Earlier this week, every Republican in the Kansas delegation to the United States House of Representatives joined every other Republican in the United States House of Representatives (save five brave souls) in voting against a $106 billion emergency supplemental appropriations bill to cover the costs of the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan- not because they want to see those wars ended, but because they didn't like one of the items in the bill that amounted to less than 5% of the total cost.
In an effort to use the interwebs more effectively (other than just pointing to Facebook and saying "Look, we've got 2,915 in our Facebook group! Ha!) the Kansas Democratic Party has hired a dude named Mike Nellis with the specific task of directing our party's online presence.The KDP is undergoing some changes this year as we get ready to compete in the 2010 elections. Part of that process will be an aggressive online organizing campaign to help build our party throughout Kansas. I will be acting as the point person for this effort as the party's Online Director.You read it! Click the link and fill out the survey. While Democrats in Kansas and all over the nation are hella better at the Internet than our be-trunked and gray counterparts, we can't just take that for granted and we need to keep on our toes.
As we saw during the 2008 elections, the Internet can be a powerful tool to create change and provide accountability. That's why it's important we use these tools effectively over the next year.
In that very spirit, we've put together a brief 1-2 minute survey about our previous and future online efforts that we'd like you to take. The information you provide us with will be crucial to our success.
Please click here to tell us what you think about the KDP's online organizing efforts.
Thanks for all that you do,
Mike Nellis
Online Director -- Kansas Democratic Party
From the Lawrence Journal-World:Three Wichita-based anti-abortion groups say they have received death threats in response to last month’s killing of abortion provider George Tiller.For years, Operation Rescue has received threats, but the number increased dramatically after Tiller’s killing, the group’s president, Troy Newman, said Thursday.
Some of the threats have been aimed at anti-abortion activities planned in Wichita this weekend, Newman said.
While I know everyone who is a friend of women is angry at the anti-choice nuts right now- lord knows I'm angry- but it's wrong of us to sink to the same level they have been on for so, so many years. Threatening their lives is wrong, and certainly committing acts of violence against them is wrong. However wrong you believe Troy Newman is, he doesn't deserve to die or to be hurt in any way.
Again, don't stoop to the level of the people who called Dr. Tiller "Tiller the Baby Killer."
As we learn unemployment figures in Kansas jumped again in May, we also learn the $69 million entitled to the state from the economic recovery bill is already on its way.Kansas officials were notified Thursday that the state will receive $69 million in federal stimulus funds for unemployment benefits.“It was less than one month ago that I was joined by aviation and business leaders in Wichita, signing the legislation that qualified Kansas for these funds, and already, we’re seeing how swift action can achieve swift results,” said Gov. Mark Parkinson. “These resources will help out-of-work Kansans put food on the table while they learn new skills for a new job, and that is a critical step in turning our economy around,” he said.
This is the unemployment money you heard Republican governors and legislators all over the country complaining about and even try to block. In Kansas, though, the final vote in favor of making needed changes to draw down the money was almost unanimous (see this post for details on the morons who voted "no"). I'm thankful the vast majority of Democrats and Republicans in the Statehouse recognized the utility of keeping people who are actively looking for a job above water in an increasingly bad economy.
"The primary target populations for YouthBuild are adjudicated youth, youth aging out of foster care, out-of-school youth, and other at-risk populations. "
"This amount is an initial increment for two years of grant operations. A remaining increment may be awarded pending the availability of additional funding. Among today's awardees, 62 are current Department of Labor YouthBuild grantees, and 121 are new to the department."
The KC program typically has a many as 65 students involved and Maddox said that more than half get their high school degree or GED and at least 45 will enter into job opportunities or internships that help them progress forward.Wendell Maddox, CEO of United Way of Wyandotte County, said the YouthBuild program usually receives $1.1 million for the 30-month grant. However, he said the program typically receives 50 percent of the funds for the first 15 months, rather than 63 percent. Maddox said the stimulus money also requires the program to start spending the funds by July 1.
“That group of kids, they really need the support of this program,” Maddox said.
"President Obama and I are delighted to be able to increase funding for this promising program, which does so much for youth and their communities," said Secretary Solis. "The YouthBuild program not only assists young people in obtaining education and skills, but also gives them a sense of accomplishment and empowers them as they give back to their communities."
Same as every other Friday, I'll be the guest from 9-10 a.m. this morning on The Jeremy Taylor Show, which airs on 1320 KLWN AM radio out of Lawrence, America.
This summer, I'm embarking upon what I'm rather grandiosely terming a "speaking tour"- I've been invited to give remarks at four or five Democratic Party functions all over the state and just might find myself invited to a a couple more if I hold my mouth just right...
This is from last week, but I think it's good to make sure folk know how both of their US Senators feels about a potential member of the Supreme Court.Fairly typical baseless talking points for a fairly typical Republican ideologue. After Senator Pat Roberts' "I'm votin' no" announcement, here's betting both Kansas Senators play their usual roll of useless contrarians and cast big ol' "NO" votes on Judge Sotomayor's confirmation.U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback said Thursday he wasn't swayed by a one-on-one meeting with Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
"I wanted to hear more from her as I have serious concerns about her philosophy as it relates to an activist judiciary," the Kansas Republican said. "Unfortunately, I did not hear anything in our meeting that allayed those concerns."
Brownback, who voted against Sotomayor's nomination in 1998 to the U.S. Court of Appeals, said a Supreme Court justice should be an impartial umpire of legal affairs.
"I am afraid Judge Sotomayor wants to be more of a player than an umpire," he said.
The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. They are frequently cited as the first instance in American history when gays and lesbians fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted homosexuals, and they have become the defining event that marked the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.
From Kansas NOW:ATTENTION ALL PRO-CHOICE ACTIVISTS! ACTION ALERT!
Anti-choice groups are organizing a prayer vigil outside of Dr. Tiller's clinic to "pray for an end to abortion". Beyond this being unacceptable due to Dr. Tiller's recent murder, we find it hypocritical since the organizer of this event (Rev. Patrick Mahoney) stated after Dr. Tiller's murder, "No one should use this tragedy for political gain." And yet that is exactly what they are doing.
We're fighting back! Come stand with us and help us use their own words against them. We are going to be silently counter-protesting them at Women's Health Care Services with signs quoting their own inflammatory rhetoric.....that same rhetoric that they use to incite violence against abortion doctors.
Here's what you need to know.....
If you want to join us, email Nicki Schied at nicki2377@ymail.com . She will need your name and email address so that we can give you updates and information as this progresses. She also needs to know whether or not you want to purchase a shirt (read more below).
On Friday June 19th at 7pm, there will be a pre-protest meeting at the First Unitarian Universalist Church located at 7202 E 21st St. N in Wichita.
At this event we will distribute t-Shirts and discuss the details of the counter protest to take place the following day.
*Note that the Unitarian Church is NOT A CONTACT for this event. If you have questions, contact Trina Wheeler (contact information above).
We are asking everyone to wear their Dr. Tiller shirts to the counter-protest if they have one. You can also purchase one at the pre-protest event for $20.00. If you want a shirt, you must come to the meeting with money ready. We took a hard hit financially during the Martyr Guard in relation to the shirts. We could do it once, we cannot do it again. No shirt will be given without getting payment for it first. If you want a shirt, but cannot afford the $20, then let Nicki know when you email her to sign up, and she will contact me about getting someone to help pay for your shirt.
(Visit Kansas NOW for information about ordering a shirt- Jason)
If anyone has quotes of Randall Terry, Troy Newman, or Patrick Mahoney that show their inflammatory rhetoric towards abortion providers, please send them to me at coordinator@ksnow.org as I am compiling a list to be put on signs.
Parking for the Counter Protest: Planned Parenthood has agreed to allow us to use their parking lot on the day of the event, June 20th. We will arrange for shuttles from the PP parking lot to the Clinic beginning at 11:00 AM on June 20th. PP has about 30 spaces in their lot. 2226 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS. We are working to get another parking area arranged, and will send that information out when it is finalized.
See you Saturday!
Pile on, ladies and gentlemen:Hypocrisy Watch: Representative Lynn Jenkins Puts Politics First on Supplemental Funding
Today Congress voted on the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009, which includes funding for American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as money to fight the H1N1 flu pandemic. When she had the choice, Representative Lynn Jenkins sided with Republican leaders in playing politics with this urgently needed money.
“Republicans never hesitated to criticize any Democrat who voted against the previous supplemental bills, but now that they are trying to score political points, their stance conveniently changed,” said Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Today, Representative Jenkins chose to play politics with this important money for the troops and to fight the H1N1 flu pandemic.”
It seems I'm going to have something of a summer speaking tour of county parties and rallies- the first of which is this coming Monday before the Johnson County Democratic Women.I do hope any of your good folk who are JoCo area readers (WyCo and Leavenworth Co...LvCo?...) can make it out. I'm sure I won't be allowed to speak for the full 2 hours, so don't worry about that. ;-)The JCDW meet on the 4th Monday of every month. June meeting will be June 22nd. Our speaker will be Jason Croucher of the terrific blog, Kansas Jackass!
It is our goal to fill Topeka and Washington with Democrats, educate Women, encourage Democratic women to run for office and serve our community. Dinner is available. Please join us! Chat and get to know women of like mind.
WHEN: Monday, June 22 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Cafe Augusta, 12122 W. 87th Street, Lenexa KS
Driving directions at link below: Cafe Augusta.
CONTACT: For more info contact Mary Kay Ziegler (913-221-4893)
JCDW gathers progressive women who seek to make a positive difference through political action, equips them with information and training at regular meetings, and organizes them to advocate for democratic issues and to work for the election of Democratic candidates for state and local office.
File this under "S" for sleazy:Abortion opponents plan to return to Wichita this weekend to conduct a prayer vigil at the now-closed clinic where slain doctor George Tiller performed late-term abortions.While this might have been classified as kind but misguided- I'm guessing the family and friends of Dr. George Tiller won't want "pro-life" people praying for them or hosting vigils for them anywhere- but it took a repulsive turn when Rev. Patrick Mahoney said they'd be praying for an end of "violence both inside and outside" clinics.The prayer vigil and what is being called a memorial service at the former Women’s Health Care Services, 5107 E. Kellogg, will be held at noon on Saturday during a “prayer walk” extending the length of Kellogg through Wichita, organizers said in a prepared statement.
“As members of the pro-life and faith community, we are coming together for a time of prayer and remembrance,” said the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, which is based in Washington, D.C. “We will be praying for the Tiller family as well as asking God to bring healing to the city of Wichita.
“We will be asking God to end the violence both inside and outside of abortion clinics. Specifically, we will be praying that Wichita respects human rights and social justice and that no abortions would ever be performed in the city again."
Today, moments ago, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins voted to defund the war in Iraq.House Republicans are preparing to vote en bloc against the $106 billion war-spending bill, a position once unthinkable for the party that characterized the money as support for the troops.
For years, Republicans portrayed the bills funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as matters of national security and accused Democrats who voted against them of voting against the troops.
In 2005, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) went so far as to say sending troops into battle and not paying for it would be an “immoral thing to do.” And just last year, more House Republicans voted for the war supplemental bill than did Democrats, who opposed the legislation because it did little to wind down the military effort in Iraq.
Today, though, the rhetoric from the Right that a vote against the supplemental is unpatriotic or immoral is gone, replaced with political gamesmanship that has nothing to do with the wars, our troops, or what is right for America.
I know my progressive readership is probably not with me on this, but I wouldn't ever in a million years vote to cut off money that supports our troops in the field. Now, I wouldn't want to vote for a bill that didn't include a timetable for withdrawal from a conflict like the ones we are in, but I would ever, ever consider just saying, "Nope, sorry, no more cash." The logistical nightmare that would cause is simply more than I could do.The Democratic aide charged House Republicans with “hypocrisy” for opposing a bill because of the IMF funding, which amounts to less than 5 percent of the proposed spending in the legislation.
“It seems like they’re putting the interest of the Republican Party and the ability for them to develop a campaign narrative ahead of the interest of the troops,” he said.
Now, I realize you're owned by State Senator Mary Pilcher-Cook, who, if left her own devices, would have me airdropped into North Korea with "Kim Jong Il wears women's sunglasses" tattooed across my forehead, but leadership by a loony doesn't give you carte blanc to publish horribly, horribly tasteless images of a man recently killed by a radical Christofacist with the words "LeRoy Carhart: Hoping for the good old days!" splashed across the image.
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins has returned from her Monday trip to the American detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and it seems even jet lag doesn't break her of her rote commitment to the talking points of the Party of "No!"“The tour yesterday was eye-opening because what I saw were our military men and women putting their lives on the line to protect our nation and carrying out their mission in a responsible, safe, legal and transparent manner," she said. "Closing Guantanamo Bay is unnecessary and doing it without a plan to relocate the detainees is irresponsible. I will continue my fight to keep suspected terrorists from being transferred to Fort Leavenworth.”"Unnecessary." It's "unnecessary" to close down what has become an international symbol of of American torture. Lynn Jenkins, in her hyper-partisan mind, can't put down her own politics of fear to recognize that every single moment the camp stays open al Qaeda can use it to recruit new terrorists intent on killing innocent people around the world. Jenkins' "fight to to keep suspected terrorists from being transferred to Fort Leavenworth" is a fight that actively puts more and more Americans at risk of terrorism for absolutely no reason.
In a poll conducted by SurveyUSA for KCTV-TV Kansas City and KWCH-TV Wichita, we see evidence of a tremendously divided Republican electorate over the question of who their next nominee for the United States Senate should be.Asked who they would vote for if they were to vote today, 40 percent of Kansans polled said they would vote for Moran and 38 percent said they would vote for Tiahrt.
Another 22 percent said they were undecided. The election is more than a year away.
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 percentage points.
There are some interesting facts inside of the numbers in the poll. First, the younger the likely
Republican primary voter is, the more likely they are to be leaning toward Todd Tiahrt (which is horrifying), but they do make up the very smallest sampling in the poll. Winning any age-group is good, but the 18-34 year olds are the only demographic group age-wise Tiahrt is leading is among- Moran leads with everyone over 34.
Self-identified "conservatives prefer Tiahrt 44%-34% with 21% undecided (shock of shocks, right?), while self-labeling "moderates" would rather have Moran 47%-32% with another 21% undecided. As a part of the sample, conservatives made up 59% with moderates clocking in at 35%
Two more- they broke the folk in the survey into "Pro-Life" and "Pro-Choice," with 63% of these likely GOP primary voters calling themselves the former and 35% the later. Tiahrt wins the "pro-life" vote 44-32-24, while Moran wins the "pro-choice" vote 53-30-17. That's another interesting one- the only group that gives Moran a higher margin than pro-choice folk are the people of western Kansas.
Tiahrt wins in Wichia while Moran dominates in the west- what does it look like in northeastern Kansas? Moran in the lead- 38-30-31.
These numbers are awfully interesting, of course, but keep in mind that SurveyUSA actually only managed to find 453 who were "likely" 2010 GOP primary voters, so this isn't what you call "board-based." I'm not saying it makes the poll bad, I'm just wanting y'all to be aware.
This is good news again for Congressoman Moran, but Congressman Tiahrt need not lose hope- with 20-odd percent of the electorate unreduced this is still anyone's game.
Whenever I write something about my Congresswoman, Lynn Jenkins, that isn't just me being a crazy liberal and is actually something bad she'd done, someone comments that I'm only writing the post because I'm "obsessed" with her- thus doing what they can to blunt my criticism.The obsession continues.....I decided to look at my hits. Lo and behold:
12. 16 June 09:15 KOCH INDUSTRIES, Wichita, Kansas, United StatesOf what is this evidence? Nothing, really...other than someone who works for the United States House of Representatives has been to my blog 13 times in the last 30 minutes. Could it be staff from any member's office? Why, sure- but since I haven't talked about any of our other federal officials in the last several days, I really am guessing someone that works for Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins is "obsessed" with my "obsession."
13. 16 June 09:15 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Falls Church, Virginia
14. 16 June 09:17 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Falls Church, Virginia
15. 16 June 09:17 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Falls Church, Virginia
16. 16 June 09:18 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Falls Church, Virginia
17. 16 June 09:19 Mediacom Communications Corp, Baldwin City, Kansas
18. 16 June 09:20 SBC Internet Services, Wichita, Kansas, United States
19. 16 June 09:21 Cox Communications, Wichita, Kansas, United States
20. 16 June 09:23 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC
21. 16 June 09:25 Cox Communications, Wichita, Kansas, United States
22. 16 June 09:25 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC
23. 16 June 09:26 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC
24. 16 June 09:27 CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, Madison, Wisconsin
25. 16 June 09:28 Cox Communications, Topeka, Kansas, United States
26. 16 June 09:28 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Falls Church, Virginia
27. 16 June 09:30 SBC Internet Services, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
28. 16 June 09:33 Road Runner, Overland Park, Kansas, United States
29. 16 June 09:33 America Online, United States
30. 16 June 09:34 Road Runner, Overland Park, Kansas, United States
31. 16 June 09:36 Mediacom Communications Corp, Baldwin City, Kansas
32. 16 June 09:36 Mediacom Communications Corp, Baldwin City, Kansas
33. 16 June 09:37 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC
34. 16 June 09:37 Road Runner, Overland Park, Kansas, United States
35. 16 June 09:38 Mediacom Communications Corp, Baldwin City, Kansas
36. 16 June 09:39 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC
37. 16 June 09:40 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC
38. 16 June 09:40 Time Warner Telecom, New York, United States
39. 16 June 09:42 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC
40. 16 June 09:43 SBC Internet Services, Topeka, Kansas, United States
41. 16 June 09:44 Craw-Kan Telephone Coop., Girard, Kansas, United States
42. 16 June 09:45 State of Kansas - Division of Systems and Communic, Topeka
43. 16 June 09:45 Cox Communications, Wichita, Kansas, United States
44. 16 June 09:48 Democratic National Headquarters, Washington, DC
45. 16 June 09:48 Qwest Communications, Olathe, Kansas, United States
46. 16 June 09:48 U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Falls Church, Virginia
