INTERESTING YEAR IN POLITICS

5 THINGS YOU CANNOT RECOVER IN LIFE

A STONE AFTER IT IS THROWN

A WORD AFTER IT IS SAID

TIME AFTER IT IS GONE

TRUST AFTER IT IS LOST

AN OCCASION AFTER IT IS MISSED

Unknown

     "All politics are local" a saying that I don't know who made the phrase up but it is pretty accurate.  We have rotten leaders at the top because they got their start on a local level.  Sometimes they even started with the best of intentions.  So it is mandatory on our part that we have the best people willing to stick their necks into the fray as we can get.

     My local legislator I did not know before he was elected but I have gotten to know him since and am happy he is where he is at.  Several years ago my local legislator was my high school government teacher.  I did not care a lot for his politics and I asked him once if it was mandatory for a person heading to the capital to place their brains in a jar and leave them on the porch before going up there.  He did laugh and replied "you would think it was".

     Later in the same position was a friend and neighbor of mine and I thought they would eat him alive when he went to Topeka.  He was this rare animal that was a Conservative Democrat.  Which boiled down to both sides did not want to work with him.  Yet he turned out to be the most effective member of the House that I know.  It is a shame that his district was Gerrymandered so he could not move on to the Senate.

     I have a friend that I have gotten to know in the last two years from Ellinwood Kansas named J. Basil Dannebohm.  He is one of these people that sets his teeth into whatever he is doing and goes at it like a bulldog.  It is amusing how we met and our first impressions of each other.

     Basil has had a whirlwind of a life doing things that many wish they could pack into their lives but just don't have the energy to do.  And yet he does it in spite of the fact that he has Parkinson's.  Kansas was able to draw him back because the solid values and support of his home state appealed to him.

     He is a true believer in rural Kansas and as Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Ellinwood he has done everything he can to promote the towns interests at the state level as well as regionally.  Plus the fact that he works tirelessly for Parkinson's awareness and has been appointed to two Governors boards.

     Now he is running for the House seat in the 113th district.  This encompasses Ellinwood, St. John, Stafford, and Pratt.  I don't know if my recommendation means much out there but if I were in that district I would be very happy that Basil would take my interests to Topeka.  In fact he will get my two cents worth regardless.

      If we could get candidates of this caliber into Washington maybe things would not be such a mess.



NOW THAT'S RURAL!

OPEN YOU EYES, LOOK WITHIN.

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH

THE LIFE YOU ARE LIVING?

Bob Marley

     I spent part of a morning and afternoon with a room full of women.  All HEU home makers at the district meeting for Barber, Kingman, and Pratt counties, here in Medicine Lodge.  Not exactly having coffee with the guys.  It was an interesting day however.

     The first speaker was Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2013, Angel Shaver.  Her topic was MAINTAINING AN ATTITUDE WITH GRATITUDE.  The story of how she was on her way to the first La Maze class with her husband for her second baby turned out to be a day the changed her life forever.  After dropping her first child off with the baby sitter they came over the hill on a hilly Oklahoma road only to slide on gravel onto the highway and be T Boned by an oncoming Suburban.  She was Life Watched to Tulsa for trauma surgery and delivery of the baby 10 1/2 weeks premature.

      She was kept in an induced coma for 6 weeks.  An Orthopedic doctor that happened to be in Tulsa for a short time before going to California was able to take her pelvis which was broken free and one side turned 90 degrees, and turn it back and pinned it together.  It was not known if she would recognise anyone again and the ability to talk again was in doubt.

     Returning to Kansas which is one of only two states with a brain recovery and therapy program she has been able to articulate and function normally.  Accept for the fact that she is in a wheel chair.

     She was inspired by the writings of a paralysed writer about the ability to maintain an attitude of gratitude.  She was truly an inspirational lady who made you dismiss your ailments and start keeping track of the blessings that you have everyday.

     During lunch we were entertained by the FCC Singers:  Richard and Anita Poland and Tom & Jo Carr.

     The afternoon speaker was underwritten by the Kansas Humanities Council.  Ron Wilson, Director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University gave his talk on NOW THAT'S RURAL: ENTREPRENEURS AND INNOVATORS WHO SHAPED KANSAS COMMUNITIES. 

      Ron does a weekly essay on people in Kansas for radio and newspapers around the state.  He talked about people who pursued an idea and created thriving businesses some doing business world wide right here in Kansas.

     Ron Wilson is also known as the Kansas Poet Lariat.  Upon borrowing my hat so to be in character did one of his poems for us.  Ron lives outside Manhattan on a farm that they are in the 4th generation on and the homestead family was in the 5th generation on.  The Lazy T Ranch is also an Agri Tourism business with entertainment and rental facilities plus a Bed and Breakfast in the old farm house.

      For those of you that do not know what HEU is it is Homemakers Extension Units in each county.  Robin Eubank was the host Extension agent from Barber County, Jodi Drake from Pratt County and Andrea Wood from Kingman County.

     NOW THAT'S RURAL

LET'S TAKE A PAUSE

IN THREE WORDS I CAN SUM UP EVERYTHING I HAVE LEARNED

ABOUT LIFE:  IT GOES ON.

Robert Frost

     There are times when you have to just set back and ignore what is going on in the world.  With the incompetent and just plain criminal things going on in Washington, organizations picking and choosing fact from fantasy so they can control lives, Russia returning to its old ways, and any number of ways that you can be driven mad, lets just talk about something joyous.

     Whether it affects you or not, it is nice to have some joyful things in the news.  The canonization of Saint John the XXIII and John Paul II made one billion Catholics around the world very happy.  Of course the news media had to cover it as it was just to big to ignore.  And then they tried to find every negative thing they could to try and act as an authority.  Funny how so many of the media were so passionate and they don't even believe.

  And the more than 160,000 members of the Wichita Catholic Diocese have their new bishop after a year of waiting.   The Wichita event was broadcast nationwide with Bishops and religious coming from all over the nation to participate in the installation.  There were many familiar faces and names there that I have known for many years.

     With all the madness in the world it is nice to set back and watch something happening that is so historical and positive.  If you do not have a interest in the weeks happenings just enjoy that so many have been affected in a positive way.  A little belief in something bigger than you grounds you for all the things that make no sense at all.

     Pope (Saint) John XXIII was the first Pope I was aware of as a kid.  There are many things that can be said about him but for me he made the church something that did not require knowing another language to understand.

     Pope (Saint) John Paul II was the longest running pope in office and not an Italian.  He had a story that appealed to me and was instrumental in the break up of the Soviet Union.  He had been there so long that it was sad to watch him age.  And a shock when he was not there.
     To say the least Pope Francis has been an unexpected successor of Peter.  With a kinder and more common approach it is a delight just to hear his take on many things that have been taken for granted or lost along the way.  He has, and will leave a mark on the church and time will judge whether it is finding the way back to what it has supposed to be.
     Bishop Carl Kemme fulfills the prayers of the faithful in the Wichita Diocese that has been waiting for a year.  A kind and soft spoken leader he comes from rural background and seems to have the experience to take the reins of the church and lead it into the future.
      I know there are some that will not really give a hoot about this and that is sad.  There is enough grief and evil in the world for those who are working for the same goals to have petty differences.  Be glad there is some joy for many because of the coming of Easter and these special events during the Easter Season.

     

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE

ENSLAVE THE LIBERTY OF BUT ONE

HUMAN BEING AND THE LIBERTIES

OF THE WORLD ARE PUT IN PERIL

William Lloyd Garrison

     I know that you would rather hear about my take on the interesting things to do, places to visit, and people of rural Kansas.  But since I have taken on the job of giving my views there are things that have to be discussed.  Things that the mainstream media and those with vested interests just don't want you knowing about or having an opinion on.

     The advantage that technology has done is in the fact that I can give you my opinions without being subject to an editor or organization.  It gives me the chance to continue my free lance writing when many publications no longer assign work to free lancers.  It is very gratifying to me all those who pick up my stories every week and publish them in their papers.

     I hope you all will indulge me in the one time I am going to ask you to take a stand and do something for the good of the country.  Freedom is not only bought with the blood of our soldiers.  It is each citizen standing up and voicing their opinions and make their elected representatives respond to the health of our Republic.

     Tell me what all these agencies of the Federal Government have in common?  DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE, RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD, TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY, OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, US STATE DEPARTMENT, US ENERGY DEPARTMENT, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, NOAA, US POSTAL SERVICE, AND THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE?

     All these departments of the Federal Government as well as around 40 more all have, and maintain Swat Teams.  The stories pour in almost every day about a citizen being pulled out of their houses in front of their families being investigated about an alleged or suspected offense.  Many times the offenses did not amount to more than a misdemeanor and an allegation.

      You have seen the confrontation in Nevada with the team from the Bureau of Land Management.  The pictures are now coming in of the destruction of watering facilities and digging up the shot carcasses of cattle that were buried on the ranch.  No matter which side you are on in this matter, did a civil dispute warrant the threat to life from a Swat Team?

     This is only a fraction of the actions taken by departments of our government daily.  Also all of these Federal agencies have been on a spending spree of billions of dollars buying the ammunition and equipment for these teams.  Enough demand that the ammunition has become in short supply and the cost has risen dramatically.  More ammunition has been purchased by these agencies than has been expended in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. 

     Traditionally the FBI, DEA, US Marshals Service, state and Regional law enforcement agencies have Swat Teams and very good ones.  The addition of thousands of people to agencies other than these have no business having their own.

     What I am asking you to do is to contact you Senators, Representatives, State Senate and Reps. and the Attorneys General Office to pass legislation and rules delegating the traditional agencies the only ones to legitimately have Swat Teams.

     These stories have been posted in the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications and web sites as to these facts.

     IF YOU DO NOT STAND UP AND DEMAND THIS FROM YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS it may be you for some innocuous perceived infraction whose door is broken down, home and business trashed, and time and money spent proving your innocents.

     WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY?

OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, IN SPITE OF THE PEOPLE

I CANNOT TEACH YOU VIOLENCE, AS I DO

NOT MYSELF BELIEVE IN IT.  I CAN ONLY

TEACH YOU NOT TO BOW YOUR HEADS

BEFORE ANYONE EVEN AT THE COST

OF YOUR LIFE.

Mahatma Gandhi

     Most of you have by now heard of the range war going on in Nevada.  You have had to because with all the provocative actions taken by the Bureau of Land Management, and the resulting outrage, the news has not been able to ignore it as with other scandals.  This because of the number of cameras catching every bit of the confrontations between the rancher and the supporters.

     This is how the 1st Amendment was supposed to work.  By setting up a '1st Amendment area' in a roped off area three miles away, the BLM hoped to restrict the right of the people to stand up and say that this is wrong.  There is no roped off provision for free speech.

      Many of you may also think you know what the fight is all about and that would be a mistake.  Even though the news has to put up the pictures, even the one where a twenty year old man is shot nine times, they don't have to tell the whole story.  And the facts are still evolving.

     The fact remains that the clash with protesters has conveniently left out the questions that brought the Rangers to Taze Clives son and knock down a woman, was about two backhoes that were brought in.  The only reason to bring in backhoes is to dig.

     Surrounding livestock markets and officials had already told the BLM that they could not bring the stolen cattle into their markets to sell.  What is the alternative?

     Even the facts about the battle that the ranchers have been fighting with BLM has been misreported.  Remember that Cliven Bundy is the last of more than 50 ranchers that used to graze in Clark County.

      It is also a part of the story that Harry Reid's former aid is in charge of the BLM and there is question and a leaked memo putting Harry Reid's son in with a Chinese company that has negotiated to buy a lot of these acres in Clark County for a fraction of it's worth.

      The backing down by the BLM is for the reason that the threat of armed resistance existed.  This is the Second Amendment affect.  Although the last thing that we need is a shooting war between government agencies and the public, this possibility had an affect.

     Also as the BLM pulled back from this fight the papers were served on a rancher in New Mexico to evict him from his ranch that goes back to a Spanish Land Grant.  They are also trying to seize over 100 thousand acres along the Red River in Texas.  The Feds also have still turned off the water in California to save a minnow and let millions of gallons of water pour into the ocean each day.  This has ruined over 100,000 acres of farm land and you are, and will feel it in the grocery store.

     The fact that the majority of the West is held by the Federal government is devastating to state economies and the refusal to follow federal law on turning it back to the states is illegal.

      The final point I make is that the police powers of the nation are supposed to be in the Office of the United States Marshal.  It is mandated that these agencies have general law enforcement done by the county sheriffs.

     The existence of SWAT teams by the BLM, NOAA, Social Security Administration, Federal Wildlife Service, Home Land Security, and a dozen other agencies is an illegal forming of a National Police Force.

      I asked the retired Chief of Police from New York City where the National Police Force came from?  He did not know.  When I pointed it out to him he said that is an excellent question.  I have asked this of others in law enforcement and they cannot cite the law that empowers the build up of military type units in federal agencies that do not have the specific authority of the US Marshal, FBI, or other traditional agencies.

     With the millions of rounds of ammunition being purchased by the Federal Governments various agencies it not only has driven prices up, but has raised many questions.

     Lets hope that those who are willing to fight will stop for cooler heads.  It is a violent incident that all these agencies are waiting for to take this to a new level.

     No wonder Putin just laughs at our government.  Our government does the same things he does.

KANSAS GREAT SPRING FESTIVAL

THE REAL VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY CONSISTS

NOT IN SEEKING NEW LANDS, BUT

SEEING WITH NEW EYES

Marcel Proust

     It is soon time again for the great discovery of the sunflower state.  The last two years it had it's run in Liberal and for the next two years Wamego is going to be host for the KANSAS SAMPLER FESTIVAL. 

     Are you native to Kansas or a newcomer?  Do you know all the interesting things to do in this state.  Well the Sampler Festival is where to find out about it all.  150 Kansas communities, entrepreneurs sell Kansas made products.  Cultural heritage, Kansas entertainers, historic performers, food booths, and the famous Stump for Kansas where you can match wits with Marci Penner on facts about the Sunflower State.

     On May 3rd from 10am - 5pm and Sunday May 4th 10am - 4pm at the Wamego City Park you can take in the springtime finding out what there is to see, do, hear, taste, buy, and learn about Kansas.  Learn about hiking trails, day trips, landmarks, restaurants, off the beaten track eateries, historic sites, architectural gems, hole in the wall performing centers, artists, specialty shops, festivals, bed and breakfasts, and special events.

     I am a big fan of rural Kansas and there is always something I learn about the state.  You do not have to go to expensive locations out of state to have a great time.

     I am also very irritated with the life long Kansans that complain about how boring it is in the state and that there is not anything to do.  Well if you put that I Pad up and get out into the real country you may find what those who come here find.  The most friendly people and interesting places.  Kansas is a sportsman's paradise and we have the visitors to prove it.

      If you are one of those who only drive the Interstate highways then you are passing by some of the most interesting territory and friendly people in the world.

     The committee at Wamego has been working for two years getting ready to welcome you.  As you get there enjoy the Flint Hills and you might pop over to Manhattan and see that great Flint Hills Discovery  Center.

      When you get to the festival grounds make sure you go into the Sampler tent and become a Kansas Explorer and pick yourself up some Explorer merchandise.  Pop by the South Central Kansas booth and say Hi to Cindy and Kay from Medicine Lodge.  Be sure you stop and pickup information about all the bed and breakfasts in Kansas at the KBBA booth.

     When you see Marci Penner and Wendee LaPlant tell them what a great job they did.



CULTURE OF COWARDICE

          NEVER BE BULLIED INTO SILENCE.
                  NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE MADE A VICTIM.
                        ACCEPT NO ONE'S DEFINITION OF YOUR LIFE;
                                DEFINE YOURSELF.
                                                  Harvey Fierstein




     Back in the 1960's and 70's there was only two ways to legally carry a concealed weapon.  One as a private detective.  The other as a commissioned law enforcement officer.  Since municipal jurisdictions authority ended at the city limits all officers were issued deputy sheriff commissions in their counties.  These commissions were good anywhere in the state.  So many commission cards were handed out to cover all the legitimate needs for concealed carry it was almost like a deck of cards and a political reward for supporters.
     Through this time frame I carried a commission and later a Private Detective license.  There was a legitimate need at the time to have a large pool of auxiliary officers available.  In the largest county in Kansas there were sometimes only three beat officers per shift.  Even though there was a trained Reserve and Lake Patrol, in the event of a huge emergency this large manpower pool could be quickly called up.
      It always bothered me that nationwide if a private citizen stood up against an attacker and refused to be a victim, whether for themselves or others, there was always a statement afterward saying WE DON'T ADVOCATE STANDING AGAINST THE PERPETRATOR or WE DON'T RECOMMEND THAT THE PUBLIC TAKE THE LAW IN THERE OWN HANDS.
     On one hand everyone was happy that the person stood for right but warned that they shouldn't because they could "get hurt".  For a long time it has been a steady line from media and political sources that standing against wrong was not worth the risk.  A line that was very successful in 1930's Germany.
     As the thinking and statistics prove that the only way to defeat evil is to stand up to it.  People of courage were always looked up to through history.  Going to the bare bones 10 Commandments the proper original word was murder and not kill.  There are several definitions of acceptable acts of taking of life in Jewish Law, in Common Law, and our own Justice system.  One thing that was universal was that no one admired a coward.  And most people today don't.  Yet it is in every 'official' message that it is not a good idea to stand for right because you might get 'hurt'.
     Fortunately our founding fathers foresaw what could happen to their great experiment when the freedoms which have been hard won and sacrificed for could be turned against the people.  After attempt after attempt to disarm the American citizen there has been steady progress in assuring that you have the right to defend yourself and others from an evil act.
     Fortunately, God grants Man freedom of choice as does our Declaration of Independence.  You are not required to be a hero.  But I do not notice cowards being admired.