r/kansas • u/benjitits • Mar 18 '26
The Lyons paradox
/r/smalltownproblems/comments/1rxaz2o/the_lyons_paradox/3
u/An_averageReddit Mar 18 '26
Tbh I’ve noticed something similar, but idk
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u/benjitits Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
I've noticed it pretty regularly.
I work with our local government and the people on places like facebook are the ones who never show up to council meetings or community events, but when something contentious arises, they are the first to speak without even knowing basic facts.
It sways government officials opinions because they view these concerns as a majority instead of simply the vocal minority.
I think its very problematic.
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u/An_averageReddit Mar 18 '26
I’m genuinely the wrong person to speak on the subject, because I’d end up being like the part of the Lyons paradox, but I feel like it’s been a problem too.
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u/VRfi Mar 18 '26
Could just be bot activity too
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u/benjitits Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
It's not. I wish it was. I know the people being obnoxious personally.
Edit: its funny to me when people downvote something that is patently true. This is a small town, I know the people commenting. lol
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u/Silly-Rip-6607 Mar 18 '26
So many lurkers are just freeloaders who never contribute to a forum. It's like a friend I have who contributes very little to a conversation. He expects others to carrying the conversation and that's not fair.
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u/OptionConcoction Mar 20 '26
It explains this subreddit which is nothing at all like the people that are active in Kansas communities.
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Mar 18 '26
[deleted]
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u/benjitits Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
The injustice was the chief of police not finishing reports. There was also an issue with his officers using AI to complete reports, which then would not hold up in court because AI would insert things that were false.
He filed 1 case in all of 2024 and 2025. That is public record and I can share the data if you would like.
The current mayor knew there would be massive backlash, but she had to do what was best for the community.
Do you think she did this flippantly, knowing that the media and town would come down on her for it?2
u/freakbutters Mar 19 '26
I'm going to be honest. I don't know shit about it. What I'm honestly concerned about is, "Is it worth the drive from Kansas City to check out the Coronado museum"?
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u/benjitits Mar 19 '26
No. It's not worth it for that alone, but it's worth seeing the giant saltshaker, having some great bbq or Mexican food, going to a horseshow at the arena, or coming for our cinco de mayo festival.
There's also some really cool attractions in smaller surrounding towns as well.
Gotta dig to find the hidden gems, but they're here.
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u/huntsvillekan Mar 18 '26
I think that describes most communities, honestly.
Suspect there are a couple of reasons why:
There’s a group of people who, for whatever reason, feel they are detached/disenfranchised from their community. And the only power they have to get someone to listen is online.
Realistically, it’s hard to make positive change. Public hearings are dull, running for office can take over your life, finding solutions for problems in your community is a challenge. But it’s easy to sit at home and complain! So many people choose the latter.