On June 14th, the Crawford County Young Democrats held a rally and protest for the nationwide “No Kings Day” in which people from all over the U.S. protested against President Trump’s narcissistic military parade. The event was highly successful in its mission to bring positivity and hope to our community.

We had a convoy of people from across Southeast Kansas, including Cherokee, Labette, and Montgomery counties, who with them brought some much needed energy and solidarity. We also had a variety of local organizations tabling for the event, including SEKWIN and Q Space. Local candidates were also on hand, including city commissioners candidates Jackson Bertoncino and Isaiah Harris. 

Blaise Jacks, CCYD treasure commented:

“I didn’t play a big part in putting it together, but seeing the Young Democrats working with other counties and planning everything out made me feel better about where we’re at right now. Seeing the long line of Democrats driving from Labette, Cherokee, and Montgomery counties got me excited. It probably didn’t show that much because I was in an eagle costume sweating profusely even after taking it off.”

Jack Beck, a new resident in Pittsburg commented:

“There's a lot of uncertainty and terror in the world right now, so I think it's really important to have events like the No Kings Rally that remind us we're not alone. I'm new to Pittsburg, and in all honesty I just kind of showed up at headquarters to see if there was any need for help. Everyone was beyond welcoming. I met more cool people than I could keep track of, and the day’s energy was so positive. Even though I've only been here for a few weeks I can already tell there's a community of really caring and passionate people in Pittsburg. The rally totally captured that for me.

And Sophia Stapleton, CCYD president commented:

“While I was not able to be there for much of the protest due to work, I was involved in the planning process. It was delightful to see how well everything came together. I’d particularly like to acknowledge the efforts of David Su, Elaine Warstler and Elisabeth Peters, as well as the many others whose hard work made this an incredibly successful event.”

This rally managed to bring everyone together in real patriotism and love for this country, while acknowledging what we must face in the coming years. The people who came up to speak at the open mic showed how far we’ve come in getting more young people involved in politics, local or otherwise. This was a great day to show our government that we won’t let ourselves be overwhelmed by the ongoing cruelty of the current administration. It was an excellent reminder that America, and the American ideals of liberty and justice for all are something that we will keep fighting for, together.

“Deep canvassing and its underlying skills, are tools we use to create a more fair and caring country by talking directly with people we don’t know and who might disagree with us. When we listen to someone, share stories about our own lives, and approach the conversation with compassionate curiosity and a non-judgmental approach, it makes both of us more willing to take actions toward making our country more caring and equitable." Peoples Action Institute. — Retrieved from: Deep Canvass Institute 101: Foundational Skills of Deep Canvassing · Peoples Action Institute

Deep canvassing involves active listening, attending, and open questioning to connect in a non-judgmental manner without argument or persuasion. Using scaling of beliefs, attitudes, or opinions about issues with motivational interviewing strategies, the voter can begin to build awareness and immunity to their biases. In addition, the voter may become open to discuss sensitive issues through the reciprocal sharing of their personal experiences (stories). This provides an opportunity to connect their experiences with current issues. This conversational style allows reflection and processing of prejudices or biases. Research has shown that deep canvassing impacts future voting behavior and community engagement. For more information about deep canvassing check out this link: Deep Canvass Institute – People's Action | New Conversation Initiative

This training involves two meetings each for 2-hour sessions. Traditional canvassing for candidates done close to an election is distinguished from deep canvassing which can be done months before an election season. We will discuss the stages of deep canvassing and active listening, attending, and motivational interviewing and will practice the associated strategies. Join us for an informative and enjoyable opportunity to learn transformative communication models and skills.

The first set of training meetings will be held at the Crawford County Democratic Headquarters. The training times proposed are these:

1.      Wed. July 9, Part 1 and Thurs. July 10, Part 2 from 6:30 to 8:30

2.      Thurs. July 10, Part 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 and Sat. July 12, Part 1 from 10am to 12noon

We will go with one of the above that suits most people or if there are 6 or more in each section there will be the repeat of Part 1 on Saturday for those who cannot be present on Wednesday, July 9.

I look forward to hearing from you by email harrietanne7@gmail.com or text 620 704-8566.

 — Harriet Bachner

By Mike Sand

This seems to be a sentiment that anyone who accepts the existence and presence of God, should embrace. But we need to be reminded that just saying it does not make you a Christian, or anything else for that matter. In fact, the nation that we recently attacked, share their faith and love with the same God, the only God that we also worship. They love God just as we do.

What makes “We love you God” so incomprehensible is when you put it in its original context. With Donald Trump being the one saying it, we would do well to get an idea of when and why it was said. To quote him: “I want to thank everyone, in particular, God. We love you God.”

Thank God for what? In this specific instance, the act for which Trump is giving thanks is the partial destruction of a bomb making site where the Iranians were allegedly nearing completion of a nuclear bomb. American intelligence has indicated that sufficient evidence is lacking to even be sure this is an accurate assessment. President Obama had brokered an agreement that allowed inspectors complete access to Iran’s nuclear program, but Trump managed to put an end to that, so we are now working at somewhat of a handicap.

And with no more than a “feeling,” and certainly without the approval of Congress, Trump decided to forge ahead without advice from any knowledgeable source. He decides alone, though he’s trying to get God involved, perhaps so he can blame God Almighty if it eventually goes South.

I personally don’t feel that God is ever gladdened by one nation’s victory over another. I do feel He is saddened by the fact that we humans think we must go to war to settle our differences. So, I don’t think that God would feel a Thank You is in order. Fighting Iran is just another way in which Trump reveals what he feels about humanity as a whole. He seems incapable of recognizing that other people have feelings or personal worth. Others are only valuable insofar as they can supply him with wealth, stature, or praise.

Trump tries to come off as a Christian when the opportunity presents itself but it always comes out as a hollow sound. My advice to him and to others:

If you don’t love your fellow man, don’t tell me about your god.

“Every cloud has a silver lining” – Anna Maria Hall

By Jim Orwig

The Kansas Chapter of Progressive Democrats of America hosted a zoom presentation by Dr. Mark Krassnoff from Physicians for a National Health Policy on June 11. Dr. Krassnoff’s presentation on Healthcare for All described the current mess of the U.S. system of healthcare. He emphasized the need to challenge our senators and representatives to create a system that brings, “everyone in, nobody out” healthcare reform.

Thirty people signed up through Mobilize to attend the zoom session. Of those 30, seven were the team members who put it together and three were the lucky ones who somehow were able to join the session. We learned a great deal about the problems of our current healthcare system and explored some ways to rectify the failings of the current delivery of healthcare.

I had conversations with Dan Oneal, the chapter coordinator from PDA, and Mike Oles, the person who had helped me set up our Mobilize account, about getting the system to work in our favor. They agreed that whatever gremlins had been active during our June 11 meeting would be sent elsewhere. In setting up the Mobilize resource, somehow (good gremlin, maybe) the title “Healthcare is a Human Right, Not a Luxury Only for the Rich,” was duplicated for the July 9 meeting of the Kansas Chapter. Kitty Degler of Overland Park, our Chapter Secretary, contacted Dr. Krasnoff, and asked if he would be willing to do an encore presentation, since so many people who had wanted to attend were unable to type the magic words. He said he looked forward to the opportunity to spread his message.  As of June 25, 89 people were registered for the July 9 zoom session. If you were unable to attend the June11 meeting, please consider registering for the July 9th meeting. You will hear a great presentation, with time for questions.

To attend the July 9 meeting, go to the Mobilize website and locate the Kansas Meeting: Healthcare Is a Human Right, Not a Luxury Only for the Rich. After registering you will receive reminders of the meeting and a password to attend on the day of the meeting. There is another place at the website where you can join the Kansas Chapter.

We are looking for ideas for a focus of our meetings and speakers who can address Kansas issues. Kansas education is a possibility for August. Call or text me at 402-880-4752 or gmail at jimo4783@gmail.com with suggestions.

In looking at who has registered for the July 9 meeting, I noticed that majority of the registrants were not from Kansas. Healthcare for all is a national issue and there is a hunger, felt by most people of all political parties in this country, for how to bring it about. If the politicians are not listening, Republican or Democrat, we need to join together and throw the bums out.

Liberal Ladies met on 6/18, at noon, at Dem HQ. We were a large, talkative group. We celebrated Kathy S's birthday.A sheet was passed to add birth dates.

An envelope was passed for donations for Pool Passes for children whose families get assistance from the government that they can't, by law, use to pay for the pool. A second envelope was passed for donations to pay for the ad in the Sun on 6/11 with wise words by Delma Thompson. There was some confusion about the ad that Sally will work on straightening out.

Harriet gave info about the August Bargain Bonaza. We will continue with Nancy F's Bake Sale that she instigated and worked last year. We look forward to having her back.

Questions were asked about the family whose mother was arrested at her meeting working to get a green card. Lynette is out of town. When she gets back we'll get clarification on how best we can help.

Janice told of the success of the table at the Farmer's Market.  She asked for help covering. Janice also had written material from Crawford County Mental Health and has asked Amy Glines to come and explain all their services. She'll be here at the July 2nd meeting.

The next Sunday was our annual picnic at the large Shelter House at Lincoln Park and we brought a side dish if able. There is always a lot of food!

Many thanks to Liberal Ladies and the Crawford Coounty Dems for their generous donations to our Pool Pass project. I delivered $400 to Matt O'Malley at Wesley House on the 25th. He was very excited to follow through. It's a good partnership!

Our next meeting will be on July 2nd, at noon, at Dem HQ.  

– Susy Hammons

Article submissions are needed from Crawford County Democrats and friends about issues and topics we should all be thinking about. We want to publish your thoughts in this Revue, for distribution to county Democrats and others across the state.

Please email your thoughts or those of your caucuses and interest groups for publication in the county party’s newsletter to news@crawfordcountyksdems.org. Accompanying photographs or other ideas for illustrating your articles are also welcome. Feel free to ask questions by text or phone of newsletter crew Harriet at 620-704-8566 or Phil at 708-466-0659. Also please include your phone number with your message in case we have questions for you.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!