Kansas GOP leaders are taking steps to limit media access in the Statehouse, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Topeka: So, there’s this big fuss going on in Kansas. GOP leaders are trying to keep journalists off the House floor. It’s a real head-scratcher, right? You’d think they’d want the press around to keep things transparent.
Now, there’s this statue of William Allen White, a famous journalist, right in the Statehouse. It’s like he’s watching over everything. If he could talk, he’d probably be furious about this ban. He and another journalist statue, Arthur Capper, would definitely have something to say to Speaker Dan Hawkins.
Hawkins claims it’s about “congestion” and needing a clear workspace. But come on, journalists have been in there for ages without any issues. It feels like a flimsy excuse to me. The press has always been there to keep an eye on things, and they’re more than willing to give lawmakers space.
When the ban was announced, no one really explained why. It was only after a journalist wrote about it that they got a half-hearted reason. It seems like Hawkins just doesn’t want the media around, and that’s not cool.
Three years ago, the Senate President did the same thing. They said it was because too many people wanted to cover the Legislature. Really? That doesn’t make much sense. It’s like they’re trying to shut down any scrutiny.
Some folks say the media has an agenda now, but that’s not true. Back in White and Capper’s day, the press was way more partisan. They were loud and proud about their opinions. Today’s media is just trying to serve the public and keep everyone informed.
White once said that freedom of speech is most at risk during tough times. It’s a reminder that we need the press to hold our leaders accountable, especially now. Hawkins and others are turning their backs on that principle, and it’s a shame.
In the end, you can’t honor these great journalists while pushing away those who are doing the same work today. It just doesn’t add up.
