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Showing posts with label Jefferson City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jefferson City. Show all posts
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Missourians! Know This About Your Republican Party Legislature in Jefferson City
I don't think enough Missourians know how many times our Republican Party legislature in Jefferson City has overruled our, the people's will and vote. Herewith are three very recent examples.
So glad our Republican Party legislature in Jefferson City overturned the people's vote to--
1) Not approve concealed carry 2) Not approve of Right to Work laws and now, the most recent 2) accept Medicaid funding from the Federal Government so the poorest of the state has health care. On each of these issues, the people spoke and the Republican Party legislators in our state capitol overturned it, them, and did the exact opposite. Aren't you glad we have representative government, folks? I know I am.
Friday, April 9, 2021
Be Aware, Missourians---Republicans In Jeff City Are Also Working on Vote Suppression Here
From NPR today: The same day last month that Georgia's legislature passed a controversial new voting bill, Missouri's Republican-led House approved one of its own. It would impose strict photo ID and other requirements on voting.
Both bills are part of a wave of measures proposed across the country after the 2020 elections, and reflect a deep partisan divide over who has access to the polls and how. The divide is not new, but the sides have become increasingly entrenched.
Understand, folks. The Republicans and their ideas and work is so very unpopular with the rest of us out here in America that they have found the only way they can get or stay in government offie is to HAVE FEWER AMERICANS VOTE. They are actively working, now in 47 states, to disenfranchise fellow working, tax paying American citizens, voters. This cannot stand. We mustn't allow this. Call your government representatives. Tell them to support HR1 in the House and S1 in the Senate. We must stop all attempts at vote suppression.
Friday, April 2, 2021
Republicans Threatening Our Democracy, State by State
Americans the nation over need to understand just what Republicans are doing or are trying to do, state by state, statehouse to statehouse, including Missouri and Kansas.
Stop vote suppression, folks. We're under attack here and it's coming from fellow citizens, from Republicans and their Republican Party. They're attacking our votes, our elections, the election process and Democracy itself, all for their own political party. Their ideas and goals and candidates are so patently, reliably bad they have to do this, disenfranchise fellow Ameericans in order to get and stay in office. It is an assault on Democracy and certainly un-American. Contact your representatives and tell them this will not, this cannot stand. Stop vote suppression. Also, pass the For the People Act. It truly is for the people.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Missourians! Know What's On Amendment 3 This November!
Coming up in November, with our election, is Amendment 3. We need to know what's in it and what's being attempted.
Below is the language for Amendment 3-The Dirty Missouri Amendment that is about rigging maps to protect incumbent politicians-that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
It is important to read the entire amendment. If one only reads the first two sections you might be inclined to vote yes, but it is a definite NO vote you should cast.
Don’t be fooled by the first two sections. It would reduce the lobbyist gift limit by $5 dollars only and it would lower the contribution limit for state senate candidates by only $100 - That’s it. That’s the list. That’s how politicians are hoping to dupe you. It is the remainder of the ballot that does the damage to Missouri voters and would reinstate gerrymandered districts and make it all but impossible for voters to oust embedded and corrupt politicians.
Why are politicians trying to overturn the will of Missouri voters?
2020 is politicians’ last chance to set things up for gerrymandered maps in 2021 that would last through 2030. They want:
For more details go to https://www.cleanmissouri.org/dirty-missouri/
Ballot language is below -
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
Below is the language for Amendment 3-The Dirty Missouri Amendment that is about rigging maps to protect incumbent politicians-that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
It is important to read the entire amendment. If one only reads the first two sections you might be inclined to vote yes, but it is a definite NO vote you should cast.
Don’t be fooled by the first two sections. It would reduce the lobbyist gift limit by $5 dollars only and it would lower the contribution limit for state senate candidates by only $100 - That’s it. That’s the list. That’s how politicians are hoping to dupe you. It is the remainder of the ballot that does the damage to Missouri voters and would reinstate gerrymandered districts and make it all but impossible for voters to oust embedded and corrupt politicians.
Why are politicians trying to overturn the will of Missouri voters?
2020 is politicians’ last chance to set things up for gerrymandered maps in 2021 that would last through 2030. They want:
- Unfair, noncompetitive districts to limit voters’ ability to hold their leaders accountable
- New rules to let lobbyists and political operatives draw lines in back rooms
- Explicit allowances for extreme partisan gerrymandering
- To not count kids or non-citizens in Missouri’s population
- Unprecedented restrictions on citizens’ abilities to challenge unfair maps in court
For more details go to https://www.cleanmissouri.org/dirty-missouri/
Ballot language is below -
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
• Ban gifts from paid lobbyists to legislators and their employees: • Reduce legislative campaign contribution limits:
• Change the redistricting process voters approved in 2018 by: (i) transferring responsibility for drawing state legislative districts from the Nonpartisan State Demographer to Governor-appointed bipartisan commissions: (ii) modifying and reordering the redistricting criteria. State governmental entities expect no cost or savings. Individual local governmental entities expect significant decreased revenues of a total unknown amount.
VOTE NO
VOTE NO
Link:
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Congratulations, Missouri!! You Done Good!!
Yes sir and ma'am, Missouri won yesterday with our election and we won in at least a few ways. Here are some of those.
First, more and bigger than anything else, we won on Medicaid expansion.
It was obscene and insane we didn't have this years ago. We were literally turning down and turning away federal dollars we could have otherwise gotten--and people would have been helped with health care at the same time. Lunacy. Thank goodness we finally have this now.
For an overview of our statewide good news yesterday.
Some highlights from this Kansas City Star article:
The wins by Finneran and Canady solidify the Democratic ticket moving into the fall, where Democrats hope to win back statewide offices that are all currently held by Republicans.
State Auditor Nicole Galloway faced no serious opposition in Tuesday’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, making her the party’s flag bearer heading to November.
“Gov. Parson had his chance. He failed the test of leadership. It’s time for a change,” Galloway said during her victory speech Tuesday night.
And she's so right, so correct.
These next two were welcome news, too, if not surprising.
This one was a big, big surprise, at least to me.
A bit from the article:
A major figure in Missouri Democratic politics fell Tuesday night as community activist Cori Bush upset 10-term incumbent William Lacy Clay, Jr. in the 1st Congressional District, unofficial election results show.
Bush, 44, pulled ahead with 48.6 percent of the vote to Clay Jr.’s 46.5 percent, according to the Associated Press.
Clay, 64, has represented Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, which includes St. Louis City and parts of St. Louis County, for 10 terms since 2001. He replaced his father, William Lacy Clay Sr., who served in the role for more than three decades starting in 1969.
That's pretty incredible by itself. It will be very interesting to see if this is part of a larger movement and trend.
It will be interesting, too, and hopefully nothing but wonderful, to see if we Missourians overturn the Republicans' attempt in Jefferson City to undo our Clean Missouri legislation this November. I believe it's going to sail through. We absolutely need to keep them from gerrymandering the state worse than it already is.
On to November and let's win there!
VOTE!!
And VOTE BLUE!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Is Missouri Governor Parson Trying to Out-Stupid Donald Trump?
Missouri's Governor Parson---showing that not just this deeply ignorant, even dangerous Republican Party President Trump can be or is reckless and stupid. First, last week, he did this:
Because yeah. In a pandemic.
Then yesterday, he said this.
From Randy Turner today at The Turner Report blog out of Joplin, Missouri.
"No truth to the rumor- Gov. Parson directed the Department of Tourism to use the $15 million CARES Act grant to promote Missouri through the slogan- Come to Missouri, Get COVID 19. You'll Get Over It!"
Once again and as ever, thanks, Republicans!
Friday, July 10, 2020
An Open Letter to Senator Josh Hawley
From Senator Hawley's Facebook page today.
He posted it on his Facebook page today with this:
To which I resond:
Dear Senator Hawley,
Could and would you please do some real, actual work for the citizens of Missouri, Senator? Please? Actual work. Things that help us. Stop this obvious, pitiful, pathetic posturing and see to it hospitals across the state have enough personal equipment for this pandemic and/or work on improving our infratstructure, as just two easy, fast, important examples?
I can't believe we have to say this. I say again, I-70 needs improving, updating and widening, for pity's sake, from St. Louis, all across the state to Kansas City. How dare you waste time on this while we have real, actual needs. What the absolute heck. Get busy. Do actual work. Stop grandstanding. Please.
Your rant here and this issue is about an NBA TEAM.
May I point out to you, sir, that THERE IS NOT ONE NBA TEAM IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF MISSOURI?
How ironic, how hypocritical can you get, sir? Hopefully no more or worse than this.
This news broke yesterday.
Meanwhile, this news broke today.
These all have the potential to effect Missourians.
It's surprising you're not embarrassed by this post but that you proudly put it out there, instead. This is insane. It shows your deeply skewed, very wrong priorities or a lack of priorities at all.
Get to work. For the citizens of Missouri. Again, for pity's sake, top the grandstanding.
This news broke yesterday.
Missouri again breaks record for
most COVID-19 cases
Meanwhile, this news broke today.
These all have the potential to effect Missourians.
It's surprising you're not embarrassed by this post but that you proudly put it out there, instead. This is insane. It shows your deeply skewed, very wrong priorities or a lack of priorities at all.
Get to work. For the citizens of Missouri. Again, for pity's sake, top the grandstanding.
Please.
It's hard to believe anyone has to even say this.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Republicans In Jefferson City Try to Undo the People's Will
Do you think it’s okay for legislators to overturn legislation the people voted into law?
The people passed Clean Missouri Amendment passed in 2018 by 62% of the vote.
The Missouri Republican Party wants to overturn this amendment. The reason is power. This amendment will control the power the Republicans have.
In case you aren't completely familiar with what the Clean Missouri initiative is.
The proposed constitutional amendment would do what legislators have failed to do, imposing gift limits for legislators, lowering campaign contribution limits, changing the length of time required before becoming lobbyists, and change the model for drawing districts in order to prevent partisan gerrymandering.
The Clean Missouri Initiative proposes to clean up the Show-Me State’s ethics with the following actions:
- Require that lawmakers wait two years before they could turn around and lobby their colleagues. (Governor Eric Greitens called for a revolving door ban from the legislature, and established a lobbying ban for employees departing from the executive branch with his executive order signed on January 9, 2017.)
- Eliminate almost all lobbyist gifts worth more than $5 (As of publishing this article, Members of the General Assembly, along with their staff and families, have already accepted over $1 million in gifts from lobbyists this year. Sen. Mike Kehoe had put together a bill with similar language, calling it the “Cup of Coffee” bill, implying that lobbyists wouldn’t be able to spend more than they would on a cup of coffee. Rep. Justin Alferman had also filed a bill, the first one passed by the House in 2017, but neither bill advanced in the Senate.)
- Eliminate partisan gerrymandering when it comes to redrawing lines for legislative districts and make the races more fair and competitive. (To do this, the petition calls for an independent state demographer to lead on technical work in creating district maps, which would then be reviewed by a citizen commission.)
- Set campaign donation limits at $2,500 for the state Senate and $2,000 for the House. (The current state law, as set forth by Constitutional Amendment 2, which passed in the Nov. 2016 election, sets the mark at $2,600.)
- Limiting the ability of individuals and organizations to circumvent the contribution cap limits by counting the money from single-source committees toward the totals for the actual original donors.
- Put an end to legislative fundraising on state property
- Require legislative records and proceedings to be open to the public
How or why should any legislator or political party in our state be against any of the above?
With that, we ask that you please call or write Governor Mike Parson and tell him you want and we all need, deserve, a veto on this obvious power grab. His number is number (573) 751-3222.
Links:
Thursday, April 2, 2020
An Open Letter to Missouri's Governor Mike Parson
Governor Parson,
Sir, you are not doing yourself or our state, Missourians, any favors by his not putting in place a statewide stay-at-home order for this coronavirus pandemic. Just check out a few of the headlines. So far, as you know, this has been your stance, through today.
Missouri Governor Resists Calls
for Stay-at-Home Order
Meanwhile, major cities are doing the right thing, as we know even right here in Kansas City but others, too.
Three Missouri jurisdictions require citizens to stay home
Heck, even counties across the state have declared stay-at-home orders.
Famously, our neighbors to the West were able to do this, wisely.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly establishes statewide Stay at Home Order
Some current statistics on us, on Missouri just now with this virus. Pointing out the reason for concern and why this action needs to be taken.
Some leaders across the nation have taken to the media and social media to chastise others who won't put these into effect.
Even St. Louis is trying to either figure out your stance or explain it. And it, too, doesn't reflect well on you.
Here's just some statistics for the nation, breaking today from The Hill:
U.S. death toll tops 5,000:
Additionally, there is data showing the benefits of these stay at home orders.
Meanwhile, Missourians and groups of Missourians are asking you, sir to do just this, put in a stay-at-home order.
- More than 1,000 Americans died of the coronavirus yesterday, moving the total American deaths from the virus to more than 5,100. https://bit.ly/39AYhZT
- In the New York City metropolitan area alone: More than 1,374 people have died. The states total deaths have totaled at least 1,941, according to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). https://bit.ly/3aDWZ1o
- There are more than 217,000 cases in the United States. https://cnn.it/2UAgW3y
Additionally, there is data showing the benefits of these stay at home orders.
Meanwhile, Missourians and groups of Missourians are asking you, sir to do just this, put in a stay-at-home order.
This could be a reason or one of the reasons you aren't issuing this statewide stay order.
You know, we know, you need the hard support of all his Republican and Right Wing, very conservative base and you maybe want to follow this President's lead, perhaps.
But here's the thing. Here's why these stay-at-home orders are needed just now and so important.
Physical distancing is vital to
change coronavirus math
Ironically, this op/ed writer says stay at home orders are the best way to save, yes, the economy.
Sure, it's tough, very tough on the economy and business.
But what, ultimately, is more important?
Business or our lives?
So we implore you, Governor Parsons. please issue a statewide stay-at-home order at least through April 24 or the end of April. At least. It's the right thing to do. Heck, even Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis did it, yesterday. Even he saw the importance of it.
Please sir. Do this. Do the right thing. And soon as possible. Today would be great. These are tough times. This is a tough situation. We, the citizens of Missouri, need this.
Sincerely,
Lots of Missouri citizens, all across the state, including and maybe especially the medical community of our state
So we implore you, Governor Parsons. please issue a statewide stay-at-home order at least through April 24 or the end of April. At least. It's the right thing to do. Heck, even Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis did it, yesterday. Even he saw the importance of it.
Please sir. Do this. Do the right thing. And soon as possible. Today would be great. These are tough times. This is a tough situation. We, the citizens of Missouri, need this.
Sincerely,
Lots of Missouri citizens, all across the state, including and maybe especially the medical community of our state
Link:
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Missouri's Sad State of Infrastructure
I've written about Missouri's sad state of infrastructure here before. Our roads and streets and bridges, not just here in Kansas City but statewide.
It seems clear, with Republican-led government, on the state or national level, either one, we--read: they--just don't want to fund the basics like education or, again, infrastructure. Millions and billions for perpetual war in foreign countries but far too little for our own nation.
So along comes this study:
Check out these statistics from the article:
More than 47,000 bridges in the United States are in crucial need of repairs, says the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, or ARTBA. The group, which advocates for investment in transportation infrastructure, analyzes data from the Federal Highway Administration and releases an annual Deficient Bridge report.
This year's report, released Monday and based on 2018 data, found:
- There are 616,087 bridges in America
- Of those, 47,052 (nearly 8%) are "structurally deficient" and need urgent repairs
- 235,020 bridges (38%) need some sort of repair
- Americans cross structurally deficient bridges 178 million times a day, including such landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge and the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge over the San Francisco Bay
- The average age of a structurally deficient bridge is 62 years
The states with the highest number of compromised bridges are:
Iowa (4,675)
Pennsylvania (3,770)
Oklahoma (2,540)
Illinois (2,273)
Missouri (2,116)
We're one of the worst, one of the top 5 states with bridges in poor repair in the nation.
Meanwhile, this is our current status:
“President Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to upgrade America's crumbling infrastructure. Even though some Democratic leaders have expressed a willingness to work with him on a plan, little progress has been made on the issue.”
We need to demand more, much more from our legislators, in Jefferson City and Washington, both.
We've been in Afghanistan, either blowing things up or building schools for 18 years.
Even Chinese billionaire Jack Ma has pointed this out.
What part of that makes sense?
Let's get back to taking care of the important things.
At home.
We can't be strong over there if we're weak over here.
Links:
Links:
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Right Wing, Republican Party Extremism Coming Out of Jefferson City Lately
Have you seen some of the headlines lately, coming out of our very Republican, Right Wing, wackjob state capitol and government? Here are just a few and from the past few days.
Missouri lawmakers approve Bible class in public schools
Clearly not familiar with church and state being "separate", for starters. They'd be the first to criticize some Middle Eastern, Muslim country for having religion in government but boy howdy, do they want theirs in ours.
And this is just the beginning of their Right Wing insanity.
They need to Google the Supremacy Clause. (Link below).
All the "good old boys" got together for this one. Every Goober for 200 miles. And it shows. But wait...
A law.
Requiring--REQUIRING--Missourians to own a gun. Required to BUY a gun. Required to buy an AR-15, a semi-automatic weapon.
Insane.
Keep in mind, of course, this is all from the political party that says it's for "small government." God forbid they had any restraint.
And God help us.
Better yet, folks. Vote. Vote and never miss a vote. And vote these people out.
Link:
Monday, February 11, 2019
What Is It With Republicans Undoing Voters', Constituents' Expressed Wishes?
Time and again both in Missouri and across the nation, Republicans have been shown to be working to undo things their constituents already voted on. It's happening right now, right here in Missouri.
We Missourians all voted to have more openness in our government and to know what's going on in it. Those pesky Republicans want nothing to do with it so they're working to undo our vote.
There is, fortunately, just one little problem with their trying to undo the voters' will, at least this time.
But it's not just here in Missouri. Republicans in other states, too, have, time and again, gone against their own constituents, gone against the will of the people, the popular vote, people be damned.
This is from last month.
This is happening now, too.
How long are we going to put up with this, folks?
How long are we going to tolerate this?
Link:
Get the Big, Ugly Money Out of Our Election System and Government
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Oh, Happy Day! Hope For and In America
We Missourians got a pretty huge, very unexpected "two-fer Tuesday" yesterday.
A racist got fired from her own TV show and an extramarital sex blackmailing Missouri Governor had to resign from his job, all on the same day.
All in all, a great, if unexpected day. Enough to give a person hope for us.
Next up? The Orange Man? And his entire administration?
Hey. We can hope.
Have a great day, y'all.
Have a great day, y'all.
Think happy thoughts.
Very happy thoughts.
Link:
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
So You Want To Run For Governor of Missouri...
Think about this.
It's 2016.
You're young.
You were a Navy Seal.
You're done some fundraising for the Seals---you say--and it was supposed to be successful.
You're a reasonably well-spoken guy. Not bad looking (sadly, that matters in America).
You're Right Wing and a gun lover and the nation is awash in all that at present so you figure "What the heck. I'm going to run for governor in my state of Missouri."
But...
In 2015, just one year earlier, you had a sexual affair outside your marriage.
You're married and the father of two children.
The woman with whom you had the affair is married. Her husband--later ex-husband--is aware of the affair.
That's all.
That's it.
That's enough.
Tell us. Please.
Tell us how you didn't think this would get out.
Please.
We're waiting.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Missouri Republicans, You're Killing Us Out Here
Seriously depressing news out of our state today and lately.
First this, from the Star:
Senate candidate wants daughters to be homemakers
More on this Right Wing, Republican clown:
And this wouldn't just be for wives, either, with this guy.
Republican Senate candidate is slammed for calling feminists 'she devils', saying his daughters will be homemakers and that he expects his fiancée to cook him dinner every night
This would all be marvelous, sure, if maybe companies and business owners paid a good, true,fair living wage but in 2018 America, presently, that's not happening. Besides, this would only be great if it's an option. It shouldn't be commanded, as Mr. Sykes seems to want it.
Republicans, not done there, what we get from them and their philandering Governor:
Greitens’ budget speeds up Missouri’s slide to mediocrity
As so frequently happens with Republicans, as we saw in the last few years in Kansas, they want to slash taxes for the wealthy and corporations--because, hey, they just don't have enough--they also, then, cut education budgets, rather mindlessly.
Again, this is what we get with Republicans, folks.
Keep it in mind this coming November.
Please.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Republican State Senator From My Hometown Making Us Proud
Yes sir, St. Joseph's own Republican Representative Rob Schaaf, no less, is asking questions and trying to hold our very Republican Governor, Eric Greitens, to task for what he said and claimed and challenged during the now-Governor's campaign for that job.
Bait-and-switch
Some of the article:
Since that time, Greitens has turned his back on transparency, accepting millions of dollars from undisclosed donors and now disavowing donor disclosure altogether. With this reversal, he has betrayed the Republican Party and the people of Missouri. His new stance threatens the integrity of our republic.
It's a great article, I think, and even important. Any and every voting age Missourian would do well to read it so they know what's going on in our state and what should likely change.
Eric Greitens and a No-Bid Contract?
Our own Star newspaper printed and published what I think is an important story this week on our new, pretty boy, Republican Governor Eric Greitens that every Missourian should read and be aware of.
Editorial: Gov. Eric Greitens is behaving just like those ‘corrupt career politicians’
Remember his political campaign to become governor when he railed against those--his words--"corrupt career politicians"?
It didn't take him long to throw all that in a waste bin.
For starters, he wants our state to issue a no-bid contract.
How that is remotely in the people's best interests, I can't imagine. What happened to those "free markets" and Capitalism those Right Wingers and Republicans love so much and that they say bring us all lower costs?
So two things become very clear from this.
First, it only costs any wealthy person or corporation a paltry $25000 to buy this Governor Greitens of ours.
Second, it only took 7 months for this same guy--again, this Republican--to go from supposedly fighting for the people down here to taking in money and working and fighting for, again, the already-wealthy and corporations.
He;s got a low price and a quick turn around, both, this Eric Greitens.
I wonder what he'll sell us out on next.
Can you imagine how much screaming we'd be hearing at this time from Republicans in this state if a Democratic governor pulled such a stunt, pretty boy or no?
Finally, importantly, on any every government level, from the city to county to state, all the way to the Federal level, why are no-bid contracts even allowed? Why are they legal?
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