Thank God our military men and women understand what the flag means. I hope someday the Democratic Party will understand as well.

To the editor:

The Old Settlers’ Day parade was Sept. 26, and as always it was an impressive showing of old cars, motorcycles and floats.

At the front of this procession, and in keeping with a time-honored tradition, stood the Color Guard — comprised of multiple veterans. One veteran served more than 50 years ago in the Korean War and still proudly and willingly escorts his nation’s colors today.

Another veteran has replaced his military uniform with a suit and tie to honor the same colors he served under in Vietnam.

As any Veteran would tell you, it is always an honor to carry our flag whether it be on the battlefield or down Main Street in “small town America.”

While marching through the parade, we couldn’t help but notice that the National Anthem was not played. That song was written about the lives that were given in defense of our nation’s colors and should never be overlooked. This song should be blared from every speaker, heard by every ear, and appreciated by every American.

Our Color Guard should have been afforded the opportunity to present the United States flag in a respectful manner. She should have been raised high, overlooking a town of proud Americans, and be shown the reverence of those that she has served. As a Veteran, when we hear the National Anthem, a feeling washes over us that cannot be explained. We remember times that are rarely spoken and friends whom we have lost.

This simple hymn embodies the very idea under which we have fought and it demands our respect. While we will always proudly carry our Colors, we hope to never again have to do so without the Star Spangled Banner.

To those vibrant patriots who rose at the sight of “Old Glory” passing by, we thank you.

The older generations struggled to rise from their chairs, as some of the younger generations removed their covers. Yet they stood tall, hands over their hearts, proud to pay their respect. It is comforting to know that there are still those who understand the sacrifices that were made for Her and all that she represents.

To those who did not stand, did not remove their covers, and did not place their hands over their hearts, we ask that you take a moment to remember the history of this flag. This is the same flag who has fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years; the same flag who flies at half-mast in honor of a fallen soldier, and the same flag we wear proudly on our shoulder every day.

If you choose not to honor the flag as a symbol for America and for freedom, then honor it as a symbol for those who fought and died for you and yours. Have no doubt, we are here today because of them.

We are proud of not only this country but this town and the people who make up this community. This is the same “small town America” who has aided wounded soldiers and their families and who always takes care of their own. We have personally experienced this same generosity and support, which carried us through difficult times and still continues to do so.

Our community is full of American heroes who have served in the past and still serve, in their heart, today. Let us not fail to show them that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

@KansasWatchdog – Hawver reports Melany Barnes elected 3-0 to replace Tom Sawyer as State Rep in 95th district in Wichita. Sawyer moves to Parole Board.

Only three people decided tonight who will represent thousands of citizens in Topeka during the next legislative session. As has been noted before, just a few votes can make all the difference in Topeka. Your vote counts even more when your elected to represent a precinct.

Both the Republican and Democratic Parties elect precinct people every two years to represent their neighborhoods. If a state representative or senator should resign their office before their term is up, it is the respective parties precinct representatives who will vote in a replacement to fill out the remaining term.

Tonight’s vote was to replace a Democratic State Rep, and since only Democrats get to decide who the replacement will be (and vice-versa for Republicans), that probably explains the extremely low number of people voting. Can you imagine just three people deciding who will represent you for the next year, or three years if they are replacing a state senator?

Signing up is easy. Any registered Republican can run for precinct man or woman. Go here to print fill out the filing form, then turn it in to your local county elections office by June 10, 2010. You’re name will be placed on the 2010 primary election ballot, and if you win the most votes, you’re in!

As always, contact us if you have any questions about what is involved.

According to the Kansas left, Sebelius was more interested in her own political ambitions during her time in Kansas than in helping grow the Democratic Party. As Kansas Confidential puts it:

I know, it’s sacrilegious in the KDP to speak ill of Sebelius, but in truth she left us in this mess. Who chose Republican running mates each time she ran for Governor? Who recruited a Republican to run against Kline in 2006 (a great idea until the scandal)? Who pulled the ladder up behind their own assent, so that upon leaving office has left the party seeking a viable candidate for Governor, Senate, and 3 Congressional seats? Yep…it all points back to one person.

This comes as no surprise to Kansas Republicans. Every move made by Sebelius was calculated to further herself and her career. Things like Kansas citizens and even her fellow politicos came in a distant second.

The liberals in Kansas have even more problems in 2010 and beyond not only because of a lack of candidates amongst themselves, but because Republicans are fielding such strong candidates across the state. Even if Kansas Democrats were able to field even a well known candidate, they would find it very difficult to gain votes against better organized and well financed Republican candidates.

And after unprecedented success in 2008, Kansas Republicans are learning that a conservative message is what wins. What the national party needs to realize and follow is what Kansas Republicans already know; that watered down liberalism masquerading as “Republican” doesn’t win elections.

Yes, things certainly do look bad for Kansas Democrats next year.

Openleft.com, a liberal activist website, is promoting a blast email sent out by Mike Nellis, online director for the Kansas Democratic Party. In the email Nellis makes an appeal for all Kansas liberals to ease up on the purse strings to help Kansas Democrats in 2010. In fact, the KDP is so threatened by a resurgent Kansas Republican Party that even their online activism is beginning to feel the heat.

Kansas Democrats have always had the advantage online, but our Republican counterparts are starting to gain on us and we can’t let that happen. Next November, we will face off against a unified Republican Party. That’s why we need to maintain our competitive advantage online.

Nellis makes the case for $10,000 in donations to build a new website for Kansas Democrats to organize behind. Of course, Republicans know that it’s going to take more than $10,000 and a website to save Democrats next year.

While the admission by the left that they are in trouble is amusing news in itself, Nellis goes further to admit that Republicans are unified in 2010, even with competitive primaries across the state. The notion that there exists a “split” in the party is one that will be fabricated at will by the left when needed, but when push comes to shove, Democrats and Kansas liberals know the party is unified in seeing Republicans win.

What’s more, reading between the lines in Nellis’ explanation shows why Kansas Republicans are so resurgent this election cycle.

…the Sam Brownback-led Republican Party is getting ready to nominate the most conservative slate of candidates in years and they’re starting to gain on us online.

“The most conservative slate of candidates in years.” How about that? Turns out Democrats are scared by conservatives. Would Kansas Republicans be in such a dominate position if it weren’t for the work of conservatives to keep the party standing on principle? Hardly.

Democrats know, and have finally admitted, what conservatives have known for years. When Republicans stand on principle and the basic tenants of the Republican Party, they win. But when Republicans become liberals, they lose. It’s just that simple.

And what about that online activism? Want to be a part of what’s scaring Kansas Democrat’s blind? Click the button below to make an online donation to the Kansas Republican Assembly now.

Help us keep up the pressure on Kansas liberals and keep the Republican Party strong.