MORE PHOTOS FROM EVENING AT THE FOX THEATRE

James Taylor and Kam McEwen took turns in the ticket booth Friday evening. The drawing for the patriotic theme quilt was won by Representative Jan Paul's husband Ron. Two comments heard repeatedly were "the food was fabulous" and "I had no idea about what had happened to the electric car in the 90's".

DEMOCRATS "TREAT" HUTCHINSON

What a proud evening for Reno County Democrats! We entertained a large group that came to enjoy an evening of great food and a thought-provoking film. State Treasurer Dennis McKinney addressed the crowd with words of encouragement about the promise of a bright future for our state that is possible with the growth of the renewable energy industry and green technology.Those who doubt the commitment of Democrats in Kansas should have been behind the scenes to see the men and women who donated time and energy, working together to make this event a success.

Some of the proceeds that have been raised from current events have gone to renewing our lease on the headquarters at 1129 West 4th - a large office suite in Mark Treaster's Rainbow International Building. County Chair Vic Moser has proposed that this facility be used for monthly Democratic meetings. There has also been a suggestion that members bring along snacks to share for the evening. In just 14 months we will be going to the polls again in an election that could drastically change the leadership in Kansas. The state cannot afford more of the same but the only way to affect change is for us to increase our efforts to bring about that change. A recent article actually pulled Kansas out of the "reliably red" category into the "states that might be in play" column! It's the willingness to work for that outcome that will make the difference.

R C DEMOCRATS: WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I doubt that many have dug too deeply into articles/blogs about the Town Hall meetings that are being circulated. That may be a wise move since being overly informed is taxing the ability of my blood pressure medication to work! As seen in this photo, swastikas are showing up; Limbaugh is freely comparing Obama to Hitler; Palin is spreading the word about Obama's "Death Panel" and seniors across America are warned of their forced extinction if Health Reform is passed. Outrageous as this seems, it's working. Familiar groups such as Americans for Prosperity and faces such as Randal Terry of Operation Rescue fame are blanketing the country with distortion or outright lies about a bill that hasn't even been written. In the meantime the ridiculous charges about Obama's birthplace are thriving and taking up time in our overtaxed judicial system. Overly zealous conservatives are flooding Congress with emails and phone calls aimed at stopping the progress of needed change that was voted for. I don't suggest for a moment that Democrats should resort to these infantile practices but sitting on the sidelines, tsk-tsking at the antics without responding in a reasoned, rational way just can't be an option. We have to muster the courage to stand up for what is right and sensible. Letters, calls, emails of support are an effective response but a simple act such as supporting local Democratic events shouldn't be underestimated. So treat yourself to an evening's entertainment by attending the reception and presentation of the documentary WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? this Friday, August 14th at the Fox Theatre. The suggested donation of $10 will help the Reno County Democratic Party in it's efforts but more importantly, the act of showing up in support sends a strong, positive message. Hope to see you all there starting at 6:30 on Friday!

DEMOCRATS AT HUTCHINSON EMANCIPATION DAY PARADE

There was a great turnout of "blue shirts" to honor the Centennial of the NAACP last Saturday.

Special recognition was given to longtime (42 years) president of the local chapter, Darrell Pope. We caught him as the parade was lining up and persuaded him to pose with his larger than life poster. Kam and Randy McEwen took off time from celebrating their 25th anniversary to drive their new Prius hybrid in the parade. They took advantage of Obama's CARS program to help the environment as well as the local economy. Checking out the conservative conversations it's evident that the success of this effort is gauling to them as there is nothing but sniping and critisim of the program despite its effectiveness. More of the GOP culture of NO-NO-NO!

Just a side note on the "C STREET HOUSE" issue. I'm sure there are those who would defend the Family/Fellowship program. Our Kansas officials declaring it just a helpful religious group that they had no real connection to...this brings to mind the furor over Rev. Wright during Obama's campaign. Funny how those affiliations are twisted to suit the needs of the parties involved. The issue should be fully explored as the next election gets underway!

PBS BILL MOYERS AND RANT RADIO

If you have access to pod casts or go to the transcripts on the PBS site you might be interested in listening to the second half of Bill Moyers Journal from Friday, July 24. It is a chilling piece on the growth of hate speech in the conservative radio, television and print media. Anyone who refuses to make the connections between violence and pressure on Congress to follow their doctrines is not facing reality. Many wonder why I try to catch the radio broadcasts but on Monday I tuned in to see if there was a response to Moyers' comments. As expected Limbaugh played PARTIAL soundbites of Moyers
commentary on the Fairness Doctrine. Moyers spoke of its history, when it was repealed under the Reagan administration and that the ranters are now sqealing about its possible resurrection and how that would adversely affect them. Limbaugh first suggested that Moyers was just envious of the money he makes and then launched into a tirade about main stream media having "it all their way" under the Fairness Doctrine. This of course makes no sense as FD granted access to opposing views - something we have now lost. More important though was the impression left by Rush that Moyers was supporting the Fairness Doctrine. Exactly the opposite is true. Moyers was clear in stating that he was AGAINST the repeal; that there should be no limits or restrictions put on broadcasters. By not playing the whole quote, Limbaugh gave exactly the opposite impression of Moyers' point. So his throngs of fans will go forth spewing more half-truths as fact. That's precisely why I make myself pay attention occassionally. I want to know how they operate and why there is so much MISINFORMATION accepted as truth. Forewarned is forearmed! or Know the truth and the truth will set you free.

RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS SPONSOR FILM AT HUTCHINSON'S FOX THEATRE

Mark your calendar for Friday August 14th! The award winning documentary "WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR?" is coming to Hutchinson, sponsored by the RCDemocrats. Originally released in 2006 this is the story of the rise and fall of hybrid vehicles during the Bush Administration. More relevant than ever after $4 a gallon plus gasoline prices and a new administration dedicated to reducing our dependance on foreign oil while protecting our environment, the film will be open to the public. Doors will open at 6:30 for a reception with appetizers, desserts and drinks. Midwest Superstore will be displaying the latest in hybrid cars in front of the Fox and there will be a drawing for a hand crafted patriotic-theme quilt just before the film is aired at 7:30. This is a can't miss event for the entire community. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the evening. Sponsorships for the film are available. Call 620-459-6596 for more information.

CATCHING UP!

MEA CULPA!!!!!Won't even bother with a litany of excuses. Get busy with the day to day; set priorities; "doing" instead of "writing" and suddenly - WHOOSH - four months have passed without posting about what's going on. So I'll start with this week and work backwards in hopes that "true believers" will have the inclination and time to wend their way through the entire post.

JULY 24 - GREAT RESPONSE TO RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC EVENT

Democrats from Rice, McPherson and Reno County gathered for an evening of sharing and building commitment. Potential US Senate candidate Charles Schollenberber addressed the group laying out his platform. Lyn Reynolds was the winner of a drawing for a hand crafted quilt titled "Dancing Donkeys". There was a lot of talk about the revelations of current Kansas legislators Todd Tiahrt and Sam Brownback's affiliation with a shadowy D.C. organization, The Fellowship. Checking out internet sources reveals some interesting and disturbing information about the group. Might make their future campaigns a little dicey. Watch for more events coming soon.

JULY 4 - STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER AT PATRIOT PARADE

Reno County Democrats turned out in force to celebrate our Nation's birthday. The most touching moment came when a quite elderly couple watching the parade from their chairs, stood as the RCD entry passed - she covering her heart, he standing tall and saluting. The cheers and applause as we marched demonstrated the importance of these appearances.

JUNE 9 - DEMOCRATIC WOMENS CLUB DOUBLES UP ON SCHOLARSHIPS

HHS Young Democrats Adam Miklos and Chris Givens made the choice impossible. Both with exemplary scholastic achievement and commitment to Democratic Party efforts were awarded $500 scholarships thanks to the Reno County Democratic Women and generous supplemental donations from additional Democrats. We wish these young men well as they continue to pursue their academic careers.