​Is politics a game? Many seem to think so. Meanwhile, the real work remains undone, while many lives are at stake. ​First there is Aaron Coleman. Only 20 years old, he defeated longtime Kansas City…

The exercise of forming New Year’s resolutions typically involves a review of where we went wrong. Developing a coherent narrative of the year gone by is always an inherent challenge, none more so than for…

Here are some topics that deserve attention in coming months. Decisions and actions in the private and public sectors in these areas will determine Kansas’ future, especially the health of its rural communities. Trade policy…

As a weary world struggles to celebrate this holiday season the challenges for Kansas schools and the families they serve are monumental. Fortunately, two key COVID-related events bring hope — the promise of new vaccines…

When my parents embarked on parenthood in 1950, Dr. Benjamin Spock was a household name. By the second-through-fourth kid, I doubt they opened his by-then tattered book, “Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care,”…

Scientists have done it again. They have come to the rescue of billions of people around the globe. Their development of vaccines to ward off COVID-19 was done quickly and professionally, overseen by the FDA,…

My niece, who grew up in Florida, spent part of every summer shuttling between Topeka where I lived and Frontenac where my parents lived. She would go to the University of Kansas campus with me…

Years ago a close friend called me. “I’ve got a favor to ask,” she said. “A couple of friends were at a graduation you spoke at a month ago, and they liked your sermon.” I…

Political reform has been on my mind lately. I even considered writing this column about why Kansas should adopt ballot initiatives, also known as referendums or ballot measures.  But let’s get real. The Kansas legislature…

Dear Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, As you anticipate serving in the 117th Congress and beyond, I’m asking you to think hard about why you have become a U.S. Senator, one of 100 members of the…