A New Chapter of the Story: Yours
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
3M ago
Regular followers of my blog will notice, it's been a while since my last post. While I have slowed down my regular writing over the past year, I am no less interested and invested in the future of our state and country. I care deeply about the world we are building for my grandchildren and yours, and that has been the main purpose behind this website since the start. Another focus has been doing my best to provide my own perspective in order to advance conversation about important issues. My story is just one part of a larger Kansas story. And it would not be possible without the support and ..read more
Visit website
2022 Election Thoughts Largely Depend on Your Priorities
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
Without a doubt the big plus from November 8th is, at least for now, we still have a Democracy and the outlook for keeping our respect for the law and that every vote count across the nation is still intact. The 2022 election results do not mean that we are not now at risk and that we have won the war. Rather, we took a positive step and the results put us, for the moment, in a much safer spot but the risk of a reversal continues. Trump is still around. Election deniers seem to be everywhere. And the new Congressional House Majority seems clearly committed to only focusing on every creative ex ..read more
Visit website
Delaying Immigration Reform is No Longer Affordable
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
When the issue of immigration comes up now, and has for some time, the focus primarily for too many of us—​and Republicans in particular—​has been on the Wall and keeping out all those who they view as “undesirables'' from countries in Central America. Blatant, self-serving politics has so poisoned the well for action that making change to immigration policy seems far off, maybe impossible. Republicans love their position of attacking the current policy but offer no interest in working toward resolution because the status quo is politically to their advantage. So is there any positive way forw ..read more
Visit website
Ukraine's Fight and Ours
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
Since writing my blog earlier this year on the challenges our form of government faces, not a day goes by without further crises emerging to make our future even more at risk. I wrote then about my concerns that too many Americans do not see this high risk, and those concerns have only heightened. In my post, I asked for thoughts from you all, which I would use to write this follow-up blog. On the day I published that, Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. So, rightfully, many of the comments on the blog and Facebook post expressed concern over the tragedy unfolding in Ukra ..read more
Visit website
2022 and the Survival of American Democracy
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
This year will have much to do with whether or not our democracy and our form of government survive. I know many of you might be thinking as you read that sentence that the date must be April 1st. But the truth is that this year is still in its early stages, and the threat to our republic is as strong as ever and not slowing down. I would love to start the year focused on progress and all the huge potential there is for success, and I am not saying everything is doom and gloom. I am just saying that there are a few real problems that demand our attention and action, or there just might be real ..read more
Visit website
Reflection, Gratitude, and a Call to Action
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
As we continue this season of reflection and gratitude, my thoughts go out to the countless Americans who have sacrificed in service to our country, our Constitution, and our way of life. The task of preserving our democracy continues to take on new forms in our challenging times, and today, I am grateful for all those who will rise to the challenges, respond in new ways, and ensure that our nation's ideals persevere and continue to provide hope and opportunity to a new generation. Thanksgiving week brought Lynn and I to Washington D.C. and a great time with our three grandchildren and extend ..read more
Visit website
A Salute to Senator Bob Dole
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
Senator Bob Dole’s passing is an opportunity to reflect on his life of public service and forty years of many experiences we shared. Although I was aware and certainly followed his public service career, it was not until my second term as Governor that we established the value of really working together. Following my reelection in 1982, I made my decision public that I would not challenge Senator Dole for his reelection in 1986 to reduce politics in our working together as well as with Republican leadership in the legislature. My first real connection with Dole was somewhat by accident and wa ..read more
Visit website
2021 Local Elections and Lessons for Public Education
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
Regardless how your local elections for school board went, there are serious take away lessons that far too many supporters of public education do not understand yet. On top of these lessons, for almost all of us, tragically this was our first experience with partisan politics in our local school board member elections. In most cases the local Republican Party with direction from the National Party made their choice candidates clear from the very start, pushing the Democrats to basically match that move in many cases. For starters, the crazy and scary experiences that school boards have faced ..read more
Visit website
Things to Consider When Evaluating Biden's First Year
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
As we move from fall to winter and Biden’s approval polls slide, a little sanity and practical facts need to be inserted into the dialogue about how our President is really doing. I am amazed at Washington veterans in the press corps who just accept and report on the poll numbers without adding some context. Obviously, there are real problems for not just the President but the Democrats in Congress as the 2022 midterm election approaches.  Now, I’m not here to argue that a 35 to 40% approval rating is no problem. What I want to do is put these numbers into some perspective, taking into a ..read more
Visit website
November 2nd is Important for the Future of Kansas
John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog
by
8M ago
Tuesday, November 2nd, is election day in Kansas. This is the last day to vote and express your support for the candidates you want on your local City Commissions and School Boards. But between now and then there are other key dates to remember, such as the last day to register to vote on October 12th and the last day to register for an Advanced Ballot by mail on October 26th. Early voting starts by mail October 13th and in some counties in person voting can be done at your County Courthouse. Voter participation, or lack thereof, will significantly shape the future of the community in which yo ..read more
Visit website

Follow John W. Carlin and Civic Leadership - Blog on FeedSpot

Continue with Google
Continue with Apple
OR