Kansas Mediocrity

Monday night was a big night for the state of Kansas. From the presence of Greensburg City Manager Steve Hewitt and former Sen. Bob Dole in the first lady's VIP box to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' response, Kansas' signature was all over the president's State of the Union address. While the national spotlight was on Kansas, it simply served to drive home what everyone in Kansas already knows.

The Midwest is known for producing hard-working people. We aren't afraid to roll up our sleeves and pitch in when times get tough. This is personified in Hewitt. After his town was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado, he rallied the residents of Greensburg to rebuild their community. He even put aside rebuilding his own home in order to rebuild his town. Even though President Bush didn't acknowledge Hewitt during his speech, his invitation was a big thank you for a job well done.

The Midwest is also known for people who will work tirelessly for their neighbors and friends. Whether it is a commitment of time or money, Kansans have always been there to help out those in need. Dole's recognition for helping improve military veterans' health care only reinforces this Midwestern value. Dole has worked his entire career to ensure that our neighbors and friends who defend us are given the best care possible. And thanks to his work we are making strides in this area.

The other value that was put on display Monday was that of leadership. Dole and Hewitt have shown great leadership is times of struggle. Kansas has always produced good leaders. Sebelius' response to the president's address was another chance to put that leadership on display. And her response was as non-traditional as a Democratic governor in a Republican state. While it remains to be seen if her words can be put into action, it would be the kind of leadership that many people in this country are looking for. It is the kind of leadership that allows a Democrat to win two terms in a state such as Kansas.

Kansans should be proud of the attention that was thrust upon the state during the State of the Union address. For those of us in Kansas, we already knew that we produce strong, caring leaders. Now the rest of the nation is clearly aware of that reputation. The challenge will be to build on that reputation.

- Darren Werth

Editor and publisher