The November county party meeting will be on Nov. 16 at 1 pm at the Crawford County Democratic Headquarters. All are welcome to attend and participate.

Please let Emily know if you have any items you'd like to see added to the agenda at emily@crawfordcountyksdems.org

We are hoping to see everyone there!

The 2nd annual Pittsburg Pride event was Saturday, Oct. 4 at Lincoln Park.  Activities and entertainment were plentiful, and the atmosphere was nothing less than happy. Pride organizers were kind enough to ask me to speak, so I used that time to talk about ways to get involved.  School Board candidate Ruth Miller spoke to the crowd about her campaign. The Crawford County Democrats were fortunate to have Marcia Weeks set-up a voter registration station while Jackson Bertoncino and the Young Democrats offered information about the upcoming local elections.  Vivid Focus photography set up a photo booth to allow participants to capture their memories.  A handful of Democrats participated in Karaoke by performing Lady Gaga’s Shallow. The event ended with a Drag Show that featured several local performers. Pittsburg Pride plans to continue to host the event annually.

— Sally Harryman

Much appreciation goes to all who participated in parades and outreach events this year.  Considering all the disturbing events and social cuts, maybe CCD can begin a weekly or bi-weekly food and personal items drive for those organizations that provide to those who need help in the Crawford County communities. Wesley House and the Girard Food Pantry are two examples. Possibly, a committee could be established to spearhead this initiative. Volunteers are needed to take charge of this initiative.

— Lynn Grant

Safe, centralized meeting location: I don’t recommend parking in the back after dark. There is improved lighting in the works. 

There are comfortable and efficient workspaces available for party officers, candidates, and volunteers: Although the space is adequate and fine we are always looking to improve efficiency. Suggestions are welcome.

Social support for our members: The Liberal Ladies are my besties. (I think we should get a cat.) Young Democrats and the book group also enjoy the availability of the headquarters for meetings and gatherings.

Reliable information to the community: This is my favorite purpose this month, because we can provide information about our candidates and community services and events.  The sample ballots went like hot cakes, and so we made more. It seems like the community is recognizing and using the headquarters as a resource and that’s pleasant. It all costs money though, so donations are accepted Monday-Friday from 10-4.

People are stepping up to offer their time, and the more we can plan together, the more effective we’ll be. The headquarters will be open Thursday, Nov. 13, from 4–6 PM for anyone interested in getting involved with a committee—or helping to reorganize our existing ones. This is a great opportunity to share ideas, connect with others, and shape how our committees operate moving forward.

Thank you,

— Sally Harryman, Headquarters Manager

At Crawford County Democratic Headquarters  on Thursday, November13, part one from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and Saturday, November 15, part two from 10am to 12noon.

Deep canvassing involves communication strategies to create a more fair and caring country by talking directly with people who might disagree with us about societal or political issues. When we listen, share stories about our own lives and converse nonjudgmentally with compassionate curiosity, we become more willing to take actions toward making our community more caring and equitable. Retrieved from Deep Canvass Institute 101: Foundational Skills of Deep Canvassing · Peoples Action Institute . Thus, the voter can build awareness of their biases and may become open to discuss sensitive issues through the reciprocal sharing of their personal experiences. 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 two-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 will practice the strategies. Join us for an informative and enjoyable opportunity to learn transformative communication models and skills. Thirteen participants from Crawford County have completed the two-session training and several others have completed one training session. If you have completed one session, join us for the session you missed.

I look forward to hearing from you by email harrietanne7@gmail.com or text me at 620 704-8566 to sign up for this training.

— Harriet Bachner

By Mike Sand

Trump has a way to mess up your day,

And that’s with just half of his crimes unreported.

Things would improve, if we could remove

His cabinet and have them deported.     

Hegseth, his secretary of WAR,

Hey, what are we waiting for?

He’s in way over his head and it’s honestly said,

He’s as dumb as a sack full of chickens.

He worked for Fox news and still parrots their views

And Noem thinks he’s cute as the dickens.

Kristi, “The Ice Queen”, we’ve heard and we’ve seen

She’s as cold as her nickname implies.

She does her job well as the gatekeeper of hell.

Then she covers her cruelty with lies.

Next there’s Pam Bondi,

The one I’d call Blondie.

Just where do you think we should start?

She’s at Trump’s beck and call, involved in it all,

In the plan of taking our nation apart.

And the Kennedy nut, who does nothing but

Cause doubt on the worth of vaccination.

My problem is trusting my life in his hands,

Me – and the rest of the nation.

In case you forgot, the worst of the lot,

Stephen Miller belongs in a class there’s just one of.

The menace he’s shown and the lies that he’s sown – he’s not someone to make fun of. 

This venomous twit hasn’t the tiniest bit

Of compassion or regard for others.

But he fits right in with this cabal of sin,

They all could be sisters and brothers.

These are Trump’s best and if you haven’t guessed-- 

They were hired for only the thing they did well at.

And believe it or not, the ass kissing job – they excelled at.

            Deportation may be too much to seek.

            The chance of it happening is weak.

            But perhaps we can create a nexus,

            Where all their titles are preceded with ex’s.

By Susy Hammons

Liberal Ladies met on Oct. 8, at noon, at Dem HQ. It was our largest group with four newcomers.  

Emily Walters brought information about the redistricting plan that would possibly hurt Sharice Davids’ re-election. The VotertoVoter.org website allows users to see the voting records of Kansans.

PSU Homecoming is near. It was suggested that flyers about the No King's rally be handed out. There was a positive response, but no plan was made. HQ will be open during and after the parade with snacks. Marcia Weeks will have a table at the Pavillion with voter info and fun, free frog stuff. The banners from Women for Kansas decorated the front of the tables. Marcia was going to bring donuts but decided to bring bananas for all the Gorillas who will stop in.

Blaise Jacks is in charge of the No King's Rally on Oct. 18. He asked for our help with snacks and staffing of HQ. The Pavillion is reserved from 3pm to 6:30pm. Cherokee County plans to attend.

Sally Harryman announced that committee chairs will meet Thursday evening.

At 12:30 Bob Tomassi, an honorary Liberal Lady, came to explain changes in the taxation of Social Security income. In the Republicans’ Big Awful Bill seniors will get a $6,000 tax deduction, but 50% of Social Security dollars will be lumped into taxable income for those whose total income is between $25,000 to $34,000 for a single person. For married couples the total income is between $32,000 to $44,000. For those with higher incomes the percentage will be higher and can be as high as 85%!

Bob explained the push by some to amend the Constitution and allow election of judges. This would open the floodgates of nonresidents pouring money into the campaigns of candidates they want to influence. Racism and sexism also play a role because very qualified candidates could be rejected because of their gender or skin color.

Now Kansas judges are appointed. Anyone can apply. Kansas has four congressional districts.  One lawyer and one non-lawyer from each district and one spokesperson make up a nine- member panel that receives the nominations. They review them and narrow down the applicants.  The applicants go through a public hearing where they are asked questions about their education, experience, and community involvement. The panel chooses the best three and recommends them to the governor who then makes the final decision.

Nancy Fredette thanked everyone who made cakes for Festa Italiano. It was a Pyle family production with strawberries and blueberries combined with whipped cream to make a very patriotic Democratic dessert. 

Talking Heads will host a speaker this Friday, the 10th, to talk about Medicare and Medicaid.

Emily Walters shared breaking news that Freeman will not build a hospital in Frontenac.  The Freeman CEO mentioned the Republicans’  Big, Awful Bill as part of the reason.

I shared some history of the founding of Liberal Ladies Who Lunch with the new women.  We are now just Liberal Ladies because we quit eating so we could talk more.

We sang Happy Birthday to Lillian and gave her a Birthday card.  Thanks to Nancy Tomassi our very gracious Card Lady.  And delicious brownies!

Liberal Ladies met again on Oct. 22.  Another nice crowd.

I brought up the possibility of bringing the Robert Reich  movie to Pittsburg.  It sounds complicated and maybe expensive.  I don't feel up to doing all the research and planning.  Several people may help.  Nancy Tomassi will check with PSU about the possibilities of a showing, inviting the public. 

Janice reported on the great food at Shooters.  They have an 1106 burger that really compares to the original!  They have their own garden and prepare meals with fresh ingredients.  They also have the best cheese burger sliders (my opinion).

There was discussion about the zero coverage of our amazing No King's Rally by the Morning Sun.  

Several others will call and ask questions. Apparently Josh Lettner was fired because he was too "liberal."  Ron Womble is in charge.

Only 10 people came to the meet and greet for Chris Mann and Don Coover. They had a very effective conversation.

Nancy reported that Laura Kelly will be at the Frisco on Nov. 6 at 6pm. 

On Oct. 28, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Champions for Schools will be training for public schools at Green Bush.

Harriet Bachner will be doing another session on deep canvassing on Nov. 15. Harriet is also collaborating with Women for Kansas on deep canvassing. Harriet is also a leader along with Marcia and myself of our Women for Kansas group.

Ruth Miller told about her speaking experiences. She was encouraged by women who had been at her events. She has been interviewed by the radio and was on this morning. The disabled will be shunted into the RFK Jr, domain which will not be good. Ruth says this is the greatest financial crisis hitting our schools. 

Harriet commented that Isaiah Harris did a very good interview for city commission. 

Jean told about another boat being destroyed in Venezuela.   Still no known facts about the people murdered.

Harriet told her very funny story of being lost in Vienna with Jim, trying to find her daughter at a Wine Fest in the countryside.  Two bicyclists rescued them by having a working cell phone.  Turns out they were fouled up by the bus trying to avoid the Wine Fest just dumping them 4 miles away.

Sally announced the Humane Society fundraiser at Memorial Auditorium this Saturday, 6 to 9pm.

Betty Urich  and Kathy Fischer helped me finish up the postcards encouraging voters in Virginia. Kathy very generously bought stamps and mailed the cards on the 23rd, a day before the deadline!  Thanks to all the writers and workers in this group of dedicated women.  

Article submissions are needed from Crawford County Democrats and friends about issues and topics we should all be thinking about. Let us publish your thoughts in this Revue, for distribution to county Democrats and others across the state. Back issues of thr newsletter are also on the website at https://www.crawfordcountyksdems.org/newsletter.

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!