To the editor:

Politicians wrap themselves in slogans like trees in protective bark. Gov. Brownback began as a titan of his time, parading of ahead of the flag of true conservatism, a conservatism that would swell Kansas with new industry, new employment, new services and, most of all, new government with new ideals.

How bold the talk, how fearless the future! Brownback, for all conservatives.

In only a few short years, those trees of promise shed their leaves. The population of the state continued to decline. Budgets were cut for essential services including education. Voter registration scandals substituted for democratic government. Kansas is unable to attract new industry — again.

And what changed? Why, the slogans, of course! Like “increased efficiency,” and “school finances” and “abortion.” Nor must we forget Brownback’s favorite slogan, “holding my cards close to my vest,” so the voters won’t know what new slogans his writers will invent for him until election time.

Remember, please, those traditional Republican voices, now calling for common sense in Kansas government, alarmed by the radical nonsense of slogans without substance. The voters of our state should be alarmed and declare an end to the Brownback machine.