July 4 - To Easton to walk in the 4th of July parade with State Rep. Melanie Meier. A smaller crowd this year even though it wasn't raining like last year.
June 25 - To KCK for Kiwanis leadership training and then to Topeka for a Democratic convention on primary delegate selection. Learned a couple of things on the way back home. First, that Atchison is closer to Topeka than Leavenworth is. Second, that I missed Old Settlers days in Oskaloosa this year. I could have stopped, but the dogs had already been home alone for nine hours.
June 18 - To Lawrence to hear the Regional Administrator of the EPA give a talk. Saw some people cleaning up the Greenwood Cemetery (check out their Facebook page) as I drove out of town. About forty people at the Lawrence event and many questions. Also nice that the library there had the "Eyewitnesses at Wounded Knee" that I was looking for.
June 2 - Enjoyed those concerts so much in Iola that I decided to goto the first one of this summer. Last year I would have spent the whole day on the road. They have new benches in the park, but they seems smaller and kinda uncomfortable. A good concert, leaving me humming a Sousa march part of the way home, but still a long trip, especially as I tried to avoid the construction in Garnett and went through Lane and Rantoul on a sort of back road. At least I didn't get lost and didn't have car trouble.
May 7 - All the way south to Lansing for Lansing Daze, but missed the Kiwanis pancake breakfast because it was apart from the other booths. (In its usual location, where I have been two or three times, but somehow I thought they'd move it.)
Then a little bit north to see most of the state, as they came to Leavenworth for the Kansas Sampler. Beastly hot day for it, but no rain, unlike last year. Checked out many of the same towns and counties, although I missed Onaga, but there is always something new to learn. Next year it will be in Liberal.
Mar. 18 - To Pittsburg for the Kiwanis district convention. Not much going on Friday, especially since I skipped the expensive dinner. So I found a hotel that takes dogs, on the south edge of town, and then went to the campus to get something to read.
Since it rained most of Saturday, I did not make it down to Cherokee County like I had planned, but took a detour to visit Girard on the way home. Their downtown was very bare for a county seat. The south side of the Courthouse square was vacant, except for an auto parts store. On the west side there was a vacant lot, where apparently a couple of buildings burned down and were never rebuilt. Not much on that whole block. Even the soda machine didn't work.
At first I was surprised and then I realized that businesses in Girard could not compete with nearby Pittsburg, and residents of Girard had all the services they needed with just a short drive. Still, it might be nice if the County utilized some of those buildings on the square, and if they had a farmer's market on that vacant lot during the summer.
Mar. 17 - St. Patrick's Day parade in Leavenworth. Not a travel, really, but hard to believe that it has only been a year since I walked in this parade to support Charles Schollenberger for Senate. It feels like a lot longer.
Mar. 12 - To Tonganoxie for a meeting of the Leavenworth County Democrats. A good crowd there at Bickelmeyer's to hear State Senator Tom Holland give a legislative update.
Feb. 26 - To Topeka again over freezing drizzle for Washington Days. Went to the labor caucus and the progressive caucus and then to the rally at the Capitol. A good crowd there, and Paul Davis speaking again. Then, unfortunately,I met with the police again. Not legal to leave your dogs in your car in Topeka, even on a cloudy spring day. Talk about Big Brother. So I cannot do what I want with my car and my dogs, because the nanny city thinks they know best. I don't know why dog lovers of Topeka put up with that.So I left before the election of the new state chair.
Feb. 25 - To Topeka for Washington Days. Sorta got roped into the banquet, but McCaskill was entertaining. She's a little more pleased about the work of Congress than I am. I guess she didn't want to emphasize the lack of a public option in healthcare reform, the watering down of Wall Street regulations, the failure to end the Bush tax cuts, or pass an energy bill. No mention of her own efforts to cut Social Security either. I left before the silent auction, but understand the picture I donated brought in some money.
Dec. 22 - With some time off from work, decide to drive to Onaga and see about their grocery situation. The town's only grocery store burned down on Dec. 5, and the nearest store now is 24 miles away. First though, make a brief stop in Holton. Talk to the Chamber of Commerce and buy a paper. Expensive paper, now a dollar. They blame that on the sales tax increase. Find the youth hall I remember from my last visit there, and am surprised that they have a Wal-mart. Smallest Wal-mart I have ever seen, but it has the snacks I need.
Onaga has a fairly busy downtown for such a small town. Not much space for a new grocery store. City hall tells me they have bus rides to nearby towns and a few people talking about building a new store. Their small town has a large employer - the hospital, and their county gets lots of revenue from the power plant.
Not much I can do to help. If I'd found a decent vacant building, I'd have suggested a food co-op. The Pine River Food Co-op of Richland Center was started by about 100 people putting up $25 each in equity.
The winter scenery is much more barren, and I was almost the only car on the road until I got to Holton.
Oct. 2 - After the breakfast meeting in Leavenworth, going to help Melanie Meier knock on doors in her Atchison precinct. Don't see her on the back road, so drive into Atchison and discover it is Oktoberfest. Search the downtown, but no booth for Democrats or Republicans.
Aug 8 - Although the primary did not go my way, decide to goto the picnic in Topeka anyway. A good crowd at the shelter in Gage park and I get to hear some of the candidates speak, picked up some literature for the Leavenworth headquarters as well.
Aug 2 - To Lawrence for the Douglas County Fair, but they are just setting up today. We all decide to leave after setting up the tent. I promise to return if the primary vote goes my way.
July 30 - While driving to Manhattan, I notice a small sign in Topeka that says "Charles Sheldon Boulevard". Much later I check one of my all-time favorite books and re-discover that "In His Steps" was written in Topeka while Charles was pastor of Central Congregational Church. I think Topeka should promote that more.
When I first started my bookstore I bought 300 copies of "In His Steps" from Fleming Revell publishers. I planned to sell them door to door to promote my new store. That did not work so well, but over the years I am down to less than 30 copies, having sold, or given away the rest.
So this day I made a trip to visit the Central Church. Got there about 4:10, but they were closed for the day. So I walked around Central Park, picking up trash and recycling. I re-watched the movie "The Dream Team" the other day and had to laugh. One of the characters, Henry is obsessive about picking up trash and I thought "hey, that's me!" except I am not obsessive about it. It just seems like an easy way to make the world a little better. Rather than complaining about the trash others scatter about, I light a candle and pick some of it up.
I walked around the small pond and visited the community center, which was closing, and then went out for pizza, a little pre-victory celebration (I hope) and then wandered around a bookstore for about an hour before heading home by a different route, Highway 92 winds around a bit more, but did not seem to take any longer than Highway 24 even though I took a wrong turn in Meriden.
July 29 - Finally made it to Auburn. It has a fairly long and sparse downtown, but a nice city park and a community center where a play of Pinnochio was going to be performed. Then on to Carbondale where I mostly visited the library and played a game of chess that I won on time, but was fairly even. Made a quick stop at the Coffey County fair but didn't see either party with a booth. Was a little bit late to Iola so I missed the first song. Noticed the Allen County Republicans set up across the street. They played Amorita Roca which was a favorite of the Huron City Band I played in, and gave a longer concert for their last of the season. Then had ice cream and pie at the Methodist Church down the block.
July 28 - Went down to Paola for the Miami County Fair Parade. Wanted to be in the parade, but couldn't get a float together. If I only had a horse. Then walked around the fair a bit before heading to Louisburg and not finding their Godfather's Pizza store. Stopped at Price Chopper there before heading home.
July 24 - After working until 3 a.m. got up at 7:30 to drive to Topeka. First stopped in Lawrence where Senator Kultula was scheduled to speak and dropped off some literature. Then to a coffee meeting where a number of candidates spoke. Unfortunately a small crowd for Topeka. Even in the big city it is hard to get many people to a candidate forum. Then to Riley County, but the booth was not set up so I enjoyed the fair. Watched some of Fair Factor and noticed that the Tea Party had a booth. The opposition has so many more people willing to work for their cause. Made a quick tour through Wamego on the way back although not much was open on a Saturday.
July 23 - Closer to six hours of driving today. Went to the Riley County Fair and spent a couple of hours in the Democratic booth there. Also on the trip over drove through Silver Lake, Rossville, and St. Marys. It was hot and not too many people stopped at the booth.
July 22 - Another short drive. This time to Tonganoxie which I usually drive through on my way to other places. That VA park is very neat. I love the foot bridges. Spoke before a crowd that was mostly Republican I am afraid. Good practice for the General election which I definitely needed.
July 21 - Went all the way to Ten Penny Restaurant (in Leavenworth) for a candidate meet and greet. A great turn out of candidates, even Cheryl Hudspeth was there. Tom Holland gave a rousing speech. I was not prepared to talk but went ahead without notes or props and did okay. It helps to have a home crowd. Got pictures for the Leavenworth website here.
July 17 - Up way too early to drive to Iola. Crowd at the event was kinda small, and (ahem) my opponent took up some of my time, but my message was generally well received. After a short break it was back on the road to Atchison for the Amelia Earhart fesival. Had some congestion on I-35 because of the bus accident an hour earlier. Talked to a number of exhibitors in Atchison and bought some honey. Tried the push-up contest but was nowhere near the record of 63. Did not see a booth for Republicans or Democrats. Not every event needs to be political, but since voting and political issues are important it seems like the festival would be a good time to educate the public on issues and generate some interest in voting.
July 15 - Planning to go to Iola, I decide instead to stop in Ottawa. After a false start, found the Christian bookstore I had visited six years ago on my first visit to Ottawa. Also talked to the Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa Herald. Then I visited Neosho County Community College's Ottawa branch before briefly touring the Franklin County fair. Didn't see any political booths and the rides had not started yet.
Then on to the forum in Mound City with a brief side trip to Parker. I was struck by the Jenkins sign on a poor looking house. What does that non-rich person think that Jenkins is doing for them? Perhaps someday I will be able to ask.
Gave a short speech in Mound City and took a few questions. I was surprised that candidates from both parties were there and the audience seemed strongly Republican. Good experience though, since I need my message to appeal to moderate Republicans. There was much concern about immigration.
Noticed Pleasanton on the way back and had to stop there too, mostly to drive through. It seems like a nice place, and the downtown is not vacant. Stopped in Louisburg for gas and then made it through KC okay, but Donahoo road was a bad idea.
July 13 - Went to the parade in Horton, although I did not march in it. Did notice a grocery store and used auto place that I hadn't before. There is more commerce in Horton than I originally thought, although there is a lot of vacancy in their downtown. Then walked around the Brown County fair, but neither party had a booth.
On the way back I had to stop in Huron, having recently been at my home town of the same name. This Huron is much smaller, with a school on each end, one of them clearly not in use.
July 11 - Coming back from South Dakota seemed like a good opportunity to visit Elwood. Stopped at the Dollar General there, but not sure I found the downtown unless it is only a Post Office. Then on to Wathena which has a few more shops as well as a very neat memorial park. Saw more of Doniphan County than I wanted to since I took a different road that went by a rock that said "believe" on it. I did believe I could get back to Highway 36 on that road, but that was mistaken. Saw lots of nice scenery, but drove around lost until I asked for directions. If I only had a GPS.
July 9 - Went north to my 30 High School reunion. Took the scenic non-interstate route so I could make a few campaign stops. Visited Horton again and noticed a Radio Shack and auto parts store I did not see before. Talked to the newspaper and learned about the county fair parade.
Then on to Hiawatha, where I walked around the square and also talked to an editor at the Hiawatha World. Could not find the Chamber of Commerce, but noted again, that a county seat seems more vibrant than a small town without a County Courthouse.
Then a quick stop in Sabetha where I was recognized at the Sabetha Herald. My picture, along with other candidates was on the front page. Unfortunately, not any information about the issues.
July 8 - Another long day. I was planning to visit Auburn and Carbondale, but to my shock, I-335 does not exit at Auburn, nor at Highway 31, instead taking the unwary traveller all the way down to Highway 56. Any free interstate would have numerous exits, so with a toll road, you pay more and you get worse service.
But the day was not a total loss as I stopped at Osage City, where I had never been previously. Helped the editor fold papers while I talked to him. Then on to Pomona which has a Dollar General, a Wil-mart, the 700 club tavern, and a pizza place.
Then had some time to walk the square in Paola before a meeting with the editor.
Finally to another concert in Iola. I have done a poor job of introducing myself there, and yet many people seem to know me in my adopted home town. I am with the band.
July 7 - Made a quick trip to Atchison through some driving rain. Stopped at the visitor center and walked the downtown. Their downtown mall is very neat, especially for a rainy day to have blocks of covered sidewalks. Drove around the north side of town, past Benedictine College and found some of the neighborhoods that I had walked on the last election day trying to get out the vote. Actually had driven past on the 26th, the spot where we waited for our ride at Highway 7 and N street.
July 5 - Went to Baldwin City and rode the Midland Express. The ride was kinda slow, but also seemed like it was over too quick. Only went to Norwood, because some bridges are out on the route to Ottawa. Got rained on while walking around the downtown. Made me realize how lucky I have been to have better weather for most of my travels.
Read in the Jarbalo News that Jim Edmonds has passed away. Jim was the realtor who sold me my house in Leavenworth and sent me a calendar every Christmas. I was sorry to learn of his passing.
July 4 - Went to Easton to walk in the parade in support of Melainie Meier. My puppy, Jett, was popular, but not a good walker. It rained some too, but not like it did later. Met Tim Goetz, who is running for the County Commission.
July 3 - Went outside the district to Overland Park to march in the parade in support of Tom Holland for Governor.
July 1 - Stayed in the center today,starting with a stop in Tonganoxie where I spoke to the Tonganoxie Mirror, and walked along main street. Then visiting Paola and talking to the Chamber of Commerce and the Miami County Republic. Then on to Osawatomie where I visited with former State Senator Doug Walker. Made a stop in Greeley, but could not find the Anderson County chair. Went on to Garnett and walked around the courthouse and through the farmers' market.
Finally on to Iola where I walked around the courthouse square before enjoying another Municipal band concert. Need to get a picture of the Bowlus center, since I like that quote on the front.
June 26 - Another eleven hours on the road, but most of the time was spent in Hiawatha. Since I was a little bit early, I took a quick tour of Horton. Although Horton is a decent sized town, there is not much there business-wise. Then to Hiawatha for Summerfest. Thankfully I got a table in the shade since I have neither a tent nor a chair. There was a good crowd until about 1 when many went to watch the Elvis impersonator who I could hear very well. He did a good job. Met Steve Lukert, Representative from the 62nd district.
Mostly read newspapers while waiting for people who were interested in the election. I buy newspapers from the towns where I visit, but I am behind in reading them, or I was. Also talked to a number of people. Saw a lot of downed tree limbs and read about the big storm in the Horton Headlight. After about five hours, things slowed down and people started tearing booths down, so I left a little bit early too and headed over to Troy. Troy has many businesses and also has a Lady Liberty statue and a Lincoln bust like Leavenworth. Again, it seems to help to be a county seat. Had a nice drive down Highway 7. The scenery has really been fantastic as I drive around the 2nd district. Saw another side of Atchison, going past a middle school, but missed the downtown, perhaps because of the construction. Need to see if I can find the neighborhoods where I knocked on doors on election day last time.
June 25 - To Oskaloosa for Old Settlers Days. Met Jim Faris who is running in the 47th District, and is on the city council there. There was a decent crowd, but not many stopped at our table. I missed the checkers tournament which was the day before.
June 24 - Major road trip, fourteen hours and 358 miles, stopping in six towns. Started with Osawatomie, where I made a quick donation to the library fund. Then to Humboldt. Unfortunately, the Christian bookstore has gone out of business, and much of the downtown was vacant, but a nice volunteer youth center similar to Crossroads where I volunteered many years in Richland Center. Restoration Church seems to have much of the downtown, which is nice. I was thinking that perhaps churches could utilize the otherwise vacant buildings in some of the small towns. Heard about judicial problems at the lumber store.
Then on to Chanute where I talked with the city manager and the newspaper, albeit briefly. Chanute seems to be doing well, although the Fire Escape was not open. Perhaps another youth center similar to Crossroads. Also a bike path in the downtown, but not sure how far it goes. Unfortunately not really enough time to explore thoroughly.
Was late to Erie, which only left me about 15 minutes before I needed to leave for Parsons. Spent much of that time talking to Joe at the Erie Record.
Then to Parsons for an ice cream social with the Labette County Democrats. Almost spoke last again, and probably should have stuck with my usual speech. They had a good group and also a number of candidates. I was pleasantly surprised to see a small train ride as well as a municipal band concert in Parsons. I talked to a few people and then gave a guy a ride home.
Then was late to Iola, and only had time to hear the final song - The Washington Post. Finally home by midnight.
June 19 - To LaCygne for a meeting of the Linn County Democrats. Not knowing how long it would take, I left far too early, but the timing worked out well since I heard of a severe thunderstorm warning in Leavenworth just as I was entering Johnson County. Read some of the local papers while waiting for the meeting to start and then gave a short speech after listening to several other candidates.
Made a quick stop in Osawatomie on the way back for John Brown days. Talked to a few vendors and joined a crowd of over 100 listening to the band concert playing the Eagles and the Stones. Got 26.6 miles per gallon, which was better than I expected. It pays to not use my air conditioning.
June 18 - To Topeka again to meet some students from Washburn University. Then got some pizza and visited the businesses at the strip-mall while waiting. On the way home, stopped in historic LeCompton and visited the Constitution Hall and the Democratic Headquarters. Sad to think of the Democrats being on the wrong side of the slavery issue. The party of Jefferson had gone astray, but in current times it is the party of Lincoln that has gone astray. No longer do Republican politicians take the side of the exploited and oppressed, but generally take the side of those doing the exploiting. They vote against unemployment and medicaid and in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy.
Took a different way home, after waiting for two trains outside LeCompton. Wanted to see Jarbalo in Leavenworth County. Not much more than a dozen houses and a Methodist Church. Some beautiful countryside on that drive and it was a pretty nice day in spite of the heat.
June 17 - Visiting Jefferson County, since I will miss them next week. First stop in McLouth. Learn that there are Kochs in the area who also pronounce the name as 'Cook'. Both Jefferson and Leavenworth Counties are growing but a good part of McLouth's downtown is vacant. Housing and the school look nice though.
Then on to Oskaloosa where I met the County Chair. Larry Bigham introduced me to several people around town. The downtown is much less vacant. It helps to be the County Seat.
Next stop was in Valley Falls where I talked to the editor of "The Vindicator". Again, the downtown was mostly empty. Seems like a good place to live for commuting to Topeka, but not so good for local business.
Senator Brownback was on the front page of "The Vindicator" also touring Valley Falls. I notice he had an escort in the mayor and some businessmen and also probably got the taxpayers to pay his travel expenses. Brownback is going to solve the town's problems, he says, by cutting taxes. Some politicians seem to think that almost every problem can be solved by throwing money at rich people and big corporations. Brownback says we need to be more like Texas (where median income is $58,765) and less like California (where median income is $70,029). California has 12.6% unemployment, it is true, but Texas unemployment is 8.3%. Kansas unemployment is only 6.5% and median income is $62,462. Seems to me that Texas should be trying to be more like Kansas.
Took a detour to Ozawkie where there were many nice houses and nice yards, but did not see a business district. Then on to Topeka to speak at a meeting of the Democratic Action Committee.
June 10 - Filing deadline for the primary. I picked up two opponents. Cheryl Hudspeth has been running for a while. Sean Tevis was a surprise entry, and the bigger surprise is that he doesn't even live in the district. Apparently that does not disqualify him from running. An odd loophole that. He cannot vote in the district, but he can run for office here.
Waiting to see who filed made me a little bit late on my trip. It was 3:30 by the time I got to Burlington. Talked to the newspaper editor, although I had to kid them some because their newspaper is the Coffey County Republican. Talked to a clerk at City Hall and visited the County courthouse. They have a neat square in front of their grade school. Rows of columns, but a local boy didn't know what they signified. Visited the Library and then it was on to Yates Center. Unfortunately it was a little bit after 5, so most offices were closed. Made it to the library just before closing, but they were not very friendly. Perhaps staunch Republicans or tired at the end of a long day and in no mood to chat with a stranger.
Finished the day in Iola. First bought dinner and then walked across most of the town, looking for the County Chair. He was home, but taking a shower. Then bought a paper and walked back to the bandstand. Noted that the paper called me a "former bar owner" so I wrote to correct that. Talked to people from "Hope Unlimited" when I bought ice cream, and then enjoyed the concert and met a few people.
June 5 - Had to miss the First Saturday Breakfast in Leavenworth and drive down to Fort Scott for the "Good 'Ol Days" festival. Lots of people braving the heat to attend this event. Talked to a number of the exhibitors, and met some other candidates, including an opponent, Robert Garrard, who is the Libertarian candidate. A couple other Republican candidates had tents set up, but no sign of any Democrats. So people who come to that event could read about the UnFairTax, which is like Reaganomics on steroids, and nobody was there presenting a different message. Our opponents are outworking us.
June 3 - Went to the first summer concert of the Iola Municipal Band. Also talked to people at the farmers' market. It was a nice night and a good concert. Started with the Star Spangled Banner and then several numbers including a medley from "The King and I" and "Our Director" and closing with a Sousa march. I played trumpet in the Huron City Band while I was going to college. It is neat that Iola has these concerts and there was a good crowd there enjoying the music and also ice cream.
May 27 - Went to Kiwanis in Lawrence. Great view from the Country Club and an interesting program about depression. Said that depression could be reduced if people in our society got more exercise, more sleep, more sunlight, more Omega-3 fats, and more companionship. So, it helps to be part of clubs like Kiwanis. I also think it would be helpful to have a dog. That gives you the exercise and the sunlight while you are walking it, and it also provides companionship. And I am not just saying that because I have new puppies for sale.
Then went to Ottawa, mostly for the visitor's bureau and to do some shopping. Then stopped at Wellsville on the way home and talked to the City Clerk. Then took the back way home through Eudora and Tongie. Soon I may be able to drive the Leavenworth to Tonganoxie route in my sleep. Maybe I need to head north for a change. Even this quick trip took almost seven hours.
May 26 - Did the same bike ride again. You see more things on a bike than you do as a driver. As a driver you are going much faster and need to pay attention to the road more. I decided to stop by the Church of the Open Door. Ironically, the door was locked, but they answered the doorbell and I spoke with the pastor for about fifteen minutes. Nice that the repairs on 5th Avenue are finally done, but ran into two large dogs that were not chained up.
May 25 - Did some bicycling around Leavenworth. I think it was Thoreau who was asked why he never went to Europe and replied "I have not seen all of Concord County yet." Took Cherokee to 20th and then to Eisenhower and over to the Credit Union. There's a large sign for Kobach on Eisenhower. That seems like such a waste of money. Do people really decide to vote for based on seeing a sign that says "Kris Kobach, stop voter fraud"? I would hope that people try to be more informed. That they already know who is running, and would try to learn something about HOW each one will deal with voter fraud. Kobach has money for signs, but is he using any of that money to really inform voters? Because those signs are not doing it.
May 22 - Up early to drive to Lawrence for a candidates parade at the Dole Institute. A good crowd of about seventy, including a dozen candidates and some of their volunteers. Got to hear from some good candidates, starting with Tom Holland and finishing with Tom Koch and having candidates for Secretary of State, the State legislature, the county commission and also all three US Senate candidates. My third speech, and the first one with a time limit. I spoke without too much preparation, but could have used another minute, or perhaps more focus. Not bad for a rookie, but should have used the last half minute better.
Then, of course, I had to goto Wakarusa for some Godfather's pizza. Took the Interstate back to Tonganoxie. It was faster, but very busy and my little Tempo does not have the power to keep up with the fast traffic. For a small car, the gas mileage is bad too, not much better than my first car, a 1973 Chevy Nova.
May 20 - A whole day spent in Topeka. Starting on the road at ten, after I dropped off my recycling. First an interview with the Capital-Journal. Then to McDonalds for some fine dining. Thought of a big difference that I can walk the streets of Topeka in anonymity whereas Ryun, Boyda, and Jenkins could not. Also Westar would not talk to me without an appointment and the City Manager was out for the day. The Chamber was very nice and helpful as Chambers usually are, except on the national level where they consistently take the side of big business over the middle class.
The head of AARP was not in, but I got a bulletin from them on health care reform. It explains the medicare "cuts" that Republicans are trying to use against Democrats, even though they have often proposed the same thing, as detailed by The American Catholic. Couldn't find a place to park near KOSE, so went on to the Brown v. Board historical site. Spent an hour there re-learning history, although much I already knew from the PBS series "Eyes on the Prize" which I recently found at my local library. Wish they had made more mention of people like Elijah Lovejoy and John Brown. The short film talks only of the efforts of black people to fight slavery and segregation and it sounds like blacks were on one side and all whites on the other, when people like Lovejoy and perhaps also my great-great Grandfather and Joseph Koch (who died in the Civil War in Andersonville prison) gave their lives to end slavery. Also, as Wiki says "Again, white Freedom Riders were singled out for particularly brutal beatings." Surprisingly too, many Republicans in Congress voted for the Civil Rights legislation in 1964. But it's hard to squeeze 400 years of history into a 20 minute video.
Finally to McFarland's for the DAC meeting. Got to hear Kyle Kessler speak and learn more about him. He is the son of a Methodist minister. Glad he is running for the 52nd against Gordon. Finally back home almost twelve hours later.
May 16 - To McLouth for leadership training. If I am not elected to Congress then I will serve as Vice President of the local Kiwanis club. On the way back another passenger noted the absence of row crops. Which should have struck me since I am used to driving past corn fields. Leavenworth is larger than Doniphan County, but the ag census shows Doniphan with 100,000 acres under cultivation but Leavenworth with only 62,800 acres planted, with 59% being hay. Some land was pastured, but much is in CRP.
May 12 - Back to Topeka to meet the Chair of the 2nd District. Lousy weather but an informative meeting. A church on Topeka Boulevard reads "Turning 2 Government in times of trouble instead of turning 2 God leads 2 slavery." It's nice that they are writing like me, but I strongly disagree. Not that people should not turn to God, but we also have a right to petition our government, and doing so did not lead to slavery during the Great Depression. Further, in Matthew 25, Luke 10: 25, and James 2: 15 (among others) we are commanded to help others and not just exhort them to "turn 2 God" and government is a way for "we the people" to do what we want to accomplish - in this case, helping those in trouble.
May 8 - Back to Miami County by 1 p.m. Got to all the farms except the Pumpkin Patch which was supposed to be my first stop, but I got trapped in the left lane and missed the exit for 169 so took 69 and did my route backwards. Also drove past Powell Observatory so I'd be able to find it later.
May 7 - Up at 8 am, after working until 3 am the previous night. Drove to Topeka and introduced myself to the executive committee of Shawnee County. Got some ideas for a later visit, and also action plans for getting people to register. Then drove to Miami County to visit farms, with a pit-stop in Overbrook. Surprisingly Highway 68 is a better road than Highway 56 even though the map shows 56 as a principal road. Only had time to visit three farms. The first one specialized in butterflies which was helpful to me, since I am working on a butterfly garden. Then had some goat milk and almost ended up in Linn County. Ten hours on the road and never saw Jerry Moran blocking a road. Need to return tomorrow for the other seven farms.
May 2 - Got to visit with people from all over the state thanks to the Kansas Sampler. Got trapped in the SouthEast Kansas tent by a hail storm, but that was a good place to be. Got lots of reading material and a list of events and places to visit.
April 24 - Got up early and drove to Lawrence for a meeting of Douglas County Democrats. Got to meet Congressman Moore and also Stephene. Many other candidates there as well, and some other elected officials. Interesting talk on the Kansas budget. Between Fiscal Year 1995 and 2011 there have been almost $12 billion worth of tax cuts from the Kansas Legislature, including over a billion in the current fiscal year. Half of that is from property tax reductions and car tax reductions. Another $300 million from income tax cuts. This is similar to what has been done at the Federal level, except the tax cuts might not be so skewed to the wealthy. At least there is $66 million for the earned income credit and $44 million for the food sales tax rebate and $60 million for increases in the standard deduction and personal exemption.
Of course, since I was in Lawrence, I had to go to Wakarusa and get a pizza. Need to tour the town more thoroughly later. A church sign outside of Tonganoxie reads "Life is fragile, handle with prayer". Preferably Colossians 1: 9-12.
April 15 - Tax day kick-off. Drove much of the southern part of the district. First to Topeka. Learning my way around the big city. Found the SoS office easily and filed for office. Then down Highway 75 to Altoona. Noticed a couple of stimulus projects on Highway 75. Then on to Pittsburg for a candidates meeting. Said an Our Father on the road thanks to the signs. Had some trouble finding the school in Pittsburg and then was late to introduce myself, but gave my first campaign speech. Then back up Highway 69 to Leavenworth. A clear night and a small sliver of moon, but not much earthshine to light up the dark part.