FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

If you ever get discouraged with Kansas politics I suggest you revisit this blog entry. There has been a great amount of good publicity from Hutch News generated by the Hutch High Young Democrats. They were featured in a story when they organized a mock election at the high school. There was coverage of their legislator's visit when they were seeking funds for their trip to the inauguration. There was terrific coverage of that trip when they returned.

If all that is not enough, check out the crowd at the February Reno County Democratic Womens Club meeting. This was the best attendence ever for on of these events. There has been contact from an instructor at HCC wanting to set up a similar club. With plans to attend HCC in the fall, some of the HHS Young Dems should be helpful in accomplishing that goal.

When I attended a recent gathering of retired federal employees (NARFE) I saw a number of familiar RCD faces. Mayor Trish Rose sponsors regular meetings for Hutchinson residents where again, you can see several Democrats. Same for the audiences at the legislative forums that were held in January and February. And if that's not enough, the meetings of the Reno County Wind Energy Task Force members include quite a few RCDems. The point being we are an active, integral part of the Kansas landscape. Perhaps our greatest challenge remains bringing those of a like mind into the fold.

It is understandable that Democrats can become discouraged after the results on the state level following the last election but it is obvious to me that the perception of the GOP being the "only party in town" is more in our minds than in reality. It's just a matter of reaching out and welcoming GOP moderates, independents and "bashful" Democrats. We've made a lot of progress over the past few years. Now it's time to build on that success and make a difference.

NEW YEAR - NEW CHALLENGES

Lest you think the need for involvement is over with the end of the 2008 elections, pick up your newspaper, turn on the radio/TV or surf the internet to see what challenges are facing us. The aircraft industry is experiencing declines; environmental threats from coal fired plants still loom and yes, there are coal ash storage ponds in Kansas! Budget cuts are a sure thing.

Legislators, both state and federal will be making decisions that will have long term impact on us all. You can be assured that rant radio is out there firing up the faithful to blitz lawmakers with their views and preferences and these listeners do take action and make waves. Common sense and the proper course of action can be overwhelmed by a flood of messages from right-wing activists. So unless you want you future determined by Dittoheads, do your part to make YOUR thoughts and wishes known.

There will be several opportunities to be involved and informed in the next few weeks: the Democratic Womens's Club is meeting at noon, Tuesday January 13th at the Airport Steakhouse. The speaker is Heidi Unruh who has hosted several gatherings to encourage input from Democrats as to actions they can take to influence decisions that will affect us all.
The Big 1st District reorganization meeting will be held in Hutchinson, Saturday January 17th at the Grand Prairie Hotel from 10:30 to 4 PM. The $15 registration fee includes lunch.
Reno County Democrats will resume the Last Wednesday Meetings on Wednesday January 28 at the Great Wall/Mongolian Buffet from 5:30 to 7 PM. Bottom line: you can particpate and take action or sit back and wish someone had spoken out on your behalf. Unforturnately, one voice speaking the truth and offering the right solutions can be drowned out by distortion and wrong ideas if they are in the majority. It's not right but it's the way the world works!

YOUNG DEMOCRATS TO HIT THE ROAD TO D.C.

They've been there to help since the group formed in '07. They made and sold buttons like crazy along with the other assistance they gave during the campaigns across Reno County. Now the Young Democrats are fulfilling a dream that started back in January last year when many attended the Obama rally in El Dorado. Several members along with sponsor Kam McEwen and her husband Randy will be making the trek to our nations capital to be party to the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The tickets were purchased with proceeds from button sales but they will be sightseeing at several attractions while in D.C. Meals, transportation and incidentals may be pricey especially at a high tourist traffic time so they are asking our help. There will be a fund raising event held Wednesday, January 7 at the Metro Cafe at 17th and Lorraine from 6 to 8 p.m. Several area legislators have accepted an invitation to meet with attendees. There will be a special Obama Inauguration Watch Party Basket filled with goodies raffled off that night. It would be terrific if there were a big turnout to wish them well and possibly donate a dollar or so to their travel fund.

OBAMA HEALTH CARE MEETING WELL ATTENDED

Drove into town thinking I might see a few familiar RCDem faces at the meeting that was announced in the Hutch News. The moderator, Bunny Czarnopys applied to the transition team for a position and was accepted. I later found out she is acquainted with Trish Rose and Kam McEwen. Yes, there were several in the crowd I recognized, but most encouraging is that there was a CROWD! It was obvious from overheard comments that there were representatives of a broad spectrum of the political arena. Still there was actually a lot of concensus as to problems and even a few solutions.

It's my hope that there will be even more of these town hall forums in time to come. This is what we voted for; it's what we need and it appears it may be what Obama's administration is going to deliver. The election may be over but the work has just begun and we should be willing to stay committed to the change we all supported.

'TIS THE SEASON...

Just wanted to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Oh wait - I forgot! Liberals only say "Happy Holidays" being the secular lowlifes we are. Is anyone else as amazed as I am at what experts the likes of Limbaugh, O'Reilly (et. al.) are when it comes to how you think, what you believe and what you support? Unfortunately those who are immersed in that kind of right wing "rot" believe every word. Truth is there is a huge diversity of opinion and positions in the Democratic Party. This is in large part why I became and remain such a supporter of our President-elect Barack Obama. He raised the ire of the Right by recruiting many of the talented and experienced associates of the Clinton administration. Now he has also aggravated some on the Left with his choice of Rick Warren to participate in his inauguration. As I used to tell my husband, since each of our children accused us equally of playing favorites with the other two, we must be doing a good job!

Speaking of good jobs: our Young Democrats under the guidance of sponsor Kam McEwen, were successful in their efforts to raise money with the sale of their campaign buttons. Several of them are now making plans to attend the Inauguration in January. They are planning a fund raising project the first week of the new year in an effort to raise the balance of their anticipated expenses. More information will be released soon so consider making a donation or providing a sponsorship on their behalf. They are the future of the Democratic Party and with their drive and enthusiasm we could see big changes in the political climate of Kansas.

Heidi Unruh held another meeting at her home to gather suggestions for projects and goals. There were many great ideas that came out of the gathering regarding job creation, environmental concerns and the economy of Kansas. There will be additional information released soon as to how we can bring these ideas to community leaders. Plan to become involved in future efforts to make these ideas a reality.

Enjoy the holidays and keep an eye out for information on upcoming events - 1st District meeting in Hutch on January 17; Annual Chili/Soup Supper on February 14; Washingon Days in Topeka - just to name a few. The Democratic Party in Kansas can only succeed if we all get involved.

AND THE DEMOCRATS KEEP ON MARCHING

Inspired by gains on the national scene, despite the disappointments in Kansas, Reno County Democrats refuse to give up the struggle to offer something besides "politics as usual" to the state. In fact there is an increasing interest being expressed from surrounding counties to build membership and work together. Some ideals are just too important to abandon.

Response from the crowds during the Christmas parade in Hutch, bolster hope for the future and belief that we are making a difference. Working off the parade theme of "Rockin' Kansas Christmas" we altered it to "Ba-Rockin' Kansas...", with a tree decorated with multi-colored photos of our President-elect that brought cheers and applause as we passed by. Mayor Trish Rose along with her "yellow dog Democrat" labrador named Rocco was a hit with the crowd. Perhaps most encouraging was the help of former primary candidate Kevin Branscom and the invaluable assistance of State Senatorial candidate Dave Inskeep. It takes courage and dedication to carry on after a defeat. The best appreciation we can show our candidates is to continue our support and match their involvement in times to come.

High on my list of things to be thankful for are all those who contribute their time, effort and spirit to the Democratic Party. My best to you all during the holiday season.

TEARS OF JOY-TEARS OF SORROW

It would have been appropriate to write immediately following the election of Barack Obama. The depth of pride and hope I felt towards American voters that night was a surprise to me. The bitterness I felt towards Kansas for depriving me of the priviledge of contributing to his victory also surprised me. The disappointment that enveloped me at the losses by our Reno County Democratic candidates was deeper than I could have imagined. In short, I was a "basket case" for the entire day. Couldn't even muster the will to get dressed, instead schlepping around in PJs, screening calls so that I wouldn't have to pretend to be all right. A deep metaphysical "funk" settled over me.

Closing down the headquarters on Thursday I was reminded of the many who had worked so hard supporting our candidates over the last few months. I recalled the Grand Opening, the debate watches, the rally, parades and receptions. I thought of all the volunteers, the reliable long time helpers and the many new faces that appeared to buy a button or yard sign or just to express their hopes for Democratic successes.

Slowly the thoughts became more upbeat - what we did right; where we could do better; how to proceed; all the new contacts we had made...

So now I'm ready to take up the cause again. This isn't the time for regrets; it's time to start planning for the future. I believe all the old friends and all the new acquaintences are up to the challenge. We've come too far and accomplished too much to quit now, so make plans to attend the next meeting Wednesday November 19th, 5:30 at the Great Wall/Mongolian Buffet at 1528 E 17th and keep watching for new additions to the blog and the latest email newsletter.