Opinion

GUEST COLUMN, Rhea Landholm, Central for Rural Affairs

This holiday season, will you shop at one of the 33.2 million small businesses that make up 99 percent of all businesses in the U.S?

Up and down rural main streets in rural America, shopkeepers are readying their stores for the season. Business owners are stocking special gifts and rolls of wrapping paper to provide added value when you spend your money with a local retailer.

Independently owned businesses are what keep our rural communities thriving. They rely on our patronage during the crucial holiday season as well as year-round.

GUEST COLUMN, Vance Ginn, Kansas Policy Institute

A new SurveyUSA poll of Overland Park and Leawood residents confirms what many Kansans already feel in their gut: people love their teams, but their desire to spend tax dollars on it declines as the taxes hit closer to home.

When asked if the state should use tax or other “cash-like” incentives to help build a new professional stadium, 58% expressed support (32% opposed). However, when the same question was applied to local property or sales tax breaks, support dropped sharply to 47%, with 42% opposed. The closer government subsidies hit home, the more skeptical voters become.

The numbers above are combinations of those strongly support and somewhat support and both somewhat and strongly opposed. Full crosstabs and details polling information is available here.

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

Continuing a series, "Introducing Jesus in the gospels", we find that Matthew rooted Him in Israel's history; John revealed Him as the eternal Word; and the Book of Luke offers a detailed, human perspective. This week, we'll review the story of John the Baptist, the herald or forerunner of Jesus, which is found in Luke 1:57-80.

Through parents Zacharias and Elizabeth, John's arrival marked the climax of the old Jewish covenant and the dawn of a new. Zacharias' hymn reveals God's mercy in action, calling us to live as His devoted people today.

The birth of John was not just a family event; it was a divine milestone, fulfilling God's promises and stirring desire among the people. "[Elizabeth's] neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her" (verse 58).

GUEST COLUMN, Jackie Mundt, Kansas Farm Bureau

My first real taste of politics came when I was about 13 years old. A friend’s mom was running for a state legislative seat and asked if I could help staff a fundraiser. I don’t remember much about the event itself, but I do still have the autographed photo of me with the former governor. That small volunteer opportunity planted a seed that would shape my understanding of public service for years to come.

Through high school and college, my interest grew. I volunteered for several political campaigns, interned with political organizations and followed current events more closely than most of my peers. I wanted to understand how decisions were made, how policy took shape and how politics influenced the world around us.