Burro Blog

Rape : Flat Tire : : DeGraaf : ____

2011-05-24T20:52:00.006-05:00

I have come to accept that I will frequently disagree with legislation coming out of Topeka. After all, I do live in a state that is currently controlled by Republicans. The latest attack on women's rights came in the form of banning insurance companies from offering abortion coverage as part of their general health plans (with the exception of when a woman's life is at risk). Normally, I would have been irritated, but I would have considered it merely par for the course.

However, this time Rep. Pete DeGraaf (R-Mulvane) crossed a line regarding unplanned pregnancies that are the result of rape. In case you missed the McPherson Sentinel's coverage of DeGraaf's responce to Rep. Barbara Bollier (R-Mission Hills):

Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican who supports the bill, told her: "We do need to plan ahead, don't we, in life?"

Bollier asked him, "And so women need to plan ahead for issues that they have no control over with pregnancy?"

DeGraaf drew groans of protest from some House members when he responded, "I have a spare tire on my car."

"I also have life insurance," he added. "I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for."

In no way can one compare rape to a flat tire, as eventually every car owner will probably experience a flat. And I hate to break it to DeGraff, but eventually everyone will die, so life insurance exists to pay for the burial expense and loss of income to the family. Rape however is, in my opinion, the worst thing that an individual can do to another. Yes, I consider it worse than murder because the pain ends with death for a murder victim, whereas a rape survivor will live with the psyclological (and potential physical) ramifications for the rest of their life. To add an unwanted pregnancy on top of rape is horrible enough, to try and block the termination of that pregnancy should be criminal.

The best comparison between rape and a flat tire was the following Venn Diagram created by Mother Jones
Now multiple suggestions of how to respond to DeGraaf have been mentioned in the media. While I do not support The Pitch's suggestion of inflicting personal injury, I do wish to reiterate the call to action by contacting DeGraaf at home and at his legislative office. We need to tell him that as Kansans and Americans we do not tolerate his insensitivity towards such a serious subject.

Please direct your calls and letters to his office at 785-296-7693 or pete.degraaf@house.ks.gov as well as his home at 316-777-0715 or 1545 E. 119th St. Mulvane, KS or petedegraaf@att.net

If you would like to take additional action, please donate to Kansas NOW.

Join us in telling Rep DeGraaf to “Keep your spare, women would rather have their dignity.”

For every $5 that Kansas NOW receives, we will buy and personally deliver a model car size “spare” tire to Representative DeGraaf.

Donations can be made online at www.ksnow.org on the "You Can Help" tab through our website's Paypal or by mailing a check to:

KANSAS NOW
PO BOX 1860
Wichita, KS 67201

*Please note “TIRED!” in the memo line of your check. Your donations will help us continue to battle such extremism in Topeka.

Wrap Up: Young Democrats of America 2009

2009-08-14T12:15:00.001-05:00

Last week (Aug 5 - 9) I was in Chicago, IL for the 2009 Young Democrats of America National Convention. Aside from being in an awesome city and being around tons of young people with similar beliefs, the convention proved to be an incredible learning and networking experience. YDA is more than a social club it is a respectable organization dedicated to motivating young people and making them a more powerful political force Nation wide. YDA achieves this through various training sessions offered throughout the week and bringing in great speakers like Dr. Howard Dean. During the week thousands of Democrats (young and old) gathered in Chicago to attend the great training sessions and see the speakers. The training sessions offered at the YDA convention ranged from sessions on "Community Organizers Running for Office" to "Finance 101 and Finance 202". As a result of the top notch training many young democrats returned to their states ready to work and better trained to make a difference (full list of training sessions at the end of post).

This year the Kansas delegation consisted of seventeen great Young Democrats from various areas of the state. All of us attended multiple training sessions and we all left Chicago excited and ready to get started. The training we received in Chicago was extremely valuable and it was only because of the great donors we had statewide that we were able to go. The donors enabled all of us to return home armed with the know how needed and the hopes of helping to turn Kansas a few shades bluer.

Kansas Delegation list: Tyler Longpine, Colin Curtis (me), Skye Coleman, Chris Terry, Jamie Epstein, Chelsea Mertz, John Moreau, Merriam Langdon, Erin Doughty, Ben Cohen, Andrew Rickel, Amar Gupta, Molly McGuire, Andrew Mertz, Shane Gagnebin, Jimelle Austin, Anthony Martinez. Part of the Kansas delegation is pictured below

YDA presents youth from all over the Nation with the opportunity to make connections, receive the training needed to organize their community, the know how to be an extremely valuable member of their community, become a more effective activist, or prepare them for a career in political campaigns and public service. Among all the exciting training sessions and all the great speakers there was also an election that took place. Their were two slates running for the leadership positions in YDA. Sarah Burris brought you the first announcement of election results in her post. The slate elected to lead YDA for the next two years was referred to as YDA Works (which includes fellow Everyday Citizen writer William Isaac Robinson). YDA Works has identified problems with in the organization and has committed to improving YDA over the next two years in a multitude of ways.

What we have to work on: -The number of local YDA chapters created online has skyrocketed in the past few years, but our ability to engage those new chapters has not kept up with our growth. -YDA Partnership Programs, until recently, have only worked with State Organizations – leaving the creativity and passion of local chapters out of our national organization and the best practices and campaign resources of the national organization away from local chapters. -Many local chapters do not feel connected to the national organization, each other, or the broader youth movement, limiting our collective effectiveness. -YDA’s technological infrastructure is inefficient and can not sustain the growth of YDA. Our local chapters feel the pain of this inadequacy when trying to perform general administrative duties and while communicating with their members. How we will make YDA work better: -Make sure YDA has an operational online membership management system for all local chapters. Invest in a peer-to-peer partnership program for the 2009 elections in Virginia that provides opportunities for all chapters around the country to develop young voter contact skills to be utilized in their states for the 2010 elections. -Continue to expand the partnership programs to local chapters and caucuses in order to get YDA resources on the ground. -Rely on the creativity and ingenuity of our local chapters and their leadership when it comes to creating programming.

Pictured: YDA Works team (left to right) Rod Snyder, Executive Vice President, Renee Hartley, First VP, Isaac Robinson, Second VP, Colmon Elridge, Third VP, Emily Robinson, Secretary, Mark Newman, Treasurer and at the podium is Crystal Strait, President.

Fellow Future Majority writer, Kevin Bondelli, also deserves a great amount of credit in this election. Kevin was the campaign manager for YDA Works and the newly appointed YDA Chief of Staff. I believe my involvement in YDA has and will continue to help me grow politically and help me to become a more active member of society and for the causes I believe in. I am currently in the aspirations to be elected as the President of the Kansas Young Democrats, for you Kansans I hope I can count on your support in my race. I encourage all Young Democrats to reach out to their local YDA chapter and get involved because only through our involvement will we be able to ensure our voices are heard. As promised from above- Complete Training list with descriptions:

Community Organizer Large Training Tracks: -Community Organizers Running for Office So you think you want to run for office? Come learn exactly what it takes; from the initial gut check, to developing a campaign plan, to actually getting out the vote for yourself. Hear from Young Democrats from across the country that have run campaigns like this and/or have been elected to office themselves. -Community Organizers Take On Election Reform We can continue to increase youth turnout by removing certain barriers from our elections. Learn about same day voter registration, online registration, changing the voter registration age, and early voting- and how to get these things in your states. -Community Organizers Take On Global Warming It’s a great day to go green. It’s time for young people to lead the discussion on why global warming and the environment is an issue and how we plan to lead the charge. Learn everything from current and new technologies, to green, sustainable jobs. It's time to discuss how federal policy and energy initiatives directly affect young people and our communities and how we can be effective in communicating these new ideas! -Community Organizers Take On Higher Education With less than 25% of young people in college it's time we make Higher Education a frontline issue. Learn about the access and affordability barriers students are facing, and legislation around the issue. -Community Organizers Hit The Field Learn everything about field plans, how we utilize the peer to peer model, and how to manage your volunteers during a campaign. -Community Organizers Utilize New Media and Online Organizing We don’t just tweet to tweet. Learn about new media outlets, organizing online, and how to build new media into a coordinated campaign plan. -Community Organizers Take on Healthcare Over 15 Million young people are uninsured. Healthcare reform is a main issue right now in our communities and within government. Learn how you can represent the youth voice and ensure you are insured. -Community Organizers Take on Marriage Equality Marriage Equality is the civil rights battle of our time. Learn how we can pass marriage equality in every state and how to keep the momentum for this issue going strong! -Community Organizers Take On Housing We have all heard about the crisis in the housing and lending industries, but what does it all mean? Demystify the housing issue, how we found ourselves in this situation, and how it is affecting young people. -Community Organizers Take on Redistricting 2010 is almost here and that means we can gain or lose Democratic districts. Learn how we can ensure congressional districts are drawn fairly and how we can mobilize young people and Democrats in these districts during an election. Round Table Discussions and Briefings: -YDA 101: New Member Orientation New to YDA? Come find out a little bit about our history, our structure, what peer to peer is, and how the convention works. Meet YDA leaders, staff, and other new members like yourself and find out how to get more involved. -Dream Act Learn about the thousands of undocumented students in this country and the obstacles they face around Higher Education. We will discuss current legislation as well as grass roots advocacy that can be taken within your communities to ensure access and affordable education for ALL students. -Foreign Policy Learn what issues young Democrats are facing on a global scale and how we can take a stance on foreign policy and partner with young Democratic leaders from around the world. Discussion Groups on Chapter Building Starting a new chapter or simply want to grow your existing chapter? Brainstorm with your fellow chapter members and leaders: different leadership and meeting structures, best practices on recruitment and retention, and how to mobilize your chapter for YDA within your communities. -Finance 101 and Finance 202 101: Learn the basics of fundraising and developing a workable finance plan for your chapter. 202: Put your fundraising trainings and best practices into action. Learn about Call Time and practice actual fundraising with your peers. -Writing a Voter Registration Plan Before we can begin turning out the vote for Democrats we have to make sure they’re registered! Learn how to write a voter registration plan that you and your chapter can enact in your communities. -Religion in Politics Engage in discussions with fellow Young Democrats of ways that religion intersects with politics. -Demopolis 101 and Demopolis 202 101: Become more familiar navigating yourself around the site and all the ways it can benefit your chapter. Learn how to manage your lists, send out eblasts, and how to set up events. 202: Learn how to set up targeted actions, advocacy campaigns, petitions, and LTEs -Community Service this Summer Summit Learn how to get your chapter signed up for a National Day of Service project and who you can partner with to make sure your community benefits from your service project. -How to Get on the 6 o'clock News and Look Good Get interviewing techniques from a former CNN producer on how you can get yourself on the news and look good. -So You Want To Host A Meeting? So you think you want to host a YDA meeting, conference, or convention? Well we want you to as well, but we want you to know what you’re getting yourself into! Come to this training and hear from state and local chapter leaders that have hosted a meeting and see exactly what it takes.

Pictured: YDA Political Director Hailey Snow leading the new member orientation.

Pictured: Two great people who made sure the convention ran smoothly. YDA's own Hailey Snow and Katie Ford

Does a Fellowship 'Cult' Own Rep. Todd Tiahrt?

2009-07-31T18:39:00.001-05:00

Sunday evening I had the chance to interview Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family about Kansas politicians: Congressman Todd Tiahrt, Senator Sam Brownback, and Rep. Jerry Moran and their connections to C Street. He had some tough words for Rep. Tiahrt whom he outed as a member of the religious cult on The Rachel Maddow show earlier this week.

Jeff Sharlet is a journalist who has been writing about religion for about 15 years and is a contributing editor for Harper's and Rolling Stone. He spent the last 5 years as a research scholar at the New York Research Center for Religion and Media.

In our interview, I asked Jeff about how he was able to uncover this secret conservative cult. Jeff was invited into the cult as everyone else is. Though he did not personally live in the C Street house, he did stay at one very similar and visited the C Street house. He was able to share information with me about the organization that goes much farther than one house in Washington...

The C Street house is one of many, not even the main one. The main one is gorgeous mansion over looking the Potomac river with a waterfall carved into the lawn called "The Cedar" in Arlington, Virginia. Around "The Cedar" there are about twenty properties associated with "The Family" one of which is this house called "Ivanwald" where at any given time maybe a dozen to eighteen men will live.
These men are "being groomed for leadership." They tend to be in their early twenties. When I was there, I was around thirty I was pushing the outer age limit. If you stick around long enough, you might get a mentor for a congressman; you have weekly sessions with politicians and business leaders and so on. In that capacity, actually living at "Ivanwald" for a little less than a month, I visited the "C Street" house a couple of times.
The way I got into all of this was I was invited; that's the only way you get it. I write a lot about religion. A friend of mine was afraid her brother had joined a cult and asked if I would talk to him. He said, "No, no really it's not a cult. You've got to come see this for yourself." He invited me.
I think they we're really interested in having me as a member even though I'm not really an "elite" - partly because I had been invited, partly because I'm a journalist so to say an influencer, and I think they we're pretty clear that part of what interested them was the fact that my father is Jewish. So they liked the idea of Jews bowing before Christ. So they brought me into "The Family" and made me a member.

When I asked Jeff about Congressman Tiahrt's involvement, he told me the story about his first time visiting the "C Street" home and seeing Rep. Tiahrt speaking with "The Family" leader Doug Coe as told in his book. Jeff laughed as he told us how he "brought them (Doug Coe, and Rep. Tiahrt) hot cocoa" as they spoke.

Tiahrt was a short shot glass of a man, two parts flawless hair and one part teeth. He wanted to know the best way “for the Christian to win the race with the Muslim.” The Muslim, he said, has too many babies, while Americans kill too many of theirs.
Doug agreed this could be a problem. But he was more concerned that the focus on labels like “Christian” might get in the way of the congressman's prayers. Religion distracts people from Jesus, Doug said, and allows them to isolate Christ's will from their work in the world.
“People separate it out,” he warned Tiahrt. “'Oh, okay, I got religion, that's private.' As if Jesus doesn't know anything about building highways, or Social Security. We gotta take Jesus out of the religious wrapping.”
“All right, how do we do that?” Tiahrt asked.
“A covenant,” Doug answered. The congressman half-smiled, as if caught between confessing his ignorance and pretending he knew what Doug was talking about. “Like the Mafia,” Doug clarified. “Look at the strength of their bonds.” He made a fist and held it before Tiahrt's face. Tiahrt nodded, squinting. “See, for them it's honor,” Doug said. “For us, it's Jesus.”
Coe listed other men who had changed the world through the strength of the covenants they had forged with their “brothers”: “Look at Hitler,” he said. “Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Bin Laden.” The Family, of course, possessed a weapon those leaders lacked: the “total Jesus” of a brotherhood in Christ.
“That's what you get with a covenant,” said Coe. “Jesus plus nothing.”

Rep. Tiahrt denied any involvement with the "The Family" in Saturday's Kansas City Star:

Tiahrt would not respond to questions, but said in a statement he has “never lived at the C Street House, nor have I participated in any regular Bible studies orso-called counseling sessions there.”

Jeff Sharlet, as detailed in Sarah's post from last week, begged to differ, telling an intimate, and disturbing story about a counseling session between "The Family" leader Doug Coe and a younger Rep. Todd Tiahrt, as told above.

Yesterday, a special aired in Wichita called The Christian Mafia. In that program, Rep. Tiahrt was once again found denying any involvement with The Family and also attacked Jeff Sharlet.

In a statement, he (Tiahrt) calls Sharlet an unscrupulous author, and says "to be clear I have never lived at the C Street house nor have I participated in any regular bible studies or so-called counseling sessions there."

In my interview with Jeff yesterday, one of the many things that we covered was Tiahrt's denial of any involvement with "The Family." Jeff had much to say about Tiahrt.

At the very best, the very best, you can say about this is it is disingenuous, here we have a documented encounter and he (Tiahrt) needs to address that. If he wants to say you know what I went to this one session and it was so crazy this guy comparing Jesus to Hitler, then I would welcome him. Instead he claims to have no connections - when it is clear that he has had a connection. Moreover, he has an interesting connection.
As I know from my review of 600 boxes of "The Family" documents, they believe in a concentric theology. What this means is Christ has one message for the masses, but the masses can't handle the truth. Then there's an inner-circle and they get a different message, and then there's an even more inner-circle and they get the real truth - and that's how Christ operates the world today - he reveals a different set of truths for the masses and the elites.
It's anti-Democratic and anti-Christian, but that's their approach to things. The Rhetoric about a "Totalitarian of Christ" - that's inner-circle stuff. Whether they decided Todd Tiahrt was such a strong figure that they wanted to jump start him into the core teachings of the group or whether he had more of relationship with them, he's got to defend that. He definitely had a connection with them and he ought to explain what it was.

With accusations of Rep. Jerry Moran and documented cases of Congressman Todd Tiahrt being involved I asked Jeff what he thought about the race for fellow Family member Sen. Brownback's U.S. Senate between the two, and whether the family would prefer one over the other or run two Family members against each other.

I can't tell you much about Jerry Moran, this is just one of the scoops that has come out during this whole "C Street" scandal. The only people I identify as being involved I have personally witnessed, been told personally by them or documented from The Family's own records. I've never said Moran before this, because I didn't have this information. But it is research that now needs to be done...
This (two Family members running against each other) happens all the time actually. That is one of the ways "The Family" survives. They don't endorse candidates. They try to have as much access and influence as they can. Doug Coe, the leader of the group, says the work with power where they can and build new power where they can not. Based on a lot of research on the group, Jerry Moran is more their type of candidate, their problem with Tiahrt is the guy is a buffoon. They are looking for polished people.

It appears that "The Family" is bigger than just the "C Street" scandal. What was once described as just a place of religious gathering is starting to look more like a place of backroom dealings and secrets. It's time we demanded answers from our local, state and national politicians as to what their involvements are in "The Family" and how far this really goes.

This Sam is no Uncle of mine

2009-07-31T18:36:00.001-05:00

Many of us at Everyday Citizen have been keeping you up to date on all the C street news, as we get it. On Sunday, Sarah posted about Kansas Rep Jerry Moran. On Monday, I postedabout my interview with Jeff Sharlet, author of The Familyand what he told me about Kansas Congressman Todd Tiahrt and his involvement in the Conservative Cult know as "The Family". One of the more well known Kansas elected officials believed to be involved with "The Family" is Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, who happens to also be running for Kansas Governor in 2010.

Through out my interview with Jeff Sharlet, one Kansas elected official came up substantially more than the others, Sen. Sam Brownback.

Sam Brownback out there (in Kansas) is one of the politicians who I would say is more intimately involved than most and I think has a bit of a leadership role.

Since the controversy about C Street has emerged many politicians involved would like the public to believe that it is simply a group of people coming together with a common religious believe, however Jeff told me a different story.

The Bible is not the main purpose of the organization; never has been. You can look through 600 boxes of documents, they're public anyone can see them. Very few of them have to do with Bible study that is not what this group is designed to do. From the very first day when the formed the group in Seattle in 1935, it was because they wanted to break the bind of organized labor, they thought "The New Deal" was a devilish type of thing. So nineteen leading businessmen in Seattle got together and said we need one of us to run for office, and everyone else will put their money behind them. That's the kind of work they've always been doing.
These "C Streeter's" travel around the world on "The Family" dime, doing lobbying work. A lot of times the Bible studies don't even involve the Bible. I wanted to ask Sen. Brownback about some of the Bible verses he uses to justify is position against homosexuality. When I asked him about it, he just looked at me with a blank stare. He didn't know what those verses were, he said Jesus had just laid it on his heart personally. Someone laid it on his heart, because when I interviewed his parent's back in Kansas they said they had no idea where he had gotten that from.
So what you really see is these powerful guys getting together talking about their personal issues and political issues, someone may quote a word from the Bible sometimes but in the meetings I sat in on, I sat in on a meeting with Ed Meese, the Bible was never opened.

KillingTheBuddha.com, winner of an Utne/Alternative Press Award, which in 2004 led to a book coauthored with Peter Manseau, Killing the Buddha: A Heretic's Bible. In 2006, Jeff Sharlet wrote an article in Rolling Stone on Sen. Brownback. In the article, Sharlet sheds some light on what Sen. Brownback is really after.

After little more than a decade in Washington, Brownback has managed to position himself at the very center of the Christian conservative uprising that is transforming American politics. Just six years ago, winning the evangelical vote required only a veneer of bland normalcy, nothing more than George Bush's vague assurance that Jesus was his favorite philosopher. Now, Brownback seeks something far more radical: not faith-based politics but faith in place of politics. In his dream America, the one he believes both the Bible and the Constitution promise, the state will simply wither away. In its place will be a country so suffused with God and the free market that the social fabric of the last hundred years -- schools, Social Security, welfare -- will be privatized or simply done away with. There will be no abortions; sex will be confined to heterosexual marriage. Men will lead families, mothers will tend children, and big business and the church will take care of all.
Brownback believes that every spiritual path has its own unique scent, and he wants to inhale them all. When he ran for the House he was a Methodist. By the time he ran for the Senate he was an evangelical. Now he has become a Catholic. He was baptized not in a church but in a chapel tucked between lobbyists' offices on K Street that is run by Opus Dei, the secretive lay order founded by a Catholic priest who advocated "holy coercion" and considered Spanish dictator Francisco Franco an ideal of worldly power. Brownback also studies Torah with an orthodox rabbi from Brooklyn. "Deep," says the rabbi, Nosson Scherman. Lately, Brownback has been reading the Koran, but he doesn't like what he's finding.
Brownback turned the position into a platform for a high-profile war against gay marriage, porn and abortion. Casting Bush and the Republican leadership as soft and muddled, he regularly turns sleepy hearings into platforms for his vision of America, inviting a parade of angry witnesses to denounce the "homosexual agenda," "bestiality" and "murder."
Brownback doesn't demand that everyone believe in his God -- only that they bow down before Him.

In my interview with Sharlet, I asked him what he could tell me about Sen. Brownback and his experience with him, as well as what he really thought about Sen. Brownback after spending so much time with him.

I've spent a lot of time with Brownback, both in Washington and in Kansas. I had been wanting to go to church with Brownback in Topeka and he kept saying "no". Once Brownback discovered I had already written about "The Family" for Harper's Magizine he said I could come with him. He seemed to think that if I could just understand what he was all about I could be converted. The more I learned what he was about the more I think he's very sincere about his politics but I think he is very clueless in his understanding of Democracy.

During our talk about Sen. Brownback, Sharlet also revealed to me another Kansan connected to "The Family" back some time ago. Sen. Frank Carlson, also known as "The no deal dealer".

I asked Brownback about his connection to Carlson (Sen. Frank Carlson). Early on in his (Brownback's) career in politics he drove out to Sen. Carlson's house in, I believe, Concordia, KS and sat with the old Senator on the porch and asked him about his religious work over the years and modeled himself after that.

Most the media attention lately has seemed to be focused on Congressman Tood Tiahrt (partially because of his asking of what if Obama's mother had had an abortion on the House floor) and even Kansas Rep. Jerry Moran has been linked to the scandal. Sen. Brownback has managed to not have to speak on this much and I think it is time we start asking him about his true involvement with "The Family" and not let a conservative cult take over Kansas in the next election cycle.

The Waves of Social Networking

2009-07-13T14:51:00.001-05:00

Originally published at www.everydaycitizen.com

This past weekend many activist from around the state gathered in Wichita to attend the Democracy for America Campaign Academy. At the two day campaign training we learned about many aspects of running a campaign. There were sessions on everything from canvassing to budgeting to GOTV efforts, needless to say this weekend was extremely valuable to us all. This weekend we also saw an unexpected flex of the power of social networking. As many of you may know on Saturday Kansas State Rep. Raj Goyle (D) made the announcement that he intends to run for U.S. Congress in 2010, in House District KS-04. This announcement was to be released the next day in the paper. As Rep. Goyle announced there were multiple people at the training who immediately sent the exciting news out on Twitter (I am proud to say I was the 3rd person to tweet it). As a result of all of our tweets and all the people retweeting what we said multiple media sources picked up the story and released it only hours after the announcement was made to us.

Read more about Rep. Goyle''s annoucement in P.J. Pohly's post.

What we saw this weekend is not an isolated incident of social networking changing the way we communicate and the way information travels in our society. The true power of social networking sites like Twitter was shown when Ashton Kutcher challenged CNN in the race to 1 million followers, Ashton won, his point was to show that any person can be just as powerful as one of the biggest news networks out there.

Social networking is changing the way our world works and thinks. It enables use to communicate quicker, outreach to people we would never be able to before, and it gives a voice to people who with out blogs would not be able to advocate for their issue or write about their experience (i.e. with out Everyday Citizen you would not be reading anything I write).

I believe that social networking has a huge number of benefits, especially when used in the political world. Now politicians can respond to events or stories personally with out having to count on a reporter to paint the picture they want, or to publicize an event with out having to worry about it being covered. Sites like Twitter and Facebook allow candidates to connect with their constituents and people all around the world on a daily basis. These sites also allow people to get to know their candidate better and for the candidate to be more transparent.

Social networking has become huge part of our society, a testament to that is the live blogging coverage happening now at the Sotomayor confirmation hearing. What used to be a room full of reporters who would write down everything then a day later publish it so that everyone could read it, has become a room full of bloggers giving us the run down as it happens. Social networking will only continue to play an important role in our society and continue to grow and change the power of media as we know it.

I encourage everyone to join Twitter and experience it for themselves. I especially encourage politicians to join Twitter and be apart of the media change that is happening now.

Being Young, Motivated, and Involved.

2009-06-06T19:35:00.002-05:00

Originally posted at: http://www.everydaycitizen.com/2009/06/being_young_motivated_and_invo.html

Over the past 6 months my life has drastically changed from a semi-involved political activist who worked on local campaigns and did what was needed to be done in order to get those politicians who are good for my community elected, to now being a much more involved political activist who is constantly on conference calls, networking with people I barely know and becoming a friend to them and traveling across the State and in some cases to other States to go to events in order to help strengthen and build up the Democratic party. I by no means do this alone, which brings me to why I have decided to write about importance of youth being politically active.

Being apart of the Young/ College Democrats is a choice that I am able to say that I have no regrets in making. Joining a political organization like these allow you to become part of a network... better yet a family of young people through out the State and Nation who are all interested in doing the same thing as you. Getting Democrats elected and having a blast doing so. Now don't get me wrong this family does have its crazy cousins and weird aunts/ uncles but like any family there those people who are your favorites and you get together with on a regular basis even though your in Manhattan and they are in Topeka, Lawrence, Osage City or Kansas City. Politics is like any other group activity out there, there are those big name players, the veterans and the new guys. The great thing about politics is that its all about getting out there and being known for what your doing, you don't have to be naturally talented or the biggest guy on the field, you just have to be a hard worker and willing to roll with the punches that come your way. Young people are perfect for politics because they know how certain issues effect their demographic which is normally largely underrepresented in policy making, and they have the energy to be the ones out knocking doors week after week and the know how to use social networking sites to spread their message instantly to hundreds or thousands of people. My experience in numerous political campaigns has always given me a passion for personally being involved but my experience in the Young/ College Democrats has instilled in me a passion for youth involvement overall. In my opinion being involved in a cause, campaign or organization is one of the most positive things a young person can do. The earlier youth start finding their voice in these things the better, because only through their work and experience can they make a change in the world around them and influence those who do make the decisions in said world. I largely encourage all youth out there to become involved in something that speaks to their interests, to work for a positive change for their issue or for their candidate and enjoy doing it.

Please Sign GPACE Petition

2009-02-10T19:40:00.003-06:00

Help GPACE collect at least 2500 names to take to the State Legislature by Wednesday, February 11th.

full text of this petition:

To the members of the Kansas Legislature:

The Great Plains Alliance for Clean Energy and its members statewide would like you to know we’re ready to rise to the challenges facing us. We’re ready to become a leader in the new energy economy. We’re ready to usher in a new era of economic growth, energy security, and environmental responsibility.

As we all face economic peril and a global energy crisis, we embrace the opportunity to move forward and find solutions using our state’s own resources and the ethic that has defined generations before us.

As Kansans, we welcome the benefits a renewable energy economy can provide: prosperity for our rural communities; jobs and industry for our cities and towns; and clean energy for a new generation of Kansas homes and businesses.

Whereas Kansas has the third greatest wind resource in the nation;

Whereas 75% of the electricity we use in Kansas is generated from coal, all of which is imported from other states;

Whereas Kansas currently has enough electricity production to meet our needs until at least 2023;

Whereas Kansas has abundant natural resources to become energy independent AND provide clean, renewable energy to help the nation become energy independent;

Whereas the cost of fossil fuels like coal will dramatically increase as carbon emissions are regulated;

We, the undersigned Kansas citizens, demand that you, as our elected representatives,

Create energy efficiency standards to make the energy we do have go further;
Prioritize our state’s own energy resources, like wind, solar, and natural gas;
Invest in electricity production that does not produce harmful pollutants that cause health problems;
Invest in electricity production that will help stimulate the state’s economy and create long term jobs, investment, and revenue for all of Kansas;
Keep intact the rule of law that allows state experts to protect ALL Kansans, and vote against any bill that would sacrifice the health and environment of our children to benefit other states or a single company; and
Use no more of our time or tax dollars debating power plants that use Wyoming coal to make electricity for Colorado and Texas residents.

We cannot afford another year of legislative squabbling and political gamesmanship. The stakes are too high, and our opportunities too great.

While you consider changing Kansas laws to benefit citizens and utility providers from other states, we fall farther behind our neighbors who have worked to develop their own energy resources and industry driven by renewable energy.

We in Kansas have all we need to re-power our state right here at home. What’s lacking is your leadership.

In signing this petition, we call upon you to do what’s best for Kansas and to join us in taking meaningful steps towards renewing the Kansas economy.

Thank you.

We Won in the House, Now Tell the Senate to ACT NOW!

2009-02-06T09:35:00.001-06:00

From YDA:

Our values and our future are on the line. Millions of young Americans have lost their job, home, savings, and livelihood. We are facing the worst economic crisis since World War II. And if we don't act soon, it will get even worse.

In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, we need unprecedented action. Action that will not only jump start our economy now, but invest in critical programs that will pay off for years, and generations, to come. And there is no time to waste.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a bill designed to help put money in the hands of working Americans to get our economy back on track.

As soon as tonight, the Senate will vote on this important bill and we need your help NOW to pass this crucial legislation.

The bill isn't perfect; responses to a crisis of this scale never are. Critics have focused on a handful of programs that represent less than a half of one percent of the bill's cost. And - irony alert -- Republicans make accusations of wasteful spending without acknowledging that, on their watch, tax cuts for the rich and a mismanaged war created a far greater burden.

This bill has huge implications for young people. From unemployment insurance to investing in renewable energy, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is designed to safeguard our economic future.

The House of Representatives' bill included the new American Opportunity Tax Credit, which offers a tax credit of up to $2,500 for the cost of tuition and related expenses as well as increases the Pell grant maximum and additional funding for work study. Astonishingly, some Senators want to cut this important higher education funding and tax credits. Be sure to urge your Senators to not only pass this bill but to keep these important programs. After all, what could provide more stimulus to our economy now and in the future than helping young people pay for the rising cost of a college education, proven to increase income throughout our lifetime?

The cost of doing too little outweighs the extraordinary cost of getting us out of this economic crisis. Congress must act now to pass this important legislation and get our economy moving again. Urge your Senators to ACT NOW to pass this critical legislation.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act creates good-paying jobs, cuts taxes for working families and makes responsible investments in our future. This plan will help create or save four million jobs, including an entire generation of green jobs that will make public and private investments in renewable energy and make American more energy efficient. And the bill ensures unprecedented transparency, oversight and accountability so that Americans can see not only how their money is being spent, but also the results of their investments.

Learn more about how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help your state here. You can also read President Obama's plan and remarks on ARRP.

As young Americans and as Young Democrats we must ACT NOW to urge our Senators to work for our best interest in restoring America's prosperity. This important legislation cannot wait. Our economic future is too important to be yet another political football, we urge bi-partisan support for this crucial bill.

We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as the legislation progresses through Congress. Please help us broaden our impact by forwarding this email to five friends today!

One Million to Thank Obama

2009-01-20T13:21:00.001-06:00

From YDA:

Today, we witnessed history as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.

We are lucky to have an ally like President Obama in the White House. To him, change and hope and progress are a way of life, not just a slogan. He made an unprecedented commitment to involving young people in politics and now it's our turn to say thank you.

We want one million young voters to say thank you. SIGN NOW!

Today was not the only historic moment for us though. On November 4th, we witnessed a historic shift in the electorate, as Millennials turned out in force and changed politics for a generation.

The Young Voter Revolution continues. All of the energy and momentum we saw across the country, up and down the ballot, was just the beginning. We learned an important lesson though - we have to made our presence known and felt in big numbers to change the conventional wisdom.

Now it's time to prove 2008 is a trend, not a fluke. We need to show the world that young voters will be engaged on key policy issues in the months to come and over the next four years. We need to show we are a political powerhouse.

We want one million young voters to prove that the Young Voter Revolution continues! SIGN TODAY!

And take a moment to thank yourself. YOU - and millions of your friends - made this moment possible. PASS IT ON and keep the momentum going

The 44th President of the United States

2009-01-20T12:40:00.002-06:00

I don't think there is anything else that needs to be said, as so many of us have been waiting for this for so long.

Countdown to Jan 20

2009-01-11T21:31:00.003-06:00

With the holidays, and some depression brought about from Parkinson's decision, Sebelius' new court appointment, Senate Dems fighting over Obama's former seat, and other bits....I haven't posted in a few weeks. It's not that these things aren't news, it's that I've been job hunting.

I lost perspective, until I was reminded that:

Grant Predicts Difficult Road Ahead

2008-12-12T10:05:00.007-06:00

The Fort Scott Tribune is running a series on the plans of area legislators. This morning features Rep. Bob Grant, KHD 2.

Most of the discussion focused on the difficulties the Kansas Legislature will be facing in January.

I think it will be one of the toughest sessions I've seen since I've been up there (Topeka)," the 17-year legislator said Thursday. "It's not going to be fun. We're not going to have money to spend. There will probably be some cuts and some tax breaks. It will probably be a lean, mean session.

The economy has lead to a decrease in state revenue, and now the impacts will be felt in the Kansas budget. The result is a nearly $150 million shortfall.

The budget affects everything else," he said. "If we don't do something now, then in 2010 we're looking at probably a shortfall of over $1 billion. Everybody hates to see programs cut, and maybe we don't have to cut them. I won't say we won't cut them, nobody wants to, but if we don't, what do we do a year from now? Where's the money going to come from? It's great to get tax breaks, but tax breaks mean a loss of revenue and it just compounds the problem.

Education funding will be cut this year. At 65% of Kansas' budget, there does not currently appear to be an alternative. Other possible "fun" topics include a rematch on coal-fired power plants, illegal immigration reform, and property tax relief.

Grant compared the upcoming session to that of 1992, a "Year of Hell" spent discussing abortion, the death penalty, and the redistricting of the legislative districts. Could 2009 become "Year of Hell 2"?

Roberts Blocks Bailout

2008-12-12T09:28:00.003-06:00

It comes as no surprise that at least one US Senator from Kansas voted against even discussing important legislation. This time, Pat Roberts did so when it came to saving the American auto industry...during the holiday season.

Waking up this morning, the conservative consensus is "Let's blame the union." Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn went so far as to say "We were about three words away from a deal." What does all this equal for the auto industry and the economy as a whole? CNBC's Phil Lebeau discusses the possible results of last night's vote:

And Just When You Thought Elections Were Over

2008-12-11T16:18:00.003-06:00

Municipal election season begins.

Taggart Wall, 19, a Winfield resident and Southwestern College student, has filed for candidacy in the upcoming City Commission race. Most people agree that 2008 was not a great year for the KDP, however Young Democrats did fairly well. In addition to retaining our incumbents, we gained Milack Talia (KHD 23), Mike Slattery (KHD 24), and Sean Gatewood (KHD 57). Looking towards 2009, maybe we can pick up a couple more elected YDs.

In Lawrence, Jacob Beaumont has formed IMpac, or the Independent Moderate Political Action Committee, with the goal that “moderate and progressive candidates that will move Lawrence and Douglas County forward in a responsible manner, independent of special interests and personal agendas.” In short, he hopes to recruit candidates for each of the three city council seats up for election this spring.

We here at the Burro Blog are excited as the 2009 election heats up.

Action Alert: Bridge Loans to Auto Industry

2008-12-11T13:48:00.003-06:00

"Last night the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide $14 billion in emergency loans to the American auto industry in an attempt to prevent the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Without these emergency loans these companies will likely collapse, creating a ripple effect in our already struggling economy that will prove wide reaching and devastating."

Write Roberts and Brownback Today

When looking at how Kansas cast it's four votes last night, it should come as no surprise that our two Democrats voted YES while the two Republicans said NO. Now with Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback on deck to cast their votes, the fun begins. The KCStar reports that Brownback supports the bailout, and that Roberts is one the fence. Brownback was rather outspoken against the October bailout of the fanancial industry, so it makes me caucious until the vote is finally cast. It is crucial to let both of these men know why you support the continued existance of the American auto industry. Don't wait:

Write Roberts and Brownback today

Going, Going, Gone...Gilstrap.

2008-12-11T12:34:00.003-06:00

Well, he's finally done it. Mark Gilstrap is a Republican.

It hurts to lose an election, especially if it's the Democratic primary in Wyandotte County when you are a 12 year incumbent. Please keep in mind that voting with the Republicans on abortion, gun control and taxes, tends to make Democratic voters view you as a DINO. Btw, the KSD 5 includes Lansing, Leavenworth, part of Bonner Springs, and part of Kansas City...so in one of the few places Democrats basically walk into elected office, the voters may want to ensure that they are electing someone who actually represents parts of the Democratic platform.

I love that Gilstrap accused the KDP of "no longer tolerat[ing] dissenting points of view." Since when do we have a Loyalty Oath? A wide range of views can be found within Democratic circles. Last time I checked, Dennis McKinney is not the most liberal of Democrats, and he was just appointed Treasurer. Additionally, numerous former Republicans have converted over the past few cycles, including LtG. Mark Parkinson and Rep. Cindy Neighbor. Hmmmm...all of that might suggest that the KDP is much more inclusive than our GOP counterparts.

In the end, Gilstrap's complaints will have little impact. It's too far until the 2010 election for this to harm Sebelius or Hensley. More importantly, Kelly Kultala (who beat Gilstrap in the primary) will assume office in January.

And we're back.

2008-11-12T21:26:00.003-06:00

The KYD Burro Blog is back in business. We'll be using the blog as an ongoing discussion about policy and priorities for the the next year. Remember, we won. Elections have consequences. But we only won nationally. State-wise, we do not have the same mandate as President-elect Obama and the Democrats of the 111th Congress. However, to say that this lack of a mandate means that we should fight aggressively for our beliefs is to throw away our traditions of fighting for justice as a party and our proud history of progressive policy as a State. (The Grange, anyone?)

As chair of the Labor caucus, I'll be advocating for equal protection in the workplace, stronger occupational safety standards and the right to organize. But we can not advance our own issues and causes to the detriment of each other. We won this election together and now it's time to win these battles together. For example. as chair of the Labor caucus, I'll also be advocating for policies like the Employment Non-discrimination Act, the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay act, and stronger pollution standards. These three issues concern the workplace, but also touch on LGBT issues, women's rights, and environmental protection.

Over the next few weeks and months, we'll be developing priorities and goals for the coming legislative session. Feel free to add your voice to the discussion.

Hours before election!

2008-11-04T11:49:00.006-06:00

This year has been in many ways, a pivotal year in the American Story.

Senators Barack Obama and John McCain are at the forefront, with the race for the White House, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda and Lynn Jenkins running in the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas, and Representative Tom Holland and Senator Roger Pine race for the 3rd Kansas State Senate District.

In the 2nd Congressional District, the race seemed to tighten and it the hope of this opinionated pundit that Congresswoman Boyda wins. Lynn Jenkins has ran a VERY negative campaign in the last remaining months, citing Boyda as a "Tax and Spend Liberal" that voted for the quote unquote largest tax increase ever. Jenkins also ran adds attacking the congresswoman for stepping out of a congressional hearing.

From what I have been able to gather about my portion of the 2nd District is that voters aren't buying what Jenkins is selling when it comes to attacking Boyda. The congresswoman won Jefferson County (VERY Republican) by 51% of the vote. Everywhere you go, there aren't very many that think Boyda deserves to be voted out because of the fact that she has been able to do in two years pale what the last republican to hold the office, Jim Ryan was able to do in ten.

In the 3rd Kansas Senate District, Tom Holland as been hitting hard against Roger Pine for the fact that the senator has been living in Leavenworth County while serving as treasurer on a drainage district board and registered to vote in Douglas County. Shortly after the primary, the Pine family registered to vote in Leavenworth County however, Sen. Pine was still serving on the drainage board until almost a month before the election. Holland, State Senate Democrats, and The Topeka Capital Journal have cited that Sen. Pine wrote annual $900 checks to himself and two other board members for "consulting" while other members served for no pay. Pine has yet to address this issue without referring to the questions brought by the Capital Journal as "mudslinging".

When it comes to the Presidential Election, I have way to much to talk about to mention in this one post. I will say that the election has had mixed signals out of the McCain Campaign, negative ads about Obama's relationships with Bill Aires and Rev. Wright and McCain's Hilarious appearance on SNL, while Sen. Obama's campaign is ahead in the polls going into Election Day.

Regardless of what happens tonight after the polls close, America decides the future of the American Experience.

Good Luck to us all!

Because this is just ridiculous...

2008-07-14T10:31:00.002-05:00

While surfing the web over the weekend, google, in its infinite wisdom, popped up with this sponsored link:
Where is the Red?

It seems that the College Republicans are making a last ditch effort to seem relevant. A team (squadron?) of them are driving across the country to prove that one could drive from coast to coast without ever leaving a Republican held seat. If you check their map, it seems they're going to try to go to Topeka, because they describe Kansas as a "Republican stronghold". Have they checked the map lately? First, I'd like to see how they're going to reach Topeka without touching the Kansas Second or Third, not to mention the many democratic seats in Missouri. Second, this state hasn't been such a stronghold lately, if you look at, oh say, the Governor's mansion, or recent polling. But god knows, Republicans have never let facts stop a good PR event.

What's more telling is that the CR national committee thought in a summer of record gas prices the best way to connect with real young voters would be to drive across the country. Who, exactly, is paying for this little joyride? Exxon? I can promise you that our YD national committee will never do something so facetious. To start with, they have jobs. Now, to be fair these are college republicans, but still, most of us had to work during the summer months, not take off on extravagant road-trips. More importantly, our national committee is focused on winning this fall, not making YouTube videos of their best Kerouac impersonations.

But I encourage this little excursion by the College Republicans. I hope they've got a violin with them, because they're fiddling while Rome is burning.

PS: How are they going to navigate California? Probably by avoiding all minorities.

On patriotism

2008-07-02T19:20:00.002-05:00

As the Fourth of July draws near, it is natural for Americans to commemorate the United States, and marvel at the beauty of our democracy. Whether it takes the form of cold beer, grilled burgers, or mortars, American's unite on the Fourth for what is ostensibly a celebration of freedom and a renewed commitment to patriotism.

For some Americans, however, Old Glory waving and trumpets blaring makes them uncomfortable. Some Americans feel a tad reserved with this wave of patriotic display, for various reasons. For Democrats, especially, there is often a powerful association of fireworks and picnic blankets with the GOP.

This wariness is often unnecessary. You may, and should, feel proud to be an American, and a progressive American at that. It's alright to join in at the rendition of the National Anthem. This doesn't preclude you from reflecting on the atrocities of Abu Grahib. March in the small-town parade; next month, you can march on in opposition to the Iraq war. Indulge in your blueberry pie and all the warm & fuzzy American feeling it embodies.

Patriotism should never be equated with complacency. Rather, patriotism is recognizing and attempting to remedy America's flaws. Patriotism is fully present in a critical, democratic citizenry. If only perfect governments merited patriotic sentiments, the world would be a treacherous lot.

Use your voice and embrace your freedom this July 4th; that is, while it lasts...

Faith: the national factor

2008-06-18T06:57:00.002-05:00

We heard it in 2004: social issues, "faith-based" voters, gay marriage, abortion and an enumeration of all the issues that supposedly divided voters of faith and more secular voters.

The time has come for the Democratic Party to stress the universality and national scope of religious voters and values. People of faith aren't confined to red states, secularists aren't exclusive to blue states. In anticipation of the 2008 election, it is time to embrace the atheist in the cornfields in Kansas, the Hindu surfer in Florida, the Orthodox Jew in New York, and the personal spirituality of numerous Californians. The Party can't survive, nor would it want to, without the inclusive support of religious voters.

Leaders in the Democratic Party have taken notice of this dire need. Perhaps most notably, Rev. Joseph Kitchen has spearheaded a movement to obtain official approval from the Young Democrats of America's National Committee as an official caucus. To this end, Rev. Kitchen and staff have created a website to mobilize and inform voters about the groups goals and priorities: www.youngfaithdems.org.

The group cites four priorities:
1) Ending Poverty
2) Ending the Genocide in Darfur
3) Fighting AIDS/HIV
4) Protecting the Environment

These priorities are such that people of faith and non believers alike can herald them as just and worthy. The Democratic Party cannot survive more divisive politics. The time for caustic divisiveness is over. It is time to unite-Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Catholics, Mormons, Protestants, Lutherans, Baptists, and everything in between- and succeed. Success in 2008 depends on it.

Talitha Hazelton, Atchison.

An Example for Congress

2008-05-21T10:57:00.001-05:00

As appeared in the May 15 issue of the Topeka Capital-Journal:

Letter: Example for Congress

On May 3, Rep. Nancy Boyda visited Valley Falls as part of her 2008 listening tour called "Congress on Your Corner." She is back in the 2nd District nearly every weekend, listening to what folks have to say and helping people get results from federal bureaucracies where difficulties persist.

I am always amazed how hard-working and genuine she is. In Valley Falls, Rep. Boyda and our community had in-depth and candid discussions on issues ranging from supporting veterans, continuing middle-class tax cuts, immigration policies that are enforced and work, sound trade policies that strengthen the United States and difficulties within Social Security and health care.

I was thoroughly impressed when Rep. Boyda stated that she and her husband, Steve, declined the stellar health care plan offered to her as a member of Congress. Instead, they pay gobs of money every month out of their own pocket. The reason: they couldn't accept this benefit in good conscience when so many of us here in the district struggle to obtain and/or pay for coverage. This is a bold example that other members of Congress should follow.

After the session ended, townspeople had an opportunity for one-on-one time to get help battling bureaucratic obstacles. Then, she was off to Fat Jack's on Broadway for ice cream and antique browsing.

She had a few minutes before heading to her next stop, so she stopped by the home of a Valley Falls woman who has been battling health problems and didn't have the strength to make it to the event.

What an excellent example Nancy Boyda is.

CRAIG GUNTHER, Valley Falls

It's anyone's game

2008-05-18T19:52:00.005-05:00

No one will claim that Jim Slattery has a walk in the park, however, the latest Rasmussen Reports' survey of Kansas voters found Roberts leading Slattery by only 52% to 40%. Yes, in November 52% equals a clear victory for any candidate, but this is May.

Slattery leads Roberts by three points among unaffiliated voters. Each candidate can expect support from their own party's base, but from an ideological perspective, the candidates are tied at 46% among moderate voters.

So what does this all mean? It's anyone's game in November.

Kline for DA?

2008-05-16T09:29:00.003-05:00

Both the Kansas City Star and Nebraska.tv are running stories of a possible Phill Kline run for JoCo DA. And just when the people of Kansas had come to believe he was history... Not only did Kline lose statewide in 2006, he lost Johnson County. It was the JoCo GOP who "elected" him to complete Paul Morrison's DA term. Voters as a whole were outraged.

Since becoming JoCo DA, KCTV (Kansas City's CBS affiliate) aired an investigative report on Kline. Turns out, he didn't really want to be back in JoCo. Instead, Kline and his family remained residents of Topeka, in violation of Kansas statute.

When he wasn't refusing KCTV-5 access to the courthouse (in retaliation), Kline was waisting time and tax dollars to further his personal crusade against legally obtained abortions. This month, the Kansas Supreme Court unsealed documents which revealed that Kline had spent much of 2007 in Topeka responding to two lawsuits filed by former AG Morrison and Planned Parenthood, who sued Kline to retrieve evidence.

With all these points against him (and that's only a year and a half's worth), should Kline run? Why not? Already in the race are Republican Steve Howe and Democrat Rick Guinn, former Johnson County prosecutors. Howe has secured most of the heavy endorsements on the Republican side, ensuring that to be in the general election, Kline will likely file unaffiliated. If that splits the Republican base in JoCo...well, you can just imagine those November results.

Step Up for the GI Bill

2008-05-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

Today, hundreds of Young Democrats and young veterans are asking Congress to fulfill the promise we make to always stand by every man and woman who puts on the uniform in service to our nation. Young Democrats are urging immediate action on the Webb-Mitchell "Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," a bill that will expand educational benefits for the men and women who serve in our military.

"As both a student and a veteran, I know first-hand how important veterans' benefits, especially educational benefits, are to our service men and women coming home from overseas," said Cole Hickman, an Army Reserve Sergeant and Iraq war veteran who serves as Chair of the Young Democrats of America's Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus and President of the Young Democrats of Arizona. "This new 21st Century G.I. Bill will give America's newest veterans the support they need to become engines of our economy, improve our communities, and continue their service to our nation while at home, just like the greatest generation did after World War II."

"An investment in our veterans is an investment in America. For less than the cost of fighting in Iraq for one week, this legislation significantly expands benefits to our veterans," said Young Democrats of America President David Hardt. "We urge Congress to include this important legislation in the Iraq war supplemental bill."

Currently, educational benefits for veterans are dispensed based on a law designed for peace-time service -- a law that insufficiently handles all the veterans currently serving in a time of war.

The 21st Century G.I. Bill will:

Make benefits available to all members of the military who have served on active duty since 9/11/2001, including activated reservists and National Guard.
Provide benefits for tuition, housing, and books for up to 36 months of education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Link amount of benefits to amount of time served on active duty.
Increase amount of time after leaving active duty to collect educational assistance to fifteen years compared to ten.
Allows additional payments for tutorial assistance as well as licensure and certification tests.
Create a new program in which the government will agree to match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum assistance provided.

Six ways the GOP can save itself (but won't)

2008-05-15T21:21:00.004-05:00

I don't mind sharing these tips (provided by Politico) because I know the GOP will ignore them. The KS GOP failed to over-ride a veto on coal, something their leadership made a top priority. Since November of 2006, multiple lawsuits were filed regarding unpaid salary. The last finance report for the KS GOP shows only slightly more than $4,000 (no, I didn't forget any zeros) cash on hand. With all these problems combined, I could walk into 2025 SW Gage Blvd. pass out copies of these suggestions, and it wouldn't help them a bit in November. It's good to be a Kansas Democrat this year.

1. Get a clue: Republicans desperately need to cook up some new ideas and craft an attractive agenda to have any chance of success. Former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney says it should be a modern edition of Newt Gingrich’s “Contract With America.”

2. Cut the crap: Republicans are dominating Democrats in one area right now: humiliating sex scandals. If former Rep. Mark Foley isn’t e-mailing young male pages or Sen. Larry Craig isn’t playing footsie in the bathroom, then Rep. Vito J. Fossella’s getting busted driving drunk and then admitting he fathered a love child. You can’t run on family values when you don’t practice them.

3. Beg for help: The Republican infrastructure is crumbling. Making matters worse, Democrats are erecting a pretty impressive network of donors, think tanks and activist groups that is exploiting the GOP’s structural weakness. The GOP “needs to realize what the opposition is and how formidable it is,” said former GOP leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas). “The Democratic Party is organized chaos, but it is so much better than what we are doing.” It will take no less than three to five years to fix, smart Republicans estimate.

4. Burn the Bush: There is something honorable about loyalty. But taken too far, it can start to look downright loony to voters. President Bush is as unpopular as Richard Nixon was in the days before his resignation. Cut him loose — quick, says Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.). “We can go our own way with our own programs, and even disassociate ourselves from President Bush,” Davis said in a memo to fellow Republicans.

5. Change the pitch — and your face: Several well-known Republicans said the party needs fresh, reassuring packaging and a more diverse crowd to deliver it.

6. Fan the fear: Ignore the critics, Republican wise men say — there is still no better way to win than to stir up concerns about Democratic patriotism and their commitment to national security and killing terrorists. It often remains the best call in the GOP playbook, especially with McCain atop the ticket.

Those who don't know history...

2008-05-15T19:32:00.003-05:00

Are doomed to repeat it. I always assumed that meant making the same mistakes as past generations, but it looks like some Republicans would have done well to repeat history in high school.

Many of you know that President Bush accused Sen. Obama of appeasement during a speech to Knisset, the parliament of Israel. Putting aside the many problems with taking our politics beyond the water's edge, it was historically inaccurate. So the President may not get called out on failing US History and European History, but the rethuglican spin-lackeys who do try to stick to the message will be. Check out the awesomeness.

Wichita's Congressional Hope

2008-05-14T10:34:00.001-05:00

College Democrats Superdelegates Lauren & Awais Endorse...

2008-05-14T08:43:00.003-05:00

After weeks of emails, facebook messages, and youtube videos

Scott Kleeb wins Nebraska Primary!

2008-05-13T22:39:00.004-05:00

While not officially KYD related, we must mention Nebraska's primary results. Scott Kleeb, a 32 year old Nebraska rancher is officially his state's Democratic candidate for US Senate. With 73% of precincts reporting at this hour, Kleeb had 68% of the vote.

Kleeb's wife, Jane Fleming Kleeb, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Young Voter PAC, having completed a successful tenure as ED for Young Democrats of America.

Those of us at the Burro Blog expect exciting things for these liberal youth activists in the coming months.

Why Labor matters

2008-05-07T13:04:00.002-05:00

I'd like to post a detailed analysis of why labor matters, but I can't. I can't because I'm posting this from the panera next to where I work during my lunch hour. So I'll make this brief:

Labor matters because we work.

It's not just that we work, but most of us will work for a corporation or large organization. We won't work for ourselves, we may not work for that independent small business, but we will all work. And working could be far worse.

I work at least eight hours a day, five days a week. I spend all of that time on my feet, except my government mandated lunch break. Before Labor, there were not mandatory breaks. There was no OSHA, no work place safety, no standard work-day, no worker protections. But because of Labor, there are.

Now, the issues have changed. Fair wages and wage growth compared to the astronomical salaries of CEOs. Healthcare and affordable coverage. Protecting American jobs and fighting for Fair Trade. These are the issues of Labor today, things that affecting everyone of us. And that's why Labor matters.

I'd love to post more, but my break is up. It may have seemed short, but I know who to thank for it.

Slattery makes it Official

2008-04-29T13:37:00.003-05:00

Jim Slattery has four stops in Kansas today: Topeka, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Wichita. At each, his speech begins, "My name is Jim Slattery and I am running for the United States Senate."

Slattery's reason for candidacy:

The future of our economy is unstable and uncertain.
Our reliance on foreign oil has created a national security crisis -- and a budget crisis for Kansas families.
And our nation is engaged in a tragic and costly war.

The bulk of Slattery's words focused his statement, "We can do better. We must do better." Unlike many politicians, only three simple promises were made:

I will be an independent voice for Kansas in the U.S. Senate
I will always put the people of Kansas ahead of any political party.
And, I will use every ounce of God-given energy and strength to address the problems facing our country.

Slattery contests incumbent Pat Roberts, a career politician who chaired the Senate Intelligence Committee and is responsible for U.S. military involvement in Iraq.

Support Veterans' Education Benefits Today

2008-04-29T09:48:00.005-05:00

Today, over one hundred Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans will converge on Capitol Hill in a call for immediate legislative action to pass the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act," a bill that will expand the educational benefits for the men and women who serve in our military receive. Please join them virtually by signing a petition supporting the bill and take action online to help it pass

Dear YD,

As both a student and a veteran, I know first hand how important veterans' benefits, especially educational benefits, are to our service men and women coming home from overseas.
Educational support not only keeps our military strong, it also helps our nation fulfill the promise we make to always stand by every man and woman who puts on the uniform in service to our nation.

Unfortunately, the way we currently dispense educational benefits to veterans is based on a law designed for peace-time service - a law that insufficiently handles all the veterans currently serving in wartime - and does not provide adequate support to those who are lucky enough to receive it.

Please join me in supporting a new bill being offered by Congressman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) and Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) to modernize the way our country provides educational assistance to our veterans: "The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act."
The education of our nation's veterans is a cost of war.

Sign the petition today to support a 21st Century GI Bill.

After World War II our nation began offering educational assistance to millions of returning veterans, helping their transition to private life through the "G.I. Bill." Returning veterans received assistance paying for their books, fees, tuition, training costs and other important expenses. This educational investment helped educate a generation of heroes, but that wasn't all it did. The WWII G.I. Bill sparked tremendous economic growth and expansion, provided opportunities to millions who otherwise may have not been afforded them, and strengthened our families, our communities, and our nation.

For less than the cost of fighting in Iraq for one week, this legislation significantly expands educational benefits to our veterans and has the potential to strengthen our economy when it is in desperate need of help.

The 21st Century GI Bill will:

Make benefits available to all members of the military who have served on active duty since 9/11/2001, including activated reservists and National Guard.
Provide benefits for tuition, housing, and books for up to 36 months of education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Link amount of benefits to amount of time served on active duty.
Increase amount of time after leaving active duty to collect educational assistance to fifteen years compared to ten.
Allows additional payments for tutorial assistance as well as licensure and certification tests.
Create a new program in which the government will agree to match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum assistance provided.

It is time that we start keeping the promises we give the men and women in uniform. Please support this legislation in any way you can.

Thank you for your support,

Cole Hickman

Chair, Young Democrats of America Veteran's & Military Affairs Caucus
President, Young Democrats of Arizona

Sign the petition today to support a 21st Century GI Bill.

Community Corps

2008-04-26T15:38:00.003-05:00

I'm liveblogging from a 3rd district meeting at JCCC about the community corps program. It's a great program to help us reach out to swing voters in our neighborhoods. Lindsay Gentry, Field Organizer for the 3rd district is presenting. The foundation of the program is that each volunteer contacts 25 voters in their neighborhood to talk to them about the upcoming election.

A little election math:

Research shows that for every 11 voters we contact face-to-face, we produce a vote. The program is designed that we contact each voter 3 times. Therefore

(25 voters x 3 contacts ) / 11 contacts per vote = 6 votes produced!

Everyone who participates has the possibility to produce a solid six votes. That may not seem like a lot, but remember that Gene Rardin won by two votes. You can make the difference. For more information, contact the State Party, your local field organizer, or one of the KYD officers.

Random updates

2008-04-26T13:14:00.002-05:00

Hey kiddos, A few things to make you aware of:

Service Opportunity!

If you're in the Emporia area next week and have some freetime, why not help build a playground? A totally non-partisan group is helping to put together a community playground and is looking for volunteers. This is copied from an email I recieved:

Better yet, get someone who hasn't signed up yet to listen. We are still short of volunteers, about 200 short. And we desperately need volunteers for the morning shifts on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I know, people work for living. But in a community of 25,000+, surely there are folks who would be available to work on a worthwhile project such as ours. I feel comfortable guaranteeing that once people come and work at the site, they'll find they're enjoying themselves so much and discovering how critical they are to this project that they'll volunteer to come back again. What we have to do is get people to come once. Can you help with that? We are at the crunch point. Could you ask one person to volunteer? (One who hasn't volunteered already, of course.) Just one. If everyone asks one person, and half of those sign up, we'll have exceeded our recruiting goals and be in fantastic shape to build this playground.

If you're interested in helping, contact Mike Dorcey at 620-794-3476 for more information. The site is located in Lynn county.

And now for something completely different:

An Indiana Republican running for Congress made an unusual campaign stop last week at a National Socialist Worker's Party (read: NAZI) birthday celebration for Adolf Hitler. I can't make this stuff up. This is just one of the many reasons we're Democrats. We have souls.

Attack of the Red States!

Jim Slattery and our other races are getting more notice on the national blogs. Check out this piece from Daily Kos on the Kansas and Oklahoma Senate races.

Keith Olbermann: The Commander and Chief Test

2008-04-21T12:54:00.002-05:00

Again Olbermann is the man. This gives the absurdity of Sen. Clinton's argument no validity what so ever! We need someone that gives a care about the American people and that will reverse the W Presidency and bring hope and peace to our world once more, that is the true Commander and Chief Test.

Jim Faris

Join the Young Voter Revolution

2008-04-21T11:59:00.000-05:00

Slattery denounces Washington incompetence

2008-04-21T10:45:00.001-05:00

Jim Slattery finally unveiled his campaign for the U.S. Senate on Saturday, telling a partisan audience that the time had come to end the “breathtaking incompetence” in Washington.

Slattery, a former six-term congressman from Topeka, decried the run-up to the war in Iraq, America’s faulty health-care system, the failure to more aggressively address the environment, and runaway spending that he termed “generational robbery.”

Rep. Bill Otto

2008-04-20T11:33:00.000-05:00

Yep, this is the type of Republican Kansas elects

Per Aspera, Part 2

2008-04-19T17:16:00.007-05:00

A good chunk of RJ's speach.

Per Aspera

2008-04-19T09:51:00.002-05:00

Yeah, this, this is happening. More to come. Right now R.J. Wilson is speaking to us on a number of issues. One thing we're talking is the Holcomb issue. If you get the chance, write your State Representative and Senate a hand-written note about this issue.

A myth to be debunked is that "we need Holcomb to install more Wind power in the state." We don't. It would actually make wind power less cost-effective. That plant would hurt our local environment so many different ways I can't even get to all of them in a live-blogging post.

In case you missed it

2008-04-18T11:13:00.003-05:00

Now I'm not normally a fan of the Colbert Report, but last night's show was the best. In case you missed it, here it is:

Hilarious healthcare video

2008-04-16T15:27:00.004-05:00

I found this video on DailyKos, and had to post it here.

We've all either had that crappy job, or are currently living through its hell. I'm not sure which act this bill refers to specifically, but portable, affordable health coverage for every American is just one of the many reasons we must win this November. As chair of our campaign committee, you can look for more information in this space about how we're going to do it.

MESSAGE FROM THE YDA WOMEN'S CAUCUS

2008-04-16T15:03:00.004-05:00

Take Action on Pay Equity Day!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Currently, women earn77 cents to the dollar, a narrowing of the wage gap by less than half a cent a year. Over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the average American woman and her family an estimated $700,000 to $2 million, impacting Social Security benefits and pensions.

In 1996, Equal Pay Day was created by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) as a way to raise awareness about the gap between men's and women's wages. The day, observed on a Tuesday in April, symbolizes how far into the year a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned the previous year. (Tuesday is the day on which women's wages catch up to men's wages from the previous week.) Because women earn less, on average, than men, they must work longer for the same among of pay. The wage gap is even greater for most women of color.

Equal pay has been the law since 1963. But today, 45 years later, women are still paid less than men—even when we have similar education, skills and experience.

Ideas for Action
Show “We’re in the Red”
On April 22, wear red to symbolize “women are in the red”.

Become informed
Read up on research, employment laws, and current legislation being introduced to close the wage gap.

Share the benefits with our Democratic and Non-Democratic brothers
Equal pay benefits men as well!

Raise awareness
Send a pay equity e-card to your friends, family and colleagues to help highlight the issue.

Coordinate a seminar on negotiation skills for womenEconomists agree that differences in negotiating abilities can lead to pay variation among workers with similar skill sets. This would be a great women’s caucus event if you have a women’s caucus in your state!

Contact Your Senators
Let them know that you want them to support the Fair Pay Restoration Act.
Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121, or find your Senators and their direct phone numbers.
Or send them an email.

For More Information:
Coalition of Labor Union Women
American Association of University Women
National Committee on Pay Equity

Taxes and the Young Person

2008-04-15T20:18:00.003-05:00

Today, across the blogosphere, Democrats are talking taxes. I know that all of you have already filed your taxes. Or at least I hope so.

But here, we're going to talk about the myth of the Republican tax cuts. Republicans love to talk about how Democrats want to increase taxes and how they supposedly cut taxes. But there's as many holes in their logic as their are in the corporate tax code. I just want to take this opportunity to debunk a few of the myths as they apply to young voters.

Myth 1: Taxes are bad.

Taxes give us such things as warning sirens for storm season, the US Armed Forces, safe highways, and Kindergarden teachers. I guess the question is then, why do Republicans hate Kindergarden teachers? This sort of reductionist argument is unfair and simplistic, but it's all too easy to attack taxes without talking about all of the wonderful things that taxes provide us. Everyone has thought of all of the things we would do with the money we paid in taxes last year, but let's just take a moment to think about what it bought us.

Myth 2: Tax cuts are good.

Let's hold up there a moment. Republicans love to talk about how they cut taxes, but Democrats cut taxes for the middle class and working Americans. Is there a difference? Yes, absolutely. The difference comes down to what economists call the multiplier effect. Imagine if that the government gave you and Bill Gates a ten thousand dollar tax break. What would you do with that money? If you're like most young people you would use it to pay off loans or you would buy something. That is, you would either consume now, or consume later in terms of freeing up future income by paying down your debt. But what would Bill do? The question isn't really what would he do, it is would he notice. Most likely he would just save the money, sticking it in some bank account.

Here is where the difference comes into play. When you spend that additional money, that ten thousand dollars, it multiplies and gets re-spent several times over. How many times it gets re-spent depends on a number of economic variables. But what about our friend Billy? He doesn't re-spend the money. Instead it sits in a bank, where it doesn't get respent. It may be loaned out, but the effect on the economy isn't the same. (Depending on a number of economic variables).

The baseline is that not all tax cuts are the same, and that not all tax cuts grow the economy as much.

Myth 3: Tax cuts are more important than a balanced budget.

This myth is a question of priorities, but I feel obliged to point out that those tax cuts for the rich do not have as much impact on the economy and that they often result in budget deficit. The problem with deficits is that the government has to turn somewhere to finance that deficit and when it becomes debt. The government turns to the same credit markets that finance business growth, student loans, and home mortgages. The presence of such a large borrower in the credit markets makes it harder and more expensive for people like us to get credit for ourselves. So when you're looking to get a new car and are shocked by how much you're going to pay in interest, thank a Republican for budget deficits.

Legislative Day of Action

2008-04-14T00:26:00.002-05:00

Our First Annual Legislative Day of Action was held on April 1. Here are a few photos from that day:

Too Many Voters, Too Little Space

2008-02-07T10:16:00.000-06:00

Over 30 thousand Kansans voted this Tuesday. While the numbers give many hope, the hundreds or even thousands of people who gave up are cause for concern. It took me six (yes, 6) hours from the time I joined the line to the time I finally left my caucus site.

In Senate District 8, we did not waste hours debating the candidates or narrowing down delegates to the Congressional District Convention. We stood in line for hours waiting to get into the small church that was our caucus location. The volunteers were forced to take people in groups of slightly more than a hundred.

As the weather turned colder, the rain turned to snow. Those registering as Democrats for the first time were hurried through the line, while those who had been Democrats prior to the caucus were left outside.

In many of the more populated districts, turnout was so great that it took hours to vote. People left because of health concerns, not because of a lack of determination. While many sources have focused on the impressive turn out, remember that the numbers would have been even greater had the caucus sites been large enough to accommodate the crowds.

Talking to the candidates, and getting candidates to talk

2008-01-30T21:24:00.000-06:00

At the JOCO state of the union watch party, I had the opportunity to speak with Lee Jones, one of the two Democratic candidates for the US Senate. While I won't seek to transcribe our entire conversation, I did take a moment to ask him to speak to young voters.
We spoke about a few key issues for younger voters including healthcare, the economy, and education. As a former union worker, I was interested to learn that he had worked for the railroads during and after college, and eventually represented the interests of railroad workers in DC, before returning to the state. These experiences will no doubt provide a philosphical basis for many of his policy positions. On education, he stressed that he believed that every student should have the opportunity to attend College. With healthcare, he was more oblique, not fully advocating for universal coverage, rather speaking more for affordability. While some might consider that position to not go far enough, I would remind them that he is running for Senate, not President. Always remember when listening to candidates' proposals that they will never be the only voice heard.
Some of the things he stressed about himself was that he was a lifelong Kansan, born and raised in our fair state, and a committed Democrat, who had been registered to vote Democrat long before deciding to run for office. This topic is a delicate one, which Kansas voters will have to consider carefully in the August primary.

What's that you say? August primary? I know many young people are not aware that Kansas has a seperate primary for Congressional candidates from the caucases next week. In order to highlight that primary and the importance of young voters this election, our blog will be featuring contrasting view points from candidates about the issues important to young democrats. We will be working with candidates and campaigns to answer the questions that are important to you. We hope to feature our two senate candidaes, Lee Jones and Greg Orman soon. I'm sure the Orman campaign will have a few things to say about this blog post.

PS: A link is coming soon to the Jones campaign website. As soon as it's more than a placeholder.

Sebelius endorses Obama

2008-01-29T11:35:00.001-06:00

Her announcement came hours ahead of Obama's rally in El Dorado, the hometown of his grandfather on his mother's side. And one week from today are the Kansas caucuses, which are part of the Super Tuesday contests.

Democratic presidential candidates long had sought Sebelius' backing in a state that George W. Bush carried by large margins in the 2000 and 2004 elections.

Her endorsement has been rumored for weeks but she had said she wouldn't make announce it until after giving the Democrats' response to President Bush's State of the Union Address.

Sebelius said her two "20-something" sons and 86-year-old father, former Ohio Governor John Gilligan, were already backing Obama.

Sebelius said Obama had the ability to bridge generations for the betterment of the country.

It's official

New American Majority!!

2008-01-28T22:46:00.000-06:00

While some may have hoped for a more partisan speech, I appreciated the elegant tone of our Governor's response. Obviously, Sebelius is an eloquent speaker and followed yet another of Bush's butchering of the English language.

Full text of tonight's response

Live from the JOCO State of the union watch party!

2008-01-28T21:07:00.000-06:00

Hey there readers! We're live from the Johnson County State of the Union watch party hosted by Democracy for the Heartland of America and the Johnson County Democratic Party. We've had a great turnout tonight, a lot of dedicated Democrats came out for food, socializing, watching our beloved Governor, and booing Bush. Standing here looking over my shoulder is Bill Roy, chair of the county party. If you ever want to get more involved with the party, get in touch with your county party and see when they have an event.

We, the bloggers here at Burro Blog need to let you know that today a new candidate, Lee Jones, entered the race for the US Senate. The Kansas Young Democrats does not endorse candidates for contested Democratic primaries. We wish both Lee Jones and his opponent Greg Orman the best of luck in their race.

I had a chance to talk to Mr. Jones tonight at the watch party and ask him about some of the issues important to the young voters of Kansas. Gov. Sebelius just came on, so that post will have to wait.

It's Official

2008-01-18T12:20:00.000-06:00

Stephen Six is Kansas' new attorney general.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius this morning appointed Six, a Douglas County judge, to replace Attorney General Paul Morrison, who will resign at the end of the month...

Wichita Eagle

Sebelius expected to name Douglas County Judge Stephen N. Six as attorney general

2008-01-18T08:48:00.000-06:00

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today is expected to name Douglas County District Judge Stephen N. Six the state’s next attorney general, Democrats told The Kansas City Star on Thursday.

The son of a former state Supreme Court justice, Six would succeed disgraced Attorney General Paul Morrison, who announced his resignation Dec. 14 after publicity surrounding an affair with a one-time co-worker.

Sebelius is to announce her choice at 11 a.m. today in her state Capitol office. The news conference will end weeks of statehouse speculation over perhaps the biggest personnel decision Sebelius has confronted during her five years in office...

KCStar

More Than a One Night Stand

2008-01-17T15:39:00.000-06:00

After young people turned out in record numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire, you would think that those who regularly trash Millennials, Generation Y and others in our 20s and 30s would stop scapegoating young voters for our alleged apathy towards democratic participation.
Apparently not.

Although nearly 37 percent of 18-to-29 year olds cast a ballot in the New Hampshire primary (more than double the percentage from four years ago and a larger percentage of the total vote than those 60 and older), the naysayers soon labeled this show of electoral force a "fluke."
The return to thoughtless disparaging hit a new low on the pages of the Huffington Post when it was suggested that young voters would rather be drunk than democratic, despite the fact that the trend since 2002 has been significant increases in youth voting...

Jason Carter: More Than a One Night Stand: Millennials Building a Meaningful Relationship with Democracy - Politics on The Huffington Post

Sebelius to give Democratic response to Bush address

2008-01-15T22:37:00.000-06:00

WASHINGTON — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has been chosen to deliver the Democratic response to President Bush’s annual State of the Union Address on Jan. 28.

The nationally televised response will give the Kansas Democrat a massive audience across the nation.

Sebelius has generated national buzz by winning two terms in a traditionally Republican state. She is widely believed to have her eye on running for the U.S. Senate in 2010.

Sebelius served recently as chairwoman of the Democratic Governors Association.

CjOnline

Obama Surpasses Clinton Among Young Democrats

2008-01-15T18:56:00.000-06:00

Barack Obama has blown past Hillary Clinton as the candidate of choice among Democrats under the age of 30, according to the results of a USA Today/Gallup Poll published today.

A USA Today article on the findings of the poll of 2010 adults, conducted Thursday through Sunday, says 57 percent of Democrats under the age of 30 favor Mr. Obama, while 29 percent favor Ms. Clinton.

As of December, Ms. Clinton had been the clear front-runner Democrats in the 18-29 age bracket, leading Mr. Obama 45 percent to 28 percent.

The poll results released today show that Ms. Clinton retains the lead among Democrats as a whole, with 45 percent favoring her, 33 percent favoring Mr. Obama, and 13 percent supporting John Edwards.

Gallup said the margin of error in its polling of Democrats was plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Obama Surpasses Clinton Among Young Democrats - Chronicle.com

KYD Presidential Appointment Application 2008

2008-01-15T11:03:00.000-06:00

KYD Presidential Appointment Application 2008
Due to yonahana@gmail.com by March 2, 2008, 5pm CST

Name:

Address:

Home Phone: Work: Cell:

E-mail:

Date of Birth:

Can you commit to attending three State Committee meetings a year?

Position Sought:

If there is a position you wish to apply for that does not currently exist, please attach additional sheets as needed to give the title and description for the position you think should be created.

Please answer the following questions, each in 150 words or less.

1. Describe your activities with local, state, and national Young Democrats.

2. What experience do you have that qualifies you for the office you are seeking?

3. Why are you seeking this position and what do you want to gain from the experience?

4. What particular goals do you want to accomplish if selected for this office?

Please attach a short (1-2 pages) resume highlighting relevant experience in political and non-political fields.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Each committee has a Chair and Vice Chair (with the exception of Credentials which only has a Chair). The Chair of the each of the Standing Committees is a voting member of the State Committee.

Membership Committee
The committee shall develop an annual written plan for presentation to the executive committee designed to help chartered chapters increase and keep active members by providing resources and assistance when possible, and for expanding the membership of the Kansas Young Democrats.

Constitution and Rules Committee
The committee shall review and report on all proposed amendments to this constitution, shall set the rules governing the election of officers at the state convention, providing those rules are not contrary or in derogation to this constitution, and shall decide on any question presented to it by the chair regarding the rules, parliamentary procedure, balloting, or other questions excluding credentials challenged.

Platform and Policy Committee
The committee shall present to the state convention for approval a platform for the Kansas Young Democrats which shall not exceed 5,000 words, and shall at all times though resolutions, promote to the Executive and State Committee and the various chapters issues and polices for the Kansas Young Democrats.

Credentials Committee
The committee shall have jurisdiction over the credentialing and chartering of chapters and delegates at the state convention, and any State Committee meetings.

Campaign and Elections Committee
The committee shall submit to the State Committee for approval in even numbered years a campaign plan for the organization, maintain a dialogue between the people of this state and the Democratic Party, and shall conduct an intensive voter registration campaign on an annual basis.

Mid-Year Conference

2008-01-14T12:20:00.001-06:00

The Mid-Year Conference was a success. In addition to Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson, KYD was visited by Senator Chris Steineger, Representative Gene Rardin, and Greg Orman.

Many new faces were seen at this year's conference, many from the KC metro but also including Atchison and Hutchinson. Thank you everyone who participated.

The results are in....

2008-01-12T13:08:00.000-06:00

And Obama has won the KYD straw poll!

Results:
Clinton- 17.65%
Edwards- 17.65%
Gravel- 0.00%
Kucinich- 5.88%
Obama- 58.59%

Greetings from one of your new bloggers!

2008-01-11T17:57:00.000-06:00

Hey guys, this is John, I'm one of the newer bloggers on this now group blog and I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm orginally from Overland Park, and just graduated with a degree in Economics from Arizona State. I've been involved with YDA at ASU and on a national level. Personally I've worked on several exciting Congressional races and helped get YDs elected to the Arizona statehouse. I'm looking forward to turning Kansas blue this election. A quick note for those of you on facebook: if you're going to friend me, which I encourage, I'm a friend of Jamie's.

Super Tuesday: Caucus Locations

2008-01-05T18:41:00.000-06:00

Caucus locations by state Senate district:

1. Atchison High School Gym, 1500 Riley St, Atchison
2. 2nd Congressional District: Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. 6th St, Lawrence
2. 3rd Congressional District: Liberty Hall 642 Massachusetts St, Lawrence
3. Metcalf Memorial Armory, 200 Iowa St, Lawrence
4. KCKCC Performing Art Center, 7250 State Ave, Kansas City
5. Woodlands Race Track, 9700 Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City
6. Turner High School Auditorium, 1312 S 55th St, Kansas City
7. Asbury United Methodist Church, 5400 W 75th St, Prairie Village
8. ShawneeMission Unitarian Universalist Church, 7725 W 87th St, Overland Park
9. Olathe First Christian Church, 200 E Loula St, Olathe
10. Mill Valley High School Little Theater, 5900 Monticello Rd, Shawnee
11. Leawood Middle School, 2410 W. 123rd St, Leawood
12. Paola High School, 401 N Angela, Paola
13. Franklin Community Center, 701 S Broadway, Franklin
14. Municipal Building Basement, 112 S 17th St, Parsons
15. Iola National Guard Armory, 1021 N State St, Iola
16. El Dorado Civic Center, 201 E Central, El Dorado
17. Best Western Inn, 3021 W Highway 50, Emporia
18. Robinson Middle School, 1125 SW 14th St, Topeka
19. Highland Park High School, 2424 SE California Ave, Topeka
20. Topeka West High School, 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka
21. Marysville City Hall, 209 N 8th St, Marysville
22. 1st CD: Geary Co. Historical Society & Museum, 530 N Adams St, Junction City;
22. 2nd CD: K-State Union Main/West Ballrooms, 17th & Anderson, Manhattan
23. Gardner-Edgerton High School, 425 N Waverly Rd, Gardner
24. Hageman Education Center, 409 Cloud, Salina
25. Sedgwick County Courthouse Jury Room, 525 N Main Street, Wichita
26. Derby Middle School, 801 E Madison Ave, Derby
27. Newman Uni., De Mattias Hall Rehearsal Hall 251 3100 McCormick St, Wichita
28. Machinist Hall, 3830 S Meridian Ave, Wichita
29. WSU Metroplex Gym, 5015 E 29th Street, Wichita
30. Robinson Middle School Gym, 328 N. Oliver, Wichita
31. Red Coach Inn, 1301 E 1st, Newton
32. Baden Square Dining Hall, 8th & College, Winfield
33. Pratt Community Center, 619 North Main, Pratt
34. Memorial Hall, 101 South Walnut, Hutchinson
35. McPherson Senior Center, 112 East Euclid St, McPherson
36. Hays VFW 2106 Vine, Hays
37. Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park
38. Knights of Columbus Hall, 800 Frontview, Dodge City
39. Garden City Community College, 801 N Campus Dr, Garden City
40. NWK Educational Service Center, 703 W 2nd, Oakley

YOUNG VOTER REVOLUTION IN IOWA

2008-01-05T18:39:00.000-06:00

from YDA's blog:

Washington, DC – Young voters proved to be the decisive demographic in tonight’s Iowa caucuses, turning out in record numbers and demonstrating overwhelming enthusiasm for Democratic candidates.
“The Young Voter Revolution continued in Iowa tonight, with young voters again showing they will turn out when targeted,” said Alexandra Acker, Executive Director of the Young Democrats of America. “Young voters were the margin of victory for Barack Obama tonight and they will by the margin of victory to propel our Democratic nominee to victory in November.
In 2004, young people turned out in record numbers and turned out for Democrats, as they only age group to support the Democratic ticket. Tonight, young voters proved they are track to repeat and increase those margins in 2008.
According to early reports, young voters comprised at least 20% of all caucus goers and supported Barack Obama by 57%. In 2004, according to independent, non-partisan analysis from CIRCLE, young voters comprised 17% of all caucus goers and supported John Kerry with 35%.
“Young voters are motivated and excited to elect a Democrat to the White House,” said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. “The Iowa caucus returns demonstrate that Young Democrats and Americans are ready for change. In 2008, young voters will propel Democrats to victory up and down the ballot.”
“With all eyes on Iowa, young voters delivered for Democrats,” said Alec Schierenbeck, President of the College & Young Democrats of Iowa. “And young voters will turn Iowa blue in November.”

Rock the Caucus in Iowa

2007-12-28T19:46:00.000-06:00

The Young Voter PAC is looking for volunteers to travel to Iowa to help make sure that college students are not being disenfranchised on Jan. 3rd. We need volunteers to go to Iowa City, Des Moines, and Grinnell. The Young Voter PAC is offering out of state Iowa college students free hotel rooms and reimbursement for traveling expenses to ensure that they come back to caucus. As volunteers all you will have to do is be at a designated pick up location so these students can stop and pick up their checks from the Yong Voter PAC. You also will be sent to caucuses with high youth concentrations to make sure that they are being allowed to caucus. This is a great opportunity to see how the caucus system works!

We will leave for Iowa on January 2nd and return to Kansas on January 4th. If you are interested in volunteering please contact me at the information provided above.

Stop Loss

2007-12-28T19:42:00.000-06:00

December Democrat

2007-12-28T18:30:00.001-06:00

Here are some highlights from the December issue of The Democrat, the Kansas Democratic Party's newsletter.

Mid-Year Conference

2007-12-26T19:02:00.000-06:00

Kansas Young Democrats would like to invite you to our Mid-Year Conference on Saturday, January 12 at Johnson County Community College. Details will be available soon, and we promise to keep you posted. The special guest for this conference is Lt. Governor, Mark Parkinson.

Topics for the Conference will include membership recruitment/retention and fundraising. KYD hopes to have each of Kansas' four congressional districts represented at the conference.

Everyday Citizen

2007-12-23T20:50:00.000-06:00

Everyday Citizen had a wonderful post the other day regarding Donald Betts and Greg Orman. Please take a moment to check it out. http://www.everydaycitizen.com/2007/12/young_candidates_step_up.html

Welcome

2007-12-23T12:13:00.000-06:00

I would like to thank you for your interest in KYD's Burro Blog. This is a new format for us, so please bear with us as things progress.