On Saturday, February 22, a couple of concerned Kansas citizens hosted a virtual Town Hall with Senator Jerry Moran invited. Over 500 people from every Kansas district attended on Zoom or watched the live YouTube video, but Senator Moran wasn’t one of them. Instead, his spot was an empty chair with his photo and nametag on it. That didn’t stop people from sharing deep concerns about the direction our country has taken since the January inauguration. The 30-some selected speakers shared words spoken with “deep and genuine emotion.”  One person called the collected statements a “perfect pot luck—each statement brings a unique flavor . . . a perfect cross section of concerns.” For over two hours a constant stream of comments from the listeners showed how well the messages resonated with those in attendance. Here’s a sampling:

“The viability of the [US] Constitution is at risk.” “We’re all at a crossroads of peril like never before.” “I cannot believe that MAGA has stooped SO low that people need to be educated about the most fundamental LAWS of this democracy.” “It’s so disheartening to see how low we’ve gone as a country.” “I’m concerned about my private information. What are you going to do to stop this theft, Senator?”

“We are imploring you to act. Musk needs to go, Trump needs to be reined in. He is not a king.” “Retired barely 3 years, I fear for my future. I worry about my young grandchildren and the world they face.” “We are falling into fascism, the time is now, Senator Moran, save this country, we elected you to speak for us.”

“This is ridiculous for us to need to speak up to ask our representatives to follow the constitution!” “Thank you for pointing out the lack of transparency and the insanity of having to plead that our congressional representatives do their job and represent all Kansans.” “Senator Moran—and while we’re at it Senator Marshall—DO YOUR JOB!”

“And we are a country that is supposed be based on law.” “Agree with the concern that the administration is acting illegally – above the law. Without the rule of law none of us are safe.” “Honor your oath, Senator.” “[You] swore to protect the Constitution from even ‘domestic’ opponents.” “Shame on you, Senator Moran!” “Yes, remember your oath, Sen Moran!” “WHY do we have to beg you to honor your oath?”

“Who do you serve, Sen Moran? Your constituents? Or the billionaires running the show now???” “Checks and Balances! Where are you, Sen Moran, and the rest of Congress?” “Where are you and when are you going to step up and stand up to the Trump regime?” “Mr. Moran, why did you not accept the invitation to attend this event?” “​​WHO DO YOU SERVE, Sen Moran???” “Mr. Moran, do you only want to hear from those that agree with you? You are a REPRESENTATIVE of all citizens, not only the ones that agree with you.”

“Senator Moran, are you listening?” “How is it possible that we are having to beg our senator to do the right thing?” “Where are you, Senator Moran? We want answers!!!” “Why do we have to beg to keep the programs that are necessary in order to fund tax cuts that benefit the obscenely rich?” “WHO DO YOU SERVE, Sen Moran???” “We should not have to beg for representation. It’s a terrible time.”

“We need and expect you, Senator, to represent the people of Kansas. We need you to stand up to the current administration.” “This is emotional because we can see it slipping away. Please, Senator Moran, help us save democracy and what we were founded on.” “I have lived under martial law (South Africa), dictatorship (Portugal) and a Marxist government (Mozambique). I’m a US citizen and I deeply value our democracy — help us keep it, Senator!” “It’s unconscionable that we are literally fighting to keep our great country and our democracy intact. In just 4 weeks, the foundations of our government have been so damaged.” “Senator Moran why must we beg you to do your job?”

From a voter on a first-name basis with the senator, “Please Jerry….Listen. Listen. Listen with your heart.”

Interested citizens can watch the recorded meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFMCDDooC1U