:

When trying to make sense of our governor’s actions, including the rejection of grants from the federal government that would have benefited our state, it makes sense only if we analyze his actions in terms of a man who (I believe) gave up the position of U.S. senator to become governor because it is a more direct and proven route to a bigger prize. It was the platform for Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and even Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

This is his opportunity to prove his devotion to what Republicans stand for. Protect the wealthy and privileged and reduce their taxes. Remove and reduce as much as possible all social programs. Destroy liberal grass-roots movements and unions. Never let any legislation be heard that mentions raising the minimum wage or the idea of a living wage. Present yourself as a devotee to capitalism. Paint every liberal suggestion as a trip to socialism and un-American. Show those people who control the nomination process just how reliable you would be as a protector of Republican ideals in the Oval Office.

As far as the state of Kansas is concerned, he seems to care little except for its use in furthering his aims. I end with a quote from Adlai E. Stevenson: “To my Republican friends … If they will stop telling lies about Democrats, I will stop telling the truth about them.”