WICHITA, Kan. - Conspiracy theories have always been part of politics; 9/11 Truthers, Birthers, Deathers, and John Birchers are the most recent. The question I have is, "When did kook conspiracy theories become mainstream?"

Are mainstream candidates like Kris Kobach and Tracey Mann parroting birther talking points because they themselves are birthers or because that's what the zombie masses on the right want to hear? The birther movement is either as Colorado Republican senate hopeful Ken Buck stated that the birthers are a "bunch of dumb-asses," Or, the whole birth certificate, citizenship question just far right wing code, for, "Oh my god we have a black president," and they're just smart enough to know that screaming that ends what ever shred of credibility they have.

Either way its sad to see politicians sucking up to the racist and or stupid wing of the Republican party via the birthers. And the Hutchinson News rightly rescinded its endorsement of Tracey Mann after he espoused birther views.

WICHITA, Kan. - For those in the Wichita area this weekend, Saturday May 1st come join Kansas House candidate Brandon Whipple at OJ Watson park from 1 to 3 PM for a picnic

Join your neighbors for an afternoon at the park! Bring the family and enjoy fun games, great food and meet your Kansas House candidate Brandon Whipple.

"Even in times of crisis, our Legislature must support education." - Brandon Whipple, Wichita Eagle, April 13, 2010.

The event is free, but we are asking for a $5 donation if you will be eating.

WICHITA, Kan. - It has been two weeks now since the recent country wide window smashing incident that among other places effected Kansas also. My question and asked by others is where is the outrage? Not among those who support the Democratic party or progressivism, but those on the other side of the aisle. Those who on any other issue scream the "Rule of Law", their has been several ordinary Republican/Conservative citizens who have called the Sedgwick County Democratic Headquarters and expressed their displeasure at the recent vandalism. However from GOP leadership nothing but silence, no condemnation from either Senators Brownback or Roberts nor from Congressman Tiahrt who represents Sedgwick county.

Also silent, State GOP chair Amanda Atkins, Sedgwick County Republican Chair Kelly Arnold, and every member of the South Central Republican delegation, candidate, and office holder. Several members of the GOP delegation pride themselves on being moderates yet they too remain silent? Either they are attempting to placate the fringe elements of their base for votes, afraid of the fringe elements or approve of violent tactics themselves and only give lip service to being moderates in order to get votes.

They could have called, or written an email, or even stopped by to talk. But instead, they decided to throw a brick through the window of Sedgwick County Democratic Party Headquarters.

WICHITA, Kan. - If one would have asked me if the Republican Party has gone completely off its rocker I would have to say no, At least that true for the majority of rank file members. Recent events however test that resolve, verbal racist slurs at Congressmen John Lewis and Andre Carson, protesters spitting on on Kansas City Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.

Then apparently egged on by self styled Militia leader Mike Vanderboegh, of Pinson, Alabama,.calls for a modern "Sons of Liberty," to smash windows at Democratic Party offices. Vandals broke out windows at several Democratic party offices in NY, and Arizona and here in Kansas.

WICHITA, Kan. - With current financial difficulties facing the country, I find it hard that a service like Kwedit is going help solve the countries current economic crisis. The truth of the matter is although the government, banks, and other financial institutions certainly share the brunt of responsibility for the recession, the public shares a part of the blame, maxing out credit cards so one can have all the latest gadgets and live beyond their means, was a problem even before the recent meltdown.

Here is Stephen Colbert doing an expose albeit in a statical and humorous way shows the sad state of the mainstream media.

WICHITA, Kan. - During State of the Union, President Obama created a minor stir by criticizing the recent Supreme Court ruling that threw out much of campaign finance law that deals with outside influences on elections, essentially claiming that corporations and other groups have the same free speech rights as citizens and that money equals speech.

To me this has a potential chilling effect on Democracy with those with the most money, and foreign corporations having an undo influence over our electoral system(I know cynics would say its that way now).

My aunt, who not only is one of the smartest people I know (and a better writer than I) but who along with my uncle shaped my political beliefs, had this to say in the Jan. 27th Wichita Eagle...

WICHITA, Kan. - 2010 is here and its already an election year, and you don't have to be a pessimist to see that it could be a very bad year for Democrats with no candidates for Governor, Dennis Moore and Laura Kelly dropping out. In fact my nightmare scenario of a Governor Brownback, Secretary of State Kobach, with an all Republican Congressional Delegation and the Republicans picking up 4 or 5 more seats in the Legislature isn't all that far fetched.

To stop above scenario from happening is within our grasp, its as easy as contacting the campaigns of candidates like Raj Goyle and Charles Schollenberger and either volunteering or giving a little money, even 5 dollars adds up, if you can get 100 people giving, it adds up quickly, Another thing is half if not more of the precinct committee positions are vacant.