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 Moyers spoke of its history, when it was repealed under the Reagan administration and that the ranters are now sqealing about its possible resurrection and how that would adversely affect them.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.

WIND ENERGY SUPPORTED BY RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEMBERS

The gathering of around 300 sent the message loud and clear at a Clean Energy Rally in Topeka.

Representatives from a variety of groups rallied in favor of renewable energy sources that would both protect the environment and enhance economic opportunities in Kansas. Among the supporters was RCDem Curt Miller, mayor of Pretty Prairie and member of the Reno County Wind Energy Task Force. Following the rally Miller, Kathie Moore, Dorothy Burnett and her two daughters visited District 101 Representative Seiwert at his office to discuss the advantages of wind energy over coal-fired plants.

RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS HELP OUT AT KPTS

RCDems, Young Democrats and friends spent Monday evening March 16th on the phones for pledge breaks during a documentary featuring the landmark 1958 Dockum Street sit-in in Wichita. A favorite viewing choice of many RCDems, KPTS features information and viewpoints not readily available from other sources. This PBS affiliate has produced a number of quality pieces covering people and events of interest to Kansans along with programs such as Ask Your Legislator and Kansas Week which keep viewers up to date and in touch with happenings in Topeka. Speaking for myself I would encourage everyone to make a pledge to support this valuable source of information and entertainment.

DEMOCRATS COMING ON STRONG

I went to Washington Days in Topeka (February 27-28) thinking the mood might not be the brightest. To my surprise I found energized, hopeful Democrats from across Kansas ready to move ahead. The Friday night banquet marked what turned out to be Governor Sebelius' last appearance at this annual event as our state's leader. Though the official announcement was not made, the guest speaker, Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana, hinted at what was to come when he spoke of the sacrifices that must be made in support of the Obama administration's plans . An incredible oil portrait of President Obama was auctioned off raising over $4,000 for the state party. Governor Sebelius was confident that an autographed certificate from Obama would also be made available to the winning bidder. Schwietzer's bolo tie also went on the auction block bringing a winning bid of several thousand.

Legislators were encouraged by the failure of the House of Representatives to muster a veto-proof number of votes in support of the Holcumb coal-fired plants. The battle is far from over but legislators with an eye to future economic development and energy independence are standing strong. The Reno County Wind Energy Task Force will be meeting at the Hutchinson Library on Tuesday, March 10 in the evening to discuss support and progress in bringing wind to our county. New supporters are welcome to become involved in this critical endeavor.

The HHS Young Democrats were a big hit at the event. Elected officials and members of various caucus met with them. Supporters contributed generously to their cause when they set up a display on Saturday. The support and efforts of their sponsor Kam McEwen with help from husband Randy is much appreciated. There is talk of a new goal of attending the national convention for Young Democrats in Chicago. Work is underway to help establish a chapter of the organization at Hutch JuCo in the near future. This is really what it's all about - the future. We will have much to do in the upcoming elections in 2010. Make sure you're part of the effort to support Democrats in Kansas.