By J. T. Knoll

You think I am here to capitulate… give in … accept your lies? You think that’s what I will do in the face of your cruelty? That I will become a part of your mass delusion? You think I will go along with your efforts to make us a nation of simpletons in the eyes of the world?

You use lies like they’re your purpose for living. Delusion as new chapter in the American story. My social network is not based on 140-character micro blogs. I dig deep into words to find a connection with people.

You wage war on science, higher education, the Constitution, regulatory agencies, and the world economy, while redecorating the Oval Office to look like a casino.

You carry arrogance like it is blessed sacrament. You send masked I.C.E. agents to patrol the streets mercilessly … totally unaware of the mercy that you will someday need.

You call immigrants a threat. I call them the history of this country.

I don’t seek, as you do, vengeance. But don’t mistake this for softness … or surrender. I don’t need hate to be strong.

The oak tree in my yard has stood a hundred years in its silence.

So, know this: I won’t shut up. I won’t be a victim. I am the descendant of farmers and coal miners — union men and women. I won’t sell out or go away out of fear … or just to make you feel powerful.

I will be a reminder, that even under your corrupt administration, men and women will stand their ground … and refuse to be degraded.

The PSU Campus Democrats, in partnership with the Kansas Democratic Party, are proud to welcome nationally recognized advocate David Hogg to Pittsburg State University on Saturday, August 16 at 10:00 AM. This free public event will be held at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts and is open to all.

Hogg will be joined by a lineup of inspiring speakers from across Kansas and the region—highlighting the next generation of civic leaders and changemakers.

🌟 Featured Speakers

• David Hogg – Co-founder of March for Our Lives and youth civic engagement advocate

• Jeanna Repass – Chair of the Kansas Democratic Party

• Hadrian Zurek – Vice President, Pittsburg High School Democrats

• Jordan Herrera – Missouri-based organizer focused on voter engagement

• Jae Moyer – LGBTQ+ advocate from Overland Park

• Jack Bertoncino – Vice President, Kansas Young Democrats

• Reed Krewson – President, Kansas Young Democrats

• Briana Kohl – National Delegate, Kansas Young Democrats

Why You Should Attend

• A Conversation with a National Voice
  David Hogg became an advocate for gun safety and civic participation after surviving the tragic 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Since then, he’s worked to encourage young Americans to become more engaged in their communities and in public life.

• Celebrating Local and Statewide Leadership
  This event features student leaders and activists from across Kansas and Missouri who are working to strengthen their communities, encourage voter participation, and elevate underrepresented voices.

• Building Bridges Across Generations
  The Kansas Democratic Party is proud to support events that bring people together to talk about real challenges and shared values. Whether you’re a longtime community leader or new to politics, this is a chance to listen, learn, and connect.

📍 Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, August 16, 10:00 AM

Location: Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, PSU Campus

Sponsors: PSU Campus Democrats & Kansas Democratic Party

Admission: Free and open to the public

Be Part of the Moment

• Invite Friends and Neighbors: This is a great opportunity to bring new people into the conversation—especially young voters and those looking for ways to get involved.

• Volunteer: Help us welcome guests and ensure the event runs smoothly. Email campusdems@pittstate.edu or info@kansasdems.org.

• Keep the Momentum Going: After the event, consider joining a voter registration drive, school board meeting, or upcoming town hall. Every step matters.

Why This Matters

In a year that will shape the direction of our state and country, this event offers something we all need more of—connection. With thoughtful conversation, civic spirit, and an eye toward the future, we can move forward together.

Let’s give David Hogg and all our speakers a warm Southeast Kansas welcome—and show that our community believes in respectful dialogue, engaged citizenship, and the power of coming together.

Our next regular Crawford County Democratic Party meeting will be a return visit to the Aggie’s Dream Shelter at Crawford State Park on East Lake Road near Farlington for a bring-a-dish luncheon with brisket from Don Pyle on Sunday, August 17 at 1 pm.

It's an opportunity for us to come together, discuss our strategies, plan upcoming events and enjoy a day at the lake. Your participation is vital to our collective success.

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!

On July 9 the Kansas Chapter of Progressive Democrats of America hosted Dr. Mark Krassnoff for a repeat presentation of Healthcare is a Human Right, Not Just a Luxury for the Rich. The difficulties logging into the zoom meeting seemed to have been solved, and Dr. Krassnoff described the limitations of Healthcare in the USA, and challenged the attendees to consider three alternatives: 1) a government-run program like the VA; 2) a program like Medicare, in which all healthcare is paid for by the government; or 3) a public option as an alternative to private healthcare. Attendees voted for the second option. Dr. Krassnoff thought the third was more realistic.

Cindy Holscher has been invited to the August 13 zoom meeting to discuss the challenges facing education in Kansas, Ruth Miller, who is running for a position on the USD 250 school board will also be participating. To attend the meeting, go to the Mobilize website and search for Kansas events.

— Jim Orwig

“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. Using scaling of beliefs, attitudes, or opinions about issues, the voter can begin to build awareness and immunity to their biases. Also, the voter may become open to discuss sensitive issues through the 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: Deep Canvass Institute – People's Action | New Conversation Initiative

This training involves two meetings each for two-hour sessions. We will discuss the stages of deep canvassing, active listening, attending, motivational interviewing, and will practice strategies.

The first set of the two training sessions were held at the Crawford County Democratic Headquarters in July. There will be another set of training sessions scheduled in August or September. The date will be announced. Contact me to sign up for Deep Canvassing training: harrietanne7@gmail.com or text me at 620 704-8566.  

— Harriet Bachner

Liberal Ladies met on Wednesday,  July 2, at noon at Dem HQ.

The week before I took $450 to Wesley House for pool passes for kids and families who cannot use any money they get from the goveernment for summer activities. The director, Matt O'Malley,  is new and was unaware of our yearly donations.  He was very excited to continue our tradition.

I encouraged everyone to go see Superman because he is a kinder more benevolent hero. More like a Democrat!

Lynn Grant encouraged us to attend the Hepler Parade on July 4th. She had room in her car for those interested.

Janice Arthur has had literature from Crawford County Mental Health to hand out at the Farmer's Market. She asked if we could have a speaker from there. Today, we welcomed Amy Glines and her therapy dog, Sawyer, along with her associate Misty.

Amy let Sawyer off her leash. She explored the back room and then came back and explored our circle, then laid down in the middle of us and took a nap. She was very comfortable with Democrat women.

Amy described an impressive amount of new and more accessible services. Please check out Janice's extensive notes about CCMH on the magazine rack at HQ.

Janice still needs volunteers to be at the Farmer's  Market. It's an excellent advertisement of benevolent Democrats.

Liberal Ladies met again on July 16. The Young Dems are having an event on July 17. Liberal Ladies have  been asked to bring  snacks and to help be at HQ during this protest.

Harriet explained her Deep Canvassing Workshop on Saturday, the 19th, 10 to 12. We should start Deep Canvassing months before the election.

I will send members the email Lillian sent me about writing postcards. There was some discussion about the efficacy of postcards. Stacy Abrams used it and we have two new  Democratic senators in Georgia!

Harriet read her letter from Marshall or to Marshall? My notes and my memory are  insufficient to paint this picture, but there was laughter and groans. We do have an excellent candidate, Christy Davis, who hopefully will challenge him.

Harriet is gearing up for another Bargain Bonanza. No clothes or shoes, Please!

We have one more LL meeting in July on the 30th,  at noon, at Dem HQ.  Hope to see you there! 

— Susy Hammons

August Book Group and potluck meets on Wednesday August 27 at 6:30pm at the Crawford County Headquarters.

In July, most of us selected Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner (2003) from a variety of banned books and Linda reported on The Giver by Lois Lowry, a novel about a dystopian society. We discussed Hosseini’s themes of forgiveness and atonement amidst the tumultuous and traumatic events throughout the lifespan of the central characters in Afghanistan. Hosseini described the emotional toll on the characters from not only these events but also their painful decisions and behaviors. We all appreciated the complex character development and the descriptions about Afghan family life and the intriguing nature of the story line made this book an interesting “page turner.”

As often occurs in our book discussions, we found some of our personal experiences related to those of the characters in our books. These shared personal anecdotes make for a lively, humorous, and interesting conversation as we enjoy a variety of tasty dishes from our potluck meal.

Whether you read a book or not, all are welcome to join for a tasty potluck, laughter, and congenial connection with other folks who enjoy reading.

Our August book selection is Stacey Abrams’ new book Coded Justice. It is the 3rd installment in her Avery Keene series which includes While Justice Sleeps - #1 and Rogue Justice - #2. If you have trouble finding her new book, since it just came out on July 15, you can select either of her previously published 2 books.

— Harriet Bachner

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!