To the editor:

“A new coalition that includes chains such as Walmart, HyVee and Quiktrip is pushing to change Kansas laws regulating where beer and hard liquor are sold in the state.” (Journal-World, page 1A, Jan. 27).

This “liquor by the grocery store,” legislation will lead to underage drinking on an unprecedented scale. And youngsters won’t buy the liquor; they’ll shoplift it. The challenge to law enforcement will be enormous.

Gov. Sam Brownback campaigned on a family values platform. Brownback’s party, also known for its family values orientation, has a large majority in the Kansas Legislature.

The Bible says, “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:1).

In keeping with the family values tenor of his campaign, the governor should fight this “liquor by the grocery store” law vigorously. And Secretary of State Kris W. Kobach could use his extraordinary powers of persuasion right here in Kansas to oppose “liquor by the grocery store” legislation as well.

If interests based outside the state proposed legislation to loosen marriage laws in Kansas, one assumes that Gov. Brownback and many legislative leaders would fight such a movement tooth and nail.

One hopes, therefore, that when it comes to a law promoted by outside interests to loosen the laws on purveying hard liquor in the state, the governor will fight tooth and nail to support the families of Kansas and to oppose “liquor by the grocery store” legislation.