Mass Politics: Cleaver speaks
EDITOR’S COMMENTARY
CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER HEADLINES DEMOCRAT ACADEMY, by Wayne Hodges
OVERLAND PARK, Kan – This past Saturday and Sunday (April 17 & 18), the Democrat Academy was held at the Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan. The two day event, which provided several courses in relation to political campaigning, was hosted and sponsored by Democracy for America. Governor Howard Dean served as the honorable speaker on day one.
Among the topics Governor Dean discussed were healthcare reform, right-wing extremists and gays in the military. Congressman Dennis Moore also made an appearance during the event’s first session; much to the delight of the parties in attendance. The second day, Kansas Senator Chris Steineger served as the featured speaker.
Steineger spoke primarily about his level of experience in small business, in addition to his intentions to run for Kansas Secretary of State. I’m probably a little biased. Steineger was my mentor in the Kansas Legislature. U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver delivered perhaps the weekend’s most emotional speech during a Democrat pep rally Saturday night at Lucky’s Brewgrille in Mission, Kan.
Cleaver, who was the target of an unfortunate spitting incident a few weeks ago at Capitol Hill, addressed the crowd with details of recent hate crimes directed solely at him. Cleaver said someone busted-out his office window as an act of protest against healthcare reform. Cleaver also received a ‘death threat’ via telephone that FBI agents were somehow able to intercept.
The perpetrator was eventually found and taken into custody. When asked if he issued the threat, the assailant replied “I didn’t say I would kill him. I said one day somebody is going to kill him.” Cleaver stated these incidents were hidden from mainstream media to prevent over-reaction and panic. He also turned down an appearance on CNN to discuss the issue.
Cleaver (pictured left) was adamant in his stance for democracy in politics. He urged the candidates and citizens to stand tall for positive change. “We’ve allowed people to lure us into believing the government is the enemy,” said a fiery Cleaver to a pumped-up Democrat crowd. “There is no ‘it.’ People, we are the government. There is no ‘it.’ That’s why people are upset. They are upset because they are the minority. And, in a democracy, majority rules.”
It was certainly an honor to hear Cleaver speak. Actually, we have a little history. Cleaver was my youth mentor in the late 1970’s when I was a student at the Martin Luther King Urban Center. Cleaver worked closely with the Reverend Fuzzy Thompson, who ran the organization. Saturday was the first time I heard Cleaver speak live in almost 30 years. And the wait was definitely worth it.
Overall, I enjoyed meeting and speaking with the electric Anne Pritchett, a popular campaign organizer in Mission, Kan. It was also an honor to meet Pam Curtis, Assistant to Mayor Joe Reardon of Wyandotte County. Colin Curtis, State President for the Kansas Young Democrats, was present. And Janice Witt, candidate for Wyandotte County Commissioner, was also in attendance.
Speaking of Mrs. Witt, it was certainly a pleasure to hear her views on restructuring politics in Wyandotte County. Janice is a passionate, yet energetic speaker who thrives on cutting through the chase. People, if I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a thousand times: As a nation, we’ve allowed our leadership to become stagnant and stale. To achieve true democracy, an infusion of fresh, new ideas are required in public office to help conquer outdated propaganda and ‘cave man’ politics. To learn more about Democracy For America, click here.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also an adjunct professor, MPA at Kansas University, and intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
*** To view this article on the Examiner, please click here ***
To learn Cleaver’s thoughts on healthcare reform, click the arrow.
April 19th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Wayne thanks for posting this article. I heard about Reverend Cleaver’s speech on Saturday. I was at a church function so I could not attend. He is one of my favorite politicians. He speaks from the heart and he is very articulate. Please keep me updated on his future appearances. I will make it a priority to attend his next event.
April 19th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Hey Wayne!
First all,Congressman Cleaver and I go back a ways! I remember when St. United Methodist Church was on Gregory Blvd.and my high shcool jazz used to play at his church.That was long before he got into politics.
He’s right when says that the Teabaggers need to accept the fact that the government is us and that the majority rules!
As for the whole Tiger Woods thing,it’s a shame that the celebrity media and bloggers don’t have anything to report about.
Barry
April 19th, 2010 at 10:06 am
hodge tell dem ‘RIGHT WING A-HOLES” to get wit the program and quit being RACISTS. ameriKKKa is no longer the home of persecution.
April 19th, 2010 at 11:32 am
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April 19th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
I met Rev.erend Cleaver several years ago at a church convention. He is a genuinely good person. I enjoy listening to his views. I had no idea he was speaking publicly on Saturday. But he is a great person and I wish him luck. I am saddened to hear he is experiencing so much hate from the Tea Party.
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:38 am
[...] Brian Schwartz wrote an interesting post today. Here’s a quick excerptEDITOR’S COMMENTARY CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER HEADLINES DEMOCRAT ACADEMY, by Wayne Hodges OVERLAND PARK, Kan – This past Saturday and Sunday (April 17. [...]