Voice For Liberty

Category: Politics

  • Kansas Republican online efforts lag

    If online political activity has any value, Kansas Republicans aren’t providing much. Many Kansas Republican websites and online outreach efforts are stale and lagging behind in providing timely and quality information.

    As of today, the most recent post on The Kansas Trunkline (promoted as “The Official Blog of the Kansas Republican Party”) is dated November 30, 2009. That’s coming up on three months old. If blogs have any defining characteristics, one is frequent updates with timely material. That’s not happening here.

    This blog is promoted on the front page of the Kansas Republican Party website. That site doesn’t fare much better with regard to timely updates. The most recent news item is from January 25. The Twitter feed displayed there has four posts for all of 2010. The site doesn’t have accurate information about who is — and how to contact — the executive director of the party.

    On the Kansas Republican Party’s Facebook page, the most recent post is from December 1, 2009. The Kansas Young Republicans Facebook page, however, does better.

    Even efforts using cutting-edge technology from campaigns aren’t doing better. SamForGov — that’s Sam Brownback’s campaign application for the iPhone — has an event from November 2, 2009 as the latest campaign event. Under “Campaign Updates,” the only item is a news release from September 3, 2009. The front page of the app still displays an invitation to Kansas Days. That event took place nearly four weeks ago.

    Some local Kansas Republican Party organizations do better. The Johnson County Republican Party seems to be up-to-date with useful information. The Sedgwick County counterpoint doesn’t fare as well.

    The Kansas Democratic Party has a revamped blog that allows for “community bloggers,” although so far only one has signed up. The blog has 10 posts so far for February. Not exactly a fount of information, but better than the stale Republican blog and websites.

    There’s a saying: “You are who Google says you are.” Google, of course, finds relevant websites based on what people say they’re looking for. But when Google (and other search engines) returns these websites with their stale news and out-of-date events, people lose confidence in the organizations that created the sites. Having visited once and finding little of value, people are not likely to return again.

    This is the case if Google even returns these sites in response to searches, as freshness and frequency of updates is thought to be a major factor Google uses in deciding which sites to display to users.

    As a Republican activist, I urge those in charge of these sites to make a commitment to providing fresh, timely, and relevant content. Part of how to accomplish this is to avoid delegating responsibility for the websites and blogs to “tech guys.” That’s because when it takes communication with technical support — and the possibility of receiving an invoice — to update a website or blog, the hassle factor means it doesn’t get done.

    Instead, party leaders, staff, volunteers, and activists need to know themselves how to update websites and blogs. This requires that these sites be built upon technology platforms — like WordPress blogs, for example — that allow for and encourage end-user updates and maintenance. It also takes a commitment by leadership and staff to be trained, and then ongoing disciplined effort to keep the sites updated.

  • ‘For Liberty’ to be shown in Wichita

    On Sunday, April 18, the Wichita State University chapter of Young Americans for Liberty is showing the film For Liberty: How the Ron Paul Revolution Watered the Withered Tree of Liberty. The film’s description is:

    As the 2007-08 presidential campaign cycle offered up the usual slate of Washington insiders, Ron Paul, an obscure Congressman from Texas brought an alternative voice that challenged the political establishment.

    Advocating a philosophy of sound money, a non-interventionist foreign policy, strict Constitutionalism, and individual liberty, Dr. Paul inspired a unique grassroots movement unmatched in American history — the repercussions of which continue to reverberate today and into the future of the American psyche.

    For Liberty: How the Ron Paul Revolution Watered the Withered Tree of Liberty follows this historic campaign from the perspective of grassroots activists, and showcases the unique, often bizarre, yet groundbreaking projects they undertook as they brushed aside traditional campaign methodology.

    The film will be shown Sunday, April 18 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Wichita State University CAC Theater. The event’s Facebook page is “For Liberty” Screening.

  • Kansas news digest

    News from alternative media around Kansas for February 22, 2010.

    Proponents of bill want to force ‘charity’

    (Kansas Liberty) “Kansas hospitals say they have been stepping up to the plate and helping individuals with their health bills, but left-wing organizations say the goodwill assistance needs to be required by law.”

    Senate kills attempt to abolish death penalty

    (Kansas Liberty) “The Kansas Senate deliberated today for several hours on whether to repeal the state’s death penalty. Much of the debate focused on how legislators’ religion played into their decision to either support or oppose the legislation and whether the families of victims sought the death penalty for offenders.”

    Unelected SOS to make crucial appointment in 2010

    (Kansas Liberty) “Because of the timing of former Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh’s resignation, the person Gov. Mark Parkinson appoints to replace Thornburgh will have the ability to make an appointment of his own, in addition to serving on the state’s three-member canvassing board.”

    Kansas Senator Tom Holland Announces Democratic Bid For Governor

    (State of the State KS) “Kansas Senator Tom Holland (D) announced his bid to become the next Governor of Kansas on Wednesday.”

    Water Conservation Raises Concern of Stockpiling for Financial Gain

    (State of the State KS) “A water conservation effort raised concerns over hording of water for financial gain when other businesses around the state could put the water to use.”

    Tea Party Activists Vet Candidates at Winter Rally

    (State of the State KS) “Republican and Libertarian candidates campaign for votes with Tea Party activists on Saturday in Wichita.”

    Texting ban passes Senate

    (Kansas Health Institute News Service) “TOPEKA – The Kansas Senate has approved a ban on sending text messages and e-mails while driving. The Senate approved Senate Bill 351 by a margin of 34-6 after making the penalty for a first-time offense a $100 fine. Use of a hands-free cellular telephone while driving would not be an offense and e-mailing or texting would be allowed in emergencies.”

    Child welfare hearings rescheduled

    (Kansas Health Institute News Service) “TOPEKA – Blame it on the blizzard. The chairman of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee said he had to reschedule a series of hearings on child welfare issues because he couldn’t reach the featured speakers, both of whom work in Washington, D.C.”

    Bankers see bleak job prospects for Kansans

    (Kansas Reporter) “TOPEKA, Kan. – Prospects for Kansas’ and the Midwest’s struggling economies took a turn for the worse in February on bleaker jobs prospsects, according to a monthly survey of bank executives. The Rural Mainstreet Index, an economic barometer for small town economies in 11 Midwestern states, dropped to 36.6 in February from 41.1 in January, primarily because of an expected drop in new job opportunities, reports Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, one of the creators of of the monthly survey.”

    Kansas needs stronger plan for tax breaks, audit finds

    (Kansas Reporter) “TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas needs a stronger system for determining when to grant tax breaks to a wide variety of charities, public service groups, business development organizations and others, say two state audits released Wednesday.”

    Audit: Redrawing court districts would save millions

    (Kansas Reporter) “TOPEKA, Kan. – Crunching Kansas’ 31 state judicial districts into 13 potentially would save the state about $6.2 million annually, legislative auditors told the Kansas House Appropriations Committee Tuesday.”

    Smoking Ban Advocate Says Some Claims Just Smoke

    (Kansas Watchdog) “Opponents to a statewide total smoking ban say anti-tobacco advocates are playing a little loose with their facts. They have an unlikely ally in Michael Siegel, a medical doctor and professor of community health sciences at Boston University’s School of Public Health. He’s a long-standing anti-tobacco advocate, a proponent of smoking bans and a strong critic of bad science.”

    Schools for Fair Funding Proceeds with Lawsuit; Permits No-notice Meetings

    (Kansas Watchdog) “NEWTON – Schools for Fair Funding (SFFF) voted today to proceed with a lawsuit seeking an increase in state education funding. Today’s meeting was the first since the Kansas Supreme Court’s rejection last week of the group’s petition to reopen the Montoy case mandating increased funding for K-12 public education. The group also made several changes to its bylaws, including one that allows an expanded board of directors to hold unannounced meetings.”

    Kansas Supreme Court Justice asks Ethics Commission for opinion

    (Kansas Watchdog) “TOPEKA – On Wednesday Kansas Supreme Court Justice Carol Beier asked the Ethics Commission whether the retention election for the position of Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court was governed by the Kansas Campaign Finance Act. One member of the commission commented about the irony of a Supreme Court justice asking for an opinion in a legal matter.”

    Government payrolls show continuing, long-term growth as private sector jobs decline

    (Kansas Watchdog) “Kansas continues to lose private sector jobs as it adds more taxpayer-funded government jobs, a trend mirrored at the national level. The private sector lost 57,900 jobs between December 2007 and December 2009 while government added 3,200 jobs in Kansas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Local government grew the most over the two years, adding 2,000 jobs for a total of 182,900 jobs in the state, followed closely by the federal government which added 1,900 jobs for a total of 26,000. State government jobs decreased by 700 to 53,100 jobs.”

  • Mary Ann Glendon to appear in Wichita for Pompeo

    Mary Ann Glendon, who was the United States Ambassador to the Holy See and is the Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, will appear in Wichita for two events on behalf of the Mike Pompeo campaign for the Republican party nomination for the United States House of Representatives from the fourth district of Kansas.

    Last year Glendon turned down an award from Notre Dame University when she learned that President Barack Obama would be receiving an honorary degree at the same time.

    There will be two events on March 2. One is a private lunch event for donors. The second is a free public event titled “Faith, Family, and Liberty.” It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Wichita at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.).

    For more information, contact Susan Pompeo at spompeo@cox.net or click on Former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican coming to Wichita.

  • Kansas news digest

    News from alternative media around Kansas for February 16, 2010.

    Supreme Court denies motion to reopen Montoy case

    (Kansas Liberty) “The Kansas Supreme Court decided today that it would not be reopening the Montoy school funding case. … Reopening the Montoy case would have saved the districts a significant amount of time and money.”

    Committee considers school consolidation

    (Kansas Liberty) “Small district complains that community economically relies on schools, Representative says towns should not solely rely on taxpayer dollars to function.”

    Groups launch government transparency Web page

    (Kansas Liberty) “Americans for Prosperity and the Kansas Policy Institute have teamed up to provide an online transparency tool that will allow Kansas residents to see exactly how the government uses their taxpayer dollars.”

    Joe the Plumber Campaigns For 4th Dist. Candidate Jim Anderson

    (State of the State KS) “Joe ‘The Plumber’ Wurzelbacher talks about his role in the 2008 Presidential election and why he is endorsing 4th Congressional District candidate Jim Anderson (R).”

    Senate Education Debates Catastrophic Aid For School Districts

    (State of the State KS) “The Senate Education Committee debated changes to catastrophic aid for school districts after claims jumped to $12 million in 2009 and are estimated to be $47 million this year.”

    Rep. Jim Ward Discusses Education Funding and Budget Solutions

    (State of the State KS) “Rep. Jim Ward (D) talks about budget options. He is the House Assistant Minority Leader.”

    House panel rejects proposed tax-break moratorium

    (Kansas Reporter) “TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas House Taxation committee members rejected a state panel’s recommended three-year moratorium on new sales, property and other tax exemptions.”

    Sales tax plan hurts low income Kansans, critics say

    (Kansas Reporter) “TOPEKA, Kan. – A Kansas panel’s proposal to streamline sales tax exemptions in the state would hurt many of the state’s most fragile citizens, critics told state legislators.”

    Supreme Court denies schools’ bid to reopen funding suit

    (Kansas Reporter) “TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas’ Supreme Court Friday rejected a request by 74 Kansas schools to reopen a landmark school financing case and allow the schools to seek a reversal of recent state school funding cuts.”

    House committee rejects moratorium on tax credits or exemptions

    (Kansas Health Institute news service) “TOPEKA – The House Taxation Committee concluded hearings Tuesday on a bill that would repeal sales tax exemptions for non-profits and charities and eliminate the state exemption on the sale of residential utilities.”

    People who lost state-funded social services tell their stories

    (Kansas Health Institute news service) “TOPEKA – Daniel Perez is a single parent. His 18-year-old son, Danny, is severely autistic. When left alone, Danny will spend hours crinkling cellophane. ‘It’s what he likes to do,’ his father said.”

    Government payrolls show continuing, long-term growth as private sector jobs decline

    (Kansas Watchdog) “Kansas continues to lose private sector jobs as it adds more taxpayer-funded government jobs, a trend mirrored at the national level. The private sector lost 57,900 jobs between December 2007 and December 2009 while government added 3,200 jobs in Kansas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).”

    Fuzzy “Facts” vs Freedom in Smoking Ban Debate

    (Kansas Watchdog) “There’s almost no debate that smoking is unhealthy, but there’s plenty of debate about whether and how to implement a statewide ban on smoking in public to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. Interested citizens, lobbyists and speakers filled the Health and Human Services hearing room in the Docking building Wednesday.”

    LPA School Consolidation Audit Points the Way for Savings

    (Kansas Watchdog) “Monday’s Legislative Post Audit school consolidation report found the state could save as much as $138 million per year by consolidating smaller school districts. … Several district superintendents filed objections to the report, most citing a desire for local control of consolidation decisions and a desire to avoid the challenges of working with other districts. LPA auditors stated, ‘None of the issues they raised prohibit consolidation.’”

  • Journey to speak on ‘crystal ball of politics’

    This Friday, former Kansas senator and current district court judge Phil Journey will speak to members and guests of the Wichita Pachyderm Club. His topic is “The Crystal Ball of Politics.” Journey is an engaging speaker, and many members are looking forward to this meeting.

    All are welcome to attend Pachyderm club meetings. The program costs $10, which includes a delicious buffet lunch including salad, soup, two main dishes, and ice tea and coffee. The meeting starts at noon, although it’s recommended to arrive fifteen minutes early to get your lunch before the program starts.

    The Wichita Petroleum Club is on the ninth floor of the Bank of America Building at 100 N. Broadway (north side of Douglas between Topeka and Broadway) in Wichita, Kansas (click for a map and directions). Park in the garage just across Broadway and use the sky walk to enter the Bank of America building. Bring your parking garage ticket to be stamped and your parking fee will be only $1.00. There is usually some metered and free street parking nearby.

  • Second Lecture on Liberty to be in Emporia

    The second in the series of three Lectures on Liberty will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at the historic Granada Theater in downtown Emporia. The speaker will be Jonathan Bean, professor of history at Southern Illinois University and the editor of Race and Classical Liberalism, a wonderful collection of original sources which has been endorsed by Ward Connerly, Shelby Steele, and Linda Chavez, among others. Professor Bean will be speaking on the topic: “God Almighty Made But One Race: Separating Race and State.” The lecture is free and open to the public and begins at 7:00 pm.

    The ESU Lectures on Liberty was conceived by Greg Schneider, professor of History at Emporia State University, to bring in important academics who support the idea of research and scholarship on critical issues regarding liberty in American history. The lecture series is underwritten by the Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation in Wichita.

    For more information, contact Dr. Schneider, gschneid@emporia.edu, 620-341-5565.

    The Granada Theater is at 807 Commercial Street in downtown Emporia. Google maps shows that from Central and Rock Road in Wichita, it’s a 84 mile drive that should take one hour and 22 minutes. Click here for the Google map with driving directions.

  • Wichita winter tea party: it’s inside this Saturday

    Kansans For Liberty is hosting a tea party this Saturday February 20 at Century II Exhibition Hall. It starts at 1:00 pm.

    Lynda Tyler, the organizer for this event, says that there are two levels to this event: A stage with organizations, candidates, a forum, ending with keynote speaker Apostle Claver.

    The other level is the decorated tables around the outside of the room representing organizations and campaigns from all over Kansas.

    The event is free to the public. There will be raffles for flags, baskets, dinners to Mike’s Steakhouse, and two tickets to see Sarah Palin at the Intrust Bank Arena in May. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or 3 for $2.00. The door prize drawing is for two tickets to the VIP Round Table breakfast with Mike Huckabee on February 24th at 8:15 that morning.

    There is an after rally VIP Fundraising Dinner with Apostle Claver at Whiskey Creek Steakhouse. Tickets for this event are $50.00.

    Radio personality Paul Ibbetson, host of “The Conscious of Kansas” on Wildcat 91.1 in Manhattan, will emcee the event.

    Candidates for the United State Senate Todd Tiahrt and Jerry Moran will address the crowd early in the event.

    Insurance Commissioner candidate David Powell will speak, followed by Dr. George Watson speaking on health care issues facing America Today.

    The Independence Caucus group will explain their vetting process that will help voters understand the various positions and views of the candidates who have gone through the process. They will also introduce the congressional candidates who have gone through this process and where you can find the results online.

    The Fair Tax KC group will be here with a plan to eliminate the IRS.

    There are two state sovereignty organizations coming that have been instrumental in the push for Kansas to send a resolution to Washington DC so that we will no longer tolerate the federal government stepping on the constitutional rights of the states and their citizens.

    Kansas Libertarian Party chairman Andrew P. Gray will speak on the party’s 2010 plans and activities.

    The Great American Forum will take about an hour to showcase the U.S. Congressional Candidates for the 4th District.

    The keynote speaker is “Apostle Claver” T. Kamau-Imani, founder and chairman of www.ragingelephants.org He is a dynamic speaker whose mission includes getting people to “Vote their values — not a party.”

    KansansforLiberty.com has details and more information, including a list of the organizations confirmed to be at the Winter Rally.

  • Mike Huckabee to appear in Wichita for Dick Kesley

    On Wednesday, February 24th, former Arkansas Governor, Republican Presidential Candidate, and winner of the Kansas Republican Caucus Mike Huckabee will be in Wichita in support of the Dick Kelsey for Congress campaign.

    There will be two events, both held at the Holiday Inn at Kellogg and Rock Road. At 8:15 am there is a V.I.P. Roundtable at a cost of $500/person, which also includes admission to the General Event. At 9:00 am is the General Event at a cost of $100/person. A press conference follows at 9:45. All funds go to support Senator Dick Kelsey for Congress. Call 316-771-7310 for tickets and more information.