Now is the time to sit up and pay attention, Kansans. What kind of state do we want? – Kansas Reflector

Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Laurel Burchfield is the associate director of Mainstream Coalition, where she advocates for commonsense policy.

We believe fervently in the American Way, which stands for the separation of religion and state. Naturally, we are to live out our beliefs within the political state as private citizens, but we do not attempt to use the states political system to enforce our belief system upon our pluralistic neighbors. Bob Meneilly at The Village Church, Aug. 15, 1993

A popular phrase found on T-shirts, bumper stickers, and memes reads, If youre not angry, then youre not paying attention.

Well, everyone I know right now is angry as we continue to process recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court including the attack against reproductive rights with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the potential dismantling of LGBTQ equality coming down the pike based on Justice Clarence Thomas written concurrence, and the broadening interpretation of the Second Amendment and loosening of gun laws immediately following two mass shootings in New York and Texas. And thats just scratching the surface of things that we should all be angry about as the court repeatedly violates one of our most fundamental freedoms by shattering the wall between religion and government.

Were also scared, because for as much as the Supreme Court is taking this country into new and dangerous territory, we also have a roadmap for what comes next. Allow me to paint that picture for you:

There is no reason to believe that this conservative court made up of judges who are bringing their own religious beliefs to the bench will stop hearing, and ultimately ruling for, cases that chip away at the constitutional protection from the government establishment of religion.

Are you angry yet? Are you paying attention? Because this next part is important.

Every politician will tell you the same thing Kansans are practical people who want common sense policies for our state. The difference lies in what is considered common sense.

Do we want a state where, as Mainstream Coalition founder Bob Meneilly predicted nearly 30 years ago, religious extremists dictate what is good for everyone based narrowly on their religious beliefs? Or do we believe in the common sense principles of the separation of religion and government and in electing individuals who put Kansans interests before ideology and outside influence?

Now is the time to start asking candidates about their position on issues that matter to you, and to start holding them accountable for their words and actions.

Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,here.

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Now is the time to sit up and pay attention, Kansans. What kind of state do we want? - Kansas Reflector