To the editor:

The answer to Dr. Hoeflich’s question as to what is wrong with politics in Kansas is as old as the hills (Journal-World, May 7). Granted today it is hidden under the façade of righteous sanctimony, but peeking beneath the curtain of our politicians’ godly or pro-business rhetoric, one discovers the same old greed and lust for power. His assertion that “legislators hold office in trust, to serve the people” has again become sorely corrupted by big money. The essence of modern politics revolves around buying one’s way into office and then using this position to enrich yourself and those who bankrolled your campaign.

As both local and national media have reported, the pervasiveness of this influence-peddling and corruption may reach to the very top of the state government. The FBI is examining lobbying and donations among those close to the governor. The recent decision to grant the CEO of the Kansas Bioscience Authority a bonus of $150,000 (on top of his $265,000 salary) is another apt example of this collusion between business, politics and money. Even though the KBA may continue to lose money, or credit agencies downgrade the state’s credit rating, the folks at the top will make hefty profits. Government has become an income-generating trough for the well-connected.

Dr. Hoeflich ends his column on a negative note, and I share his pessimism regarding the future of Kansas. Given the prominent role of wealth in politics today, effective change via ballot appears ever more unlikely.