As the president of the Kansas Grange, which has supported Kansas farmers and rural communities since 1873, I want to highlight the vital role sustainable aviation fuel can play in our state. I also commend Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids as the founding co-chair and Republican Rep. Tracey Mann as a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus, ensuring Kansas farmers contribute to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while boosting rural economies.
Sustainable aviation fuel is a breakthrough innovation that turns crops such as corn and soybeans into a low-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuels. Its use in aircraft not only helps reduce life cycle emissions by as much as 80%, but also creates new markets for our farmers. Production of this fuel across the Midwest could generate more than 220,000 jobs and contribute $71 billion annually to our economy — much of it benefiting Kansas farmers and rural communities.
The Kansas Grange is proud to support efforts that bring together agriculture, business and sustainability. Sustainable aviation fuel offers a bright future for our state’s farmers, aviation sector and rural communities, and its support from the bipartisan pair of Davids and Mann illustrates just how universal its benefits are.
– Roger Bostwick, President, Kansas State Grange, Ozawkie, Kansas
Editor’s note: The Kansas State Grange is a member of the 501(c)(5) nonprofit National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the oldest national agricultural organization in the U.S.
Since the NFL now allows teams to collect 10% of their value from private equity funds, the Chiefs can now afford to build their own stadium without public money. (Aug. 29, 6B, “NFL owners approve private equity investment”)
– Joseph Gray, Independence
I wonder how often we will have to read commentaries like Brian Riedl’s “How to truly fix the federal debt” in The Star’s Aug. 29 online Edition opinion section, about how to supposedly solve the national debt problem. It was pure fearmongering. He treats the federal debt as if it were a private household’s without mentioning that the federal government through the Federal Reserve and the Treasury is the currency issuer. A currency issuer cannot run out of money.
Besides, if all the debt were repaid, it would mean huge losses for the investors, including the pension funds that many Americans rely on.
– Klaus Karbaumer, Platte City
The Missouri General Assembly needs to consider awarding its Electoral College votes according to the national popular vote. There are many misconceptions about whether a national popular vote election would benefit Democrats or Republicans. However, detailed analysis proves that a national popular vote would benefit all voters and would cause campaigns to visit and listen to the needs of all states.
In 2024, roughly five states will receive the bulk of the campaign visits and expenditures driving the presidential election. Also, a national public vote would minimize the potential for election graft.
Learn about how the Electoral College minimizes the effect of your vote while giving battleground-state voters an amplified election voice. Visit nationalpopularvote.com for details.
– Walter Scott Iman, Columbia
After reading the disingenuous apology offered by Lee’s Summit R-7 School District board member Bill Haley, I have to wonder why this man has not been pressured to resign after demonstrating he is unfit for service. (Aug. 26, 2A, “Lee’s Summit school board member apologizes for ‘Redneck Lives Matter’ table display”)
Claiming no intent to be provocative, after carefully curating his offensive “Redneck Lives Matter” display, rings hollow. One does not bring spent shell casings onto district property and set up a self-promoting display that warns, “Enter at your own risk,” without clear intent.
Following his so-called apology with a refusal to apologize for “the way I conduct myself” was proof positive that he is not one bit sorry for his offensive actions but is merely sorry he was called on his poor judgment.
As a retired public school teacher, I am appalled by the silence of district administration and other members of the board. What example are they setting? Certainly not one the students and families deserve.
– Gayla Hattaway, Kansas City
Donald Trump is totally flummoxed by Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for president. Yet many believe he is capable of leading the free world and ignore the voices of many people who previously served him as loyal and close allies, but now bravely say: “Never again should Donald Trump be in the Oval Office.”
– John E. Bishop, Atchison