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Guest Column
by
Kris Kobach
Kansas Attorney General
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U. S. citizens and companies must control our own land. It’s a hedge against the threats China and other foreign bad actors pose to national security, our food security, and the supply chain.
Foreign land ownership has doubled over the 10-year period from 2009 to 2019. According to USDA records, which have been criticized for understating foreign land ownership, foreign nationals own 35.2 million acres. That’s about the size of the state of Iowa. Percentage-wise, that is 2.7% of agricultural land and growing. Remember, actual numbers are likely much higher due to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s inability to effectively track all land purchases.
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Canada owns the largest share of foreign owned land in the country, but China’s share is growing. According to the USDA, Chinese landowners control approximately 383,000 acres of U.S. farmland. From 2010 to 2021, Chinese farmland increased from $81 million to $1.9 billion. Part of the dramatic increase in China’s land ownership is due to Shuanghui International Holdings Limited’s purchase of Smithfield Foods in 2013.
Three of our four neighbors have some restrictions on foreign land purchases, leaving Kansas particularly vulnerable. In total, 24 states have some foreign land ownership restrictions. We are the only state in America’s breadbasket where there are no restrictions.
It’s no secret that China intends to use nontraditional means to gather intelligence within the boundaries of the United States. In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice calls Chinese espionage the FBI’s greatest counterintelligence priority.
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The nation was aghast when a Chinese spy balloon crossed over the United States from late January to early February. Espionage isn’t the only threat, however.
China’s ability to utilize global supply chains as leverage to advance its political and military might is a concern, according to the “Annual Threat Assessment” issued by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence. Specifically, Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, told the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence earlier this year that China intends “to increase global supply chain dependencies…with the aim of using such technologies and dependencies, rather, to threaten and cut-off foreign countries during crisis.”
Legislation is necessary to protect Kansas’ sensitive infrastructures from intrusion by America’s foreign adversaries, to protect our state’s food security, disrupt the establishment of any unlawful foreign enterprises in our state, and provide opportunities for young Kansans to compete for acquisition of agricultural land. By limiting land ownership by non-resident aliens, our state will be taking the necessary steps to ensure Kansans are more safe and secure at home.
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Note:
From time to time, the Friday File Guest Column has been and will be made available to all Republican candidates for President of the United States.
Candidates are offered this space as a service to Kansas Republicans to hear from those who desire to be our Republican nominee and to lead the free world.
The KSGOP does not endorse or support any candidate for any office over another in a contested Republican primary election.
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Conservatively Speaking
by
KSGOP Chairman
Mike Brown
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Government Shutdown Looms | |
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As the nation stands at the precipice of another government shutdown, the uncertainty looming over the country is palpable. Analysts, including Jan Hatzius, the chief economist at Goldman Sachs, have sounded the alarm, placing the odds of a shutdown at a staggering 90%, but this assessment seems low. This stark reality threatens to plunge the country into a period of turmoil and economic instability, but not more tumultuous and unstable than $33T in never-ending skyrocketing debt.
Hatzius, a respected authority in the world of finance, predicts that if the government shuts down on October 1st, it will likely persist for two to three weeks. The stakes are high, with hundreds of thousands of federal workers facing furloughs and essential services hanging in the balance. But what are the root causes of this impending crisis?
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At the heart of the issue lies a divisive political landscape. A group of House Republicans has vehemently rejected spending levels proposed for fiscal year 2024, further deepening the divide between parties and within the Republican party. The lack of immediate concessions from either side exacerbates the deadlock, leaving millions of Americans in the crossfire.
A small group of U.S. Representatives has taken a stand demanding a department-by-department review and a segmented vote on the United States Annual Budget. I agree this type of budgeting would be a superior way to budget the U.S. government, where each department defends and advocates for their next financial allocation. In the past, the entire budget was pushed together and then funded through Continuing Resolutions, known as CRs. These CRs typically are “blind” votes where all expenses are approved or denied in one single vote. And if a member votes against the CR, their peers from both parties accuse them of starving mothers and babies or being anti-military or anti-American.
This is complete nonsense, and the leadership who puts every member in this tenuous position is to blame.
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To be clear, a government shutdown is not a new phenomenon; in fact, this would be the fourth in the last decade. Ronald Reagan shut down the federal government six times in his eight years as president of the United States. Some folks get hurt and financially squeezed in this process, and I call on all members of Congress, both House and Senate, to forego their pay while the shutdown is in effect. That is only fair.
While the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 ensures that federal workers will receive back pay once a deal is reached, the damage to the economy and public trust may already be done. But, too, if that small group of Representatives can get a segmented budgeting process, America is better off in the long run.
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Even if a temporary deal manages to avert an immediate crisis this weekend, another shutdown may be on the horizon before the year's end. This perpetual cycle of budgetary brinkmanship with Continuing Resolutions is no way to fund or govern a nation and it undermines the foundations of stability and progress.
The current impasse is further exacerbated by political posturing. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy calls for bolstering border security in exchange for a continuing resolution. At the same time, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed a bipartisan temporary spending patch. The political tug-of-war adds yet another layer of complexity to an already convoluted situation.
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In the end, if Republicans in Congress can't stick together on the principle of financial restraint, the American people will continue to suffer the most in these times of staggering debt and protracted battles of ideology and partisanship. It is also future generations, born and unborn, who will shoulder the responsibility of this reckless financial period in American history. Our actions today will not be remembered with favor by future generations.
As we brace ourselves for the impending shutdown storm, the hope remains that our elected representatives will prioritize the nation's well-being above all else, getting our fiscal house in order. A government shutdown should not be wielded as a political weapon, but rather seen as a failure of governance and an opportunity to do and be better and more responsible. The true cost of this failure is one that we can, in every possible way, ill afford.
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Yellow Journalism: Opinions Over Facts | |
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Definition
YELLOW JOURNALISM
noun
1. Journalism that exploits, distorts, or
exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers.
2. Journalism which is sensationalistic and of questionable accuracy and taste.
3. Sensationalist journalism.
I spent a lot of time early in my life in the study of journalism and mass communications. In the mid-1980s, journalism was still a respectable profession where most of them had integrity and left their personal feelings aside when reporting news. At both JCCC and KSU, there were liberal and conservative reporters. Rarely did their biases bleed through. But there was one place where liberalism, even then, had already wiggled in its insidious tentacles into college journalism education: staff. The liberalism of folks who were the teachers and administrators was pervasive and they were activists.
Of course, “woke” wasn’t a thing yet, but that's what they were. They clearly believed that anything “more left, more liberal” was better. Including biased, yellow journalism as a tool to advance their personal agenda. And they condoned and encouraged it.
Now, forty years later, in the digital 24/7 news-cycle era where information flows incessantly and without restraint, the once-hallowed realm of journalism faces the stark reality as a victim
of itself. The profession has gone way too far in trying to control and manipulate what people think instead of giving them the facts in a story and letting them decide for themselves. The chickens have come home to roost.
The profession of journalism stands teetering at a crossroads, grappling with its own identity and contemplating if it is actually still fulfilling the vital need of reporting the facts and in turn being provided protection by the First Amendment.
The age-old adage, "News is the first rough draft of history," has been overshadowed by a disconcerting reality: journalism is dead. What was once a bastion of objectivity and truth-seeking has now become a battleground where opinions pass as news, and narratives precede the stories they purport to tell.
The traditional role of journalists was to be impartial observers, chroniclers of events, and purveyors of facts. And this was protected speech by the First Amendment. However, the lines have blurred, as the pursuit of truth is often subverted by partisan agendas. The sacred responsibility to report events objectively has given way to a deceitful and disingenuous trend where stories are preconceived, and quotes are selectively inserted after the story is written to reinforce the predetermined narrative. This is not journalism.
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This distortion of journalism is not confined to any one ideology; it is a broader phenomenon, one that undermines the very essence of a free and responsible press. Liberalism, which has historically championed civil liberties, is ironically accused of corrupting the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and the press. This corrosion is not exclusive to liberalism but rather a broader manifestation of how ideology can taint the principles upon which a free society relies.
The First Amendment was designed as a xxxxxx against tyranny, ensuring that citizens had access to a wide range of opinions and information. Yet, the polarization of news outlets and the prioritization of ideology over objective reporting has led to a credibility crisis. When news becomes a tool for advancing a particular agenda, the public is left to navigate a treacherous landscape of half-truths and misinformation.
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In this age of information overload, it is crucial to distinguish between news and opinion. While opinion pieces have their place, they should not masquerade as news. The erosion of journalism occurs when sensationalism and bias obscure the line between factual reporting and commentary. Journalists must uphold their duty to provide unbiased information, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on facts rather than being force-fed a predetermined viewpoint.
And, yes, these types of “journalists” are here in Kansas and Topeka. They’ve forgotten and ignored what the word “unbiased” means, using their predetermining bias to frame the story with an outcome they want to see. They then text asking for a quote. A few minutes later, the story is blasted out, with or without a response or a quote from me. This is unacceptable. They are not fulfilling their obligation as a journalist when this happens. They are simply acting as a political hack.
The resurrection of journalism as a pillar of democracy hinges on a return to its foundational principles: accuracy, objectivity, and a commitment to the truth, regardless of where it may lead. It requires a collective effort to rebuild the public's trust in the media, which can only be achieved by rekindling the spirit of responsible journalism and embracing the First Amendment as a sacred trust to inform, rather than manipulate, the masses.
In conclusion, the death of journalism is not inevitable, but it is a perilous path they tread and they are very far into this journey to the left. The rise of opinion over fact, the preconceived narratives, and the corrosive influence of left ideology all threaten the very essence of a free and responsible press. To rescue journalism from its current state, we must demand the return of unbiased reporting, where the pursuit of truth takes precedence over the pursuit of partisan agendas. We can no longer reward yellow journalism. Only then can journalism be resurrected to serve its indispensable role in safeguarding democracy and prove deserving of protection of the First Amendment.
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No DHS Funding Until Border Closed and Integrity Restored | |
The power of the purse, vested in the U.S. House of Representatives by the Constitution, is a formidable tool to ensure government integrity. It is with this power that I urge our federally elected representatives to take a resolute stance: withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until our southern border is closed and Secretary Mayorkas resigns.
John Brennan, James Clapper, Paul Kolbe, and others penned a letter that falsely suggested Russian disinformation was behind the contents of the Hunter Biden laptop. This blatant falsehood is an affront to the principles of honesty and transparency that our government should embody. It insults the American people, who deserve truth and accountability from their public officials. These hacks who peddled false claims about the Hunter Biden laptop's origins must also be replaced.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who initiated this deceitful letter, has already faced calls for resignation. Those who deliberately misled the public should face harsh criticism. One such consequence should be the revocation of security clearances and a ban on these individuals from future government employment, for starters. Jail time should also be on the table.
Individuals who have shown a reckless and irresponsible disregard for truth and integrity should never again be entrusted with sensitive government information, nor should they be rewarded with high-ranking positions and taxpayer-funded salaries. Their actions have damaged America, tarnished the credibility of our institutions, and considerably eroded trust in our electoral system.
Secretary Mayorkas' decision to ignore the dishonesty of these individuals and commend their involvement in the Homeland Intelligence "Experts" Group further calls into question his judgment and leadership. He, too, should resign in disgrace immediately for what he has done to America with a wide open border and intentionally lying to America about the situation.
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The power to rectify this situation rests with our elected representatives. By withholding funding for the DHS until individuals of integrity are in charge, Congress can send a clear message that truth and ethics must prevail in our government. We must hold our leaders of both political parties to the highest standards, and this starts with ensuring that those who engage in dishonesty and deceit do not have positions of power and responsibility.
In conclusion, Congress must safeguard the integrity of our government. The power of the purse is a potent instrument to ensure that ethical leadership prevails and that our southern border is closed to illegal immigration. We cannot allow falsehoods and deception to go unchecked, and we must demand accountability from those who betray the American people's trust. Refusing DHS funding until principled leadership is in place is a necessary step toward upholding the values upon which our nation was founded.
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The Parallel Universe
News & Opinion Stories You May Have Missed This Week
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State Jobs Report
With more and more Americans losing faith in Biden, Republican leaders are proving how our commonsense, pro-jobs agenda works for the American people.
What you need to know:
Republican governors and state legislatures lead the way over Democrats in job creation and economic recovery.
Despite Bidenomics, Republican-led states are providing economic relief to families who are burdened by Bidenomics’ falling real wages, out-of-control spending, and skyrocketing costs.
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The latest state jobs report shows that 8 of the top 10 states for jobs recovered since the coronavirus pandemic began are led by Republican governors, and all ten states have Republican-controlled legislatures.
Of the top 11 states with the lowest unemployment rates, nine are led by Republican governors.
The bottom line:
Republicans across the country are delivering for the American people, following through on their commitment to deliver economic relief.
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Biden's Border Crisis
Joe Biden once again owns the worst year at the border on record, after breaking the previous record set last year.
What you need to know:
New data shows 232,972 illegal immigrants were encountered attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in August – a 27% increase in crossings from previous month and the highest total for August in DHS history.
For 30 straight months, monthly encounters have been higher than even the highest month seen under the previous administration.
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With roughly 7,500 daily encounters, this dwarfs the definition of a "crisis" set by Obama's DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson when he said in 2019 that "more than 1,000" encounters a day "overwhelms the system."
Joe Biden once again owns the worst year at the border on record, after breaking the previous record set last year.
FY2023 saw 2,388,000 illegal crossings, not including “getaways.”
The Administration refuses to acknowledge this is a crisis that is impacting all communities.
More than 7.5 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border since Biden took office.
This includes the 6 million illegal immigrants that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has encountered and the more than 1.5 million “got aways” that have escaped past Border Patrol into the U.S.
Border officials say that the official number of gotaways vastly undercounts the illegal immigrants who enter the U.S.
Illicit drugs are flowing into the country at an alarming rate, with only 5 to 10% being intercepted as border officials struggle to contain the smuggling.
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1,773 pounds of deadly fentanyl and 11,505 pounds of methamphetamine were seized at the southern border in August alone, with much more getting through.
The amount of fentanyl seized in August is the equivalent of more than 402 million lethal doses.
Since Biden took office, more than 23 tons of fentanyl have crossed the southern border, enough to kill roughly 10.5 billion people.
The bottom line:
This is the worst border crisis on record, and it has lasted for 30 months. Biden’s policies are directly to blame – border experts and people crossing the border themselves have said as much. Yet, Democrats insist Biden’s policies are working.
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Fetterman Sets a Terrible Example In Every Possible Way | |
Fetterman is a slob, and
Schumer is an embarrassment
Source: Washington Examiner
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It's official: Democrats make everything worse. It was a sentiment long felt by many in the country, but after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) recent decision to nix the Senate's dress code and, in turn, obliterate the regard, respect, and dignity of the office, Schumer and the Democrats erased any doubt about ushering in societal rot and the nation's decline. It's an embarrassment, and every Democratic politician should be ashamed. And that includes Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), believed to be the impetus for Schumer's decision to eliminate the dress code. | |
But the prestige of the Senate shouldn't be lowered because
Fetterman is a slob. The people of Pennsylvania elected him, believing he could perform the duties necessary to be a senator. His health problems aside, none of that excuses his inability to put on a suit and tie for a job he was elected to do. Schumer and every other Democrat and left-winger are enabling Fetterman's laziness and slovenly behavior under the guise of compassion and understanding.
| Fetterman first made waves at a Senate press conference in May, wearing shorts and a hoodie. The Left tried to justify his actions by making flimsy excuses that he couldn't wear pants and a shirt because of his depression. It was nonsense then, and it is nonsense now. Fetterman doesn't wear a suit because he is an embarrassing slob, and for no other reason. | |
Read the entire article
CLICK HERE.
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Note: If you have a Republican event you would like to tell folks about, please email the details for inclusion consideration to:
[email protected]
Please Include: date, time, address, and event description
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Kansas Republican
Calendar of Events
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September 30, 2023
10 am - 1230 pm
KSGOP State Committee Summer Meeting
Paola, KS
Due to limited space, only 30 observers will be accommodated on a first-come/first-serve basis. Alternate Delegates are encouraged to check with the district chair to see if they might be seated. A space specifically for media/press only will be provided on a first-come/first-serve basis.
All State Committee Members and Alternates have been notified with complete details.
Your KSGOP Leadership Team looks forward to welcoming you to Paola tomorrow!
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October 2, 2023
6:30-8:30 pm
Leavenworth County Republicans
Mabelle's Restaurant
13930 Mitchell Court
Basehor, KS
Oktoberfest is just around the corner, and we're celebrating at the LvCo GOP TOWN HALL
The Leavenworth County Republican Women and their supporters will provide a German-themed dinner.
A recommended donation of $8.00 is appreciated.
Dinner is scheduled to be served at 6:30 p.m.
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October 13th, 2023
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Franklin County Republicans are having a
“DENIM & DIAMONDS HOEDOWN”
Nelson Farms
1981 Stafford Rd
Ottawa, KS 66067
ADULTS:$25.00 CHILDREN (12 & under): $15.00
(Dinner, dessert, drinks, and line dancing included!)
PLEASE RSVP to 913-485-3727
Grab your boots, ladies and guys, get ready to do some scootin'!!
Join us for a fundraiser the whole family can enjoy!
Dancing will be under the stars, so ** Don’t forget your lawn chair! **
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“The road to Socialism, abject poverty, human suffering, and the end of freedom on earth runs through the middle of a divided Republican party.”
~ Mike Brown
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Kansas
Republican Party
Platform
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Paid for by the Kansas Republican Party, Inc.
Mike Brown, Chairman
Alan Townsend, Treasurer
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