Governor Responds to "Colbert Report" Jokes

July 31, 2008

(Comedy Central) Stephen Colbert remarks about Canton, Kansas.

The small town of Canton, Kansas isn't laughing after being put in the national spotlight on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" Wednesday night.

Map of Canton, Kansas

Host Stephen Colbert made several off-color remarks about Canton, including "If Dorothy was from Canton, Kansas, she would have wished the house dropped on her."

Watch the Entire Video from "The Colbert Report"

A note to Stephen Colbert from Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius

My dearest Stephen:
Canton, Kansas is a town of about 800, located in McPherson County. Since you just missed the McPherson County Fair, where we surely could have gotten you bucked off something, and the yearly demolition derby is over, we'd like to invite you to visit the pioneer 1883 jail on Allen Street in Canton. Standard procedure is to view by appointment only, but in your case, the Mayor has assured me, we can get you an overnight booking anytime you are available.

Consider yourself to have a standing appointment. We hope to hear you're coming for a visit.

Also, it's funny you avoided picking on Canton, Ohio (population 80,000) and instead went after Canton, Georgia (population 7,000) and then decided to bully the quaint town of Canton, Kansas, picking on its 800 citizens. Next, you'll surely be headed for Canton, Texas, (population 3,000) which is reportedly home of the world's largest flea market.

I bet they can't wait!

With warm Kansas wishes,

Governor Kathleen Sebelius

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