How Soon We Forget

With the lockdowns in the not so distant history, we seem to have short memories as we resumed our lives

In the aftermath of the recent election, I’ve been reflecting on a concerning trend within our conservative movement. We pride ourselves on being principled—defenders of freedom, limited government, and the Constitution. Yet, when it comes time to choose our leaders, it seems we have short memories. We quickly forget the transgressions of those who’ve betrayed our trust, only to support them once again because they have a familiar name or seem like decent folks.

Let’s not forget what we’ve endured over the past few years. Our schools were locked down, our businesses were shuttered, and our livelihoods were jeopardized. And who was responsible? It wasn’t some faceless bureaucracy—it was our own leaders, the people we elected to stand up for us. They raised our taxes, forced mandates on our children, and stripped away our freedoms, all under the guise of “public safety.” Yet, when election season comes around, many of us push those memories aside.

Why do we do this? Is it because these individuals have deep roots in our communities or because they present themselves as good people? We say we want warriors—leaders who will fight relentlessly for our values—but when the time comes to vote, we often settle for the "go along to get along" good old boys, the ones who won’t stir the waters but also won’t champion our cause.

There’s another reason we fall into this trap: fear. In small, close-knit communities, speaking out can be risky. Many still hesitate to voice their concerns about those who pushed for lockdowns and mandates, worried that doing so might get them branded as extremists or ostracized. In our small towns, where everyone knows everyone, being labeled as an outcast can feel like a heavy burden. The fear of social isolation keeps too many people silent, even when they know their principles are being compromised.

But we can’t let fear dictate our choices. Silence and lack of participation, is acceptance. We must remember the lockdowns, the mandates, the tax hikes, and the erosion of our freedoms. And we must recognize that our values are worth more than social acceptance or a friendly smile. If we want true warriors—leaders who will stand up for us without wavering—we need to stop settling for anything less.

I will continue on in my quest to push for conservative issues, even though I will not be doing it from an elected position in Topeka. I thank you for being here and reading this blog, please know it will continue on with updates on issues that matter to the entire state.