Hailey
Recently, Kansas House Democrats made a stop in Hays as part of their statewide “fight back” tour. The event was attended by more than 100 people, spilling over into the alcoves and hallways of the Glassman Bird Law Firm. The tour was designed to build support and discuss key issues with Kansans.
What Is the “Fight Back” Tour About?
The purpose of the event, as outlined on the official webpage, was clear:
“This tour isn’t just about conversation, it’s about mobilization. Together, we will strategize, organize, and take action to protect our democracy and advance a vision rooted in equity, opportunity, and justice for all Kansans.”
While the turnout was encouraging, I felt the representatives were not fully prepared to discuss the crucial issues of democracy and national politics as outlined in their mission.
Questions Raised: Schools, Property Taxes, and More
The evening began with questions about local issues, such as schools and property taxes. However, the discussion quickly shifted toward national politics.
A young woman asked about the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., expressing fears about martial law being declared nationwide.
Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park, reassured her by saying that martial law was unlikely to happen in Kansas, as it was a red state. However, her response felt less reassuring and more like crossing fingers and hoping things don’t get worse.
The Need for a Plan: More Than Just Hope
This response sparked frustration. Kansas Democrats have been traveling the state on a self-titled “fight back” tour, using posters and banners to mobilize support.
Yet, when asked about a serious threat to democracy, their reply was simply hoping it wouldn’t happen in Kansas. Is this really the best way to protect our democracy?
I raised my concerns with Rep. Clayton, urging that her answer wasn’t comforting enough. She replied, “I’m open to suggestions.”
This response was less about action and more about asking the community to provide the answers. This approach made me question the preparedness of the representatives.
What Should Democrats Do to Protect Democracy?
Democrats in Kansas need to come prepared with more than just an openness to suggestions. They must have concrete plans.
If the Democrats want to “protect democracy,” they should actively prepare for the worst-case scenarios and have a plan in place for potential threats, rather than just hoping for the best.
End of the Evening: A Platitude From Rep. Mike Amyx
At the end of the evening, Rep. Mike Amyx, D-Lawrence, thanked me for my input. I expressed my surprise that Kansas Democrats weren’t collaborating with other state Democrats about countering the authoritarian strategies of the right-wing.
His response was a simple platitude about how my generation was an “agent of change” and encouraged me to voice my concerns through calls and emails. It was frustrating because I was right there, in front of him, trying to make a real impact.
The Disconnect Between Rhetoric and Action
While Kansas Democrats talk about democracy being at risk, their actions don’t align with the seriousness of the threat.
They continue sending weak statements and engaging in business-as-usual politics. If they want to protect democracy, they must act with urgency, consistency, and action.
Kansas Democrats recently sent a letter to Republican U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, asking for congressional oversight on the Department of Homeland Security.
But only 17 of the 37 Kansas House Democrats and 5 of the 9 Kansas Senate Democrats signed the letter. This shows a lack of unity, which is essential in this battle.
What Should Democrats Do in Case of Worst-Case Scenarios?
Kansas Democrats should start asking themselves tough questions:
- What would they do if the National Guard were deployed in Kansas?
- Would they file a lawsuit or break quorum?
- How would they protest against increasing authoritarian measures?
These are not hypothetical situations. President Trump has already mobilized National Guard troops in 19 states and is signaling similar actions for Chicago.
Preparing for Future Threats
Kansas Democrats need to stop underestimating the threats ahead. The “confidence trap” as political philosopher David Runciman calls it, is real. They should stop assuming that democracy will always recover from any crisis.
To truly protect democracy, Kansas Democrats must think ahead, speak to experts, and build a united front. They must look beyond rhetoric and take meaningful action to prepare for what may come.
The representatives on the “fight back” tour are well-meaning and intelligent people. However, they lack the preparedness necessary for the challenges ahead. They need to stop hoping and start organizing with clear plans.
If they truly want to protect democracy, they must be ready to act when the worst happens. Reading literature on resistance fighters and consulting experts may help them understand the stakes involved in protecting our freedoms.