By John Fedele

Now, for all you who are saying: “they were forced off their land by the invading white man and put on reservations where their culture was destroyed.” The Americans I am referring to, are those who you blame for the aforementioned.

Those Americans who brought forth this nation, Those Americans who expanded it from sea to sea; who created the industrial revolution; and who defended their way of life and the entire nation from enemies here and abroad. Where have they gone?

They have been kidnapped by a political party and a government that believe the Americans I speak of, were evil and corrupt. For years the Americans I speak of have been held hostage and have been held back because of government regulations and controls imposed on businesses and industry. Outdated unions have forced businesses and industry to move their activities to other countries, because to remain in this country would make it impossible to function.

Today’s Americans have been educated to believe the government will take care of them. If you fail, the government will bail you out. If you want something you cannot afford, the government will make sure you get it.

As for those few Americans who have not been kidnapped, or refuse to believe the government is their keeper, they are blamed for destroying the planet. They are accused of wanting dirty air, dirty water, and the poor to die, rather than have free health care.

I say: bring back the smokestacks! Smokestacks mean industry has returned to the USA, and jobs are back. Bring back oil rigs in the gulf and the seas and in the plains and the forests of Alaska. That means there are more jobs and freedom from Middle East oil.

I say: the voters who are not beholden to the government need to inform the government to revamp their benefit programs, the income tax system, and to eliminate the Departments of Labor, Education, Transportation, Health, and Commerce. The government of the PEOPLE and for the PEOPLE is just that. The people are not the servers of the government, but just the opposite.

It is time for those Americans left, who remember what it means to achieve a goal through hard work, to do all they can to educate others, and to put the government on notice. We want our country back.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. These views and opinions do not represent those of HaysPost.com, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

By Mary Powell ~ Salina Post

Black Friday of 2011 brought out the worst in some folks, or so it seems. I read articles and heard news reports about the violence that occurred in some retail stores. It just blows my mind. I guess I am not a material girl. I could care less about the latest electronics or the newest DVD release; I just can’t understand why people fight over things that aren’t really that important. I don’t understand why people want to fight over things they have to buy. I can understand someone fighting to keep their own property but good grief, Charlie Brown; don’t these people know what they look like? Don’t these adults understand what they are teaching their children? It is no wonder kids these days behave like they are entitled to free college educations.

Maybe I am old fashion but I like it this way. I was taught at a very young age that life isn’t fair. If the person in the line ahead of you gets that last piece of pumpkin pie, you just suck it up and find another sweet to eat. What happened to manners and etiquette? Why has our country become so animalistic in behavior that people find it necessary to use pepper spray to go Christmas shopping? Is it really worth all that hassle?

What is so great about getting that new electronic toy if in six to eight months there is an updated version that is better? We live in the United States of America, not the former Soviet Union where things were rationed out. No, we still live in the land of plenty and if we are patient enough, the prices are a lot cheaper after the holidays and after the first initial round of sales. Just wait until after Christmas if you ‘just have to have it’.

Christmas is suppose to be the time when we focus on goodwill towards man but that isn’t what we are seeing in the retail stores. Fights, pepper spray and people standing outside stores trying to steal those purchased items isn’t what Santy Claus wants to see. He will mark you down for clumps of coal if you behave that way. I am ashamed to see adults behave so childishly. What happened to manners folks? What happened to proper behavior in public? Just when I thought the Occupy protests were bad enough, Christmas shoppers reach a new low. Now who is behaving like baboons and chimpanzees?

Hopefully people understand why I refuse to go shopping in town during Christmas season. I hate the stupidity and I certainly don’t want to become a victim of some nut job shopper that carries pepper spray. No, I will do like I have always done and buy gifts throughout the year for those I care for and forget about buying during the shopping season. Oh, and Christ is the reason for the season, not shopping.

God Bless you and God Bless America, Again.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. These views and opinions do not represent those of HaysPost.com, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

by Marty Keenan ~ Great Bend Post

November 22.  The date jumps off the calendar at me like no other.  Coming from an Irish Catholic Democratic family, November 22 has special meaning.  Jack Kennedy, who survived his PT boat being split in two by a Japanese Destroyer, was gunned down on an American street in the presence of his wife.  November 22, 1963 is a deep wound in the American psyche.

There are hundreds of biographies about John F. Kennedy.  But Kennedy remained a puzzle, an enigma, in spite of all the scholarship, articles, and books.  Chris Matthews collected information and anecdotes about JFK for years, and his book “Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero” truly answers the question: “What was he like?” Matthews’ curiosity and keen insights about people and politics pay great dividends in this book.

Politicians often try to mimic Kennedy’s unique stage presence, sticking their hand in their suit pockets, keeping their hands close to their body.  When he was on stage, he was understated, cool—in many ways, the anti-politician.  It was so obvious; but I never figured out why Kennedy had these mannerisms until now.  He hated the way politicians like Hubert Humphrey acted in public, waving their hands wildly over their head. I looked through several of my JFK books—many of which I inherited from my Irish relatives—and couldn’t find a single picture of Kennedy waving his hands above his head.

The stereotypical politician, wildly waiving his arms in the air—even both arms—was just wrong for him. Watch Kennedy on videotape greeting a crowd.  He never gives  big waves, especially raising his arms or hands above his head.  And so he was understated, cool. He was different.

He was an introvert; a bookworm, really.  He was the opposite of his Grandfather, Honey Fitz—former Mayor of Boston.  He didn’t like the back-slapping, waving, stereotypical politician.  The fact that he looked like a movie star made his unique “cool” approach even more appealing.

He hated wearing hats, and always refused to put a hat on his head when presented with one in public.  He hated cliches, and was a different kind of politician—and that’s why he mastered television.  As has been stated by others, television is a “cool medium” and it rewards coolness.  Radio is a “hot” medium, and reward the loud, angry candidates.  Kennedy’s seemingly shy, understated approach was perfect for television.  The first televised debate with Nixon changed everything.

One disturbing point that Matthews makes seems counterintuitive—that JFK’s mother didn’t love him.  But Matthews presents convincing evidence that his mother ditched him.  Rose Kennedy, the saintly woman, seemed to shun Jack.  The father, Joseph P. Kennedy, was much more demonstrative and loving toward him.  Kennedy gravitated toward a close circle of friends—Lem Billings, Red Fay, Charles Bartlett and others—for his support.  And his relationship with women remained superficial.

Jackie was smart and interesting, and well read, and he loved her—as much as he was capable.  But he viewed women as conquests, and in doing this, he was being like his Dad.  He came by it honestly.  But the damaged relationship with his mother makes one wonder how that affected his views toward women.  As Matthews points out, JFK neatly compartmentalized his life.

Matthews’ book contains a lot of things that I did not know about JFK.  For instance, I had no idea that JFK and Nixon were extremely close friends (not socially), and that Kennedy liked, admired and respected Nixon—at least until they squared off for the Presidency in 1960.

Matthews also explodes the myth that JFK only went into politics because his older brother, Joe, died in World War II.  Although a bookish introvert, Kennedy was fascinated by history and heroes his whole life, and he  was not forced into politics by his brother’s death.  He was naturally interested in being a part of the action.  And he called the Presidency “the center of action.”

Jack was much funnier, wittier, and well-read than his older brother, Joe.  Although the book contains little about Joe, one doubts that Joe could have become President, because he was too robotic (Al Gore), and not nearly as likable as Jack.  Joe was jealous of JFK’s PT-109 heroics, and vowed to outdo his kid brother in war heroism.  Joe died on a risky bombing mission, desperate to outdo Jack with a better war record.

One point the book makes clear: JFK was independent in thought and action.  In terms of political positions he took, he was not a puppet to his wealthy father.  As a Democrat, he was too conservative for the liberal wing of the party, and had a hard time winning over liberals like Eleanor Roosevelt, who seemed to constantly favor the liberal Adlai Stevenson, who was the Democratic nominee in 1952 and 1956. Roosevelt wanted Stevenson to be the nominee again in 1960.

To me, the most appealing thing about JFK was his political independence.  He had his own money.  In all the reading I’ve done on JFK, not once have I seen an instance in which he changed a political position to garner more campaign donations or to please a wealthy donor.  Campaigns were cheaper then, but the key was, his Dad–with his money—gave Jack the greatest gift a father could ever give to a political son: the chance to think and act independently.  Pay-to-play politics simply wasn’t a part of Kennedy’s political life.  He had his own money, so he wasn’t hanging around lobbyists trolling for free meals, trips, sports tickets, etc.

And one obsession Kennedy had throughout his life was the fragility of life and the certainly and unpredictability of death.  Never has any pubic figure in such bad health been presented to the public as so healthy.  In fact, Kennedy nearly died from childhood illnesses, was plagued by Addison’s disease, and had a bad back—even before the PT-109 incident. He seemed surprised that he survived as long as he did, and he was ready to die at any time, almost expecting it.

Author Chris Matthews sifted through the copious notes that author Theodore White took while interviewing Jackie Kennedy shortly after the assassination.  Jackie described the look on Jack’s face after he was hit by the first shot in Dallas, as “quizzical,” like a look he would give after giving a witty reply at a press conference.  Who knows what it meant?  But his early, heroic death seemed to be consistent with what he expected.  He had a fatalistic view of death.  And November 22, 1963 was his time.

JFK was the antithesis of most politicians today.  He was independent, never panhandling for donations or freebies. He carried himself in a cool, dignified way, never doing “typical politician” things like raising both hands in the air (Nixon).  But most of all he did something that is rare in politics: instead of promising things to the American people, he asked us to make sacrifices.  Chris Matthews’ biography “Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero” is like a cipher, that helps us connect the dots and understand this remarkable man, who left us too soon.  We needed him.  We still need him.

I AM A COMMUNITY BANK.

by Tom Wilbur

I am a community bank.  Some of you recognize me, because you’ve chosen to do business with me.  I’ve generally been around these parts a while, and more often than not, have a history of service to our community.  I’m confident you’ve stopped by one of my facilities in the area, or seen an advertisement about me in the local newspaper.  I’d like to let you know, that community banks like me, create value in our community.  You probably already know that, but let me share some things with you.

As a community bank, my team is mostly made up of neighbors and friends of yours—people who have the same aspirations and dreams that you do.  They want to raise a family here.  They have an interest and a passionate commitment to improving the quality of life in this area.  They are homeowners.  They are dads and moms, grandmas and grandpas, sons and daughters.  People on my team are board members in local non-profit organizations, often involved in outreach to feed people who are hungry in our community, and they sing in the local church choir.  Many of you recognize me as an entity that supports your little league baseball team, or helps our area with volunteers who work with seniors.  I’ve walked the highways picking up trash, and I donate money to area arts, civic, and education programs.

If you want to meet the President, Vice President, or Manager of my community bank—you can generally walk in and say hello.  Any of these folks will be happy to see you, and listen for opportunities to serve and help you.  A community bank is generally a small business—a small business trying to grow in direct partnership with our town, improving the quality of life for everyone.  As a partner, we depend upon building lasting and ongoing relationships.

As a community bank, I don’t have huge departments filled with investment brokers, attorneys, hedging specialists or world money market traders.  I don’t have government lobbyists on my payroll, and wouldn’t know which end is up in foreign investments.  In fact, most of what I do relates to supporting the things you do, as a consumer or with your business.

Like other community banks, many of the services we provide come with little or no charge.  We offer checking accounts, at no charge.  We never charge a client to meet in person with one of the members of our retail team, to make a deposit, cash a check, or make change.  There are no upfront costs in meeting with one of our loan officers, and discussing the possibilities of getting a loan for your next home, your next car, or evaluating the pluses and minuses of a business idea you have.  I counsel older folks to ensure that their money is safe and protected from harm, and that they will get a reasonable return on their investment.  I talk to kids about the value of saving money, and encourage them with programs supporting that process.  I’m a community bank.  That’s what I do.

At my community bank, we have a website, and you can often connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.  Most community banks like me have on-line banking and generally, a safe and efficient electronic bill payment service, for very little cost.  And at my community bank, there’s not a $5 charge to use debit card each month.  I don’t have a charge for a debit card, at all.

Somewhere along the way, Congress and regulators have decided that community banks like me are in the same basket of culprits directly involved in the banking crisis of the past few years.  Somehow, we’ve been joined together by association.  The media calls large investment houses “banks”, and that’s not actually a true statement.  Most investment houses were not regulated by the banking system, but were regulated by the securities and exchange commission, and were given latitude to grow using much less of their own capital as a percentage of assets, as community banks are required to hold.  These investment organizations took billions of dollars of government bailouts, and failed to serve our nation’s financial system with the same level of integrity and trustworthiness as community banks did.  They were highly leveraged, and carried too much risk.  Their oversight was flawed.

There are also very large banks, which came under the umbrella of banks deemed to be “too big to fail”.  And, in the time of crisis, a cry went out that these banks should also take government bail-outs to help alleviate their ills.  Congressmen and women spouted that these huge banks should be reduced in size and scope so this would never happen again.  But the most recent policies of our current President and Congress (by way of regulations like the Dodd Frank Act) has been to place thousands of pages of rules and regulations on every bank in this nation, and the net effect of their actions is that “too big to fail” banks— are getting even bigger.

In the United States today, four behemoth financial institutions control 53% of all of the assets held in banks.  Community banks are getting crushed by regulations so onerous, that federal banking agencies have closed hundreds of community banks all across this country, just like me, in the past couple of years.  Often times, the community bank that’s being closed was one of the key lifelines to banking services in the community being served.  Many community banks that got into a bind were not offered any capital support by our government, because community banks were “too small, for big government to care”.

Today, it’s not unusual to have a home loan recipient sign and initial their name fifty times or more, to secure a home loan.  As a community banker who used to look people in the eye, shake hands and give folks a loan they needed, I’m a little taken back.  The process to get a home loan has become incredibly difficult, but it’s doable in working with a professional—like the people on our team.

Community banks like mine provide funding for area people to get loans, staying in the boat as major market players like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac place restrictions on lending so tight, few people can qualify.  There are more outreach programs for home lending today than ever before at the Federal level, but few of these federal programs and announced initiatives actually reach people or the businesses who need them the most, due to all the restrictions involved. Fortunately, the banking professionals who work on loans in my community bank are committed to serve, in any way they can.   It’s tough, but we’re getting it done.

At my community bank, I have money to lend.  And I am ready to do so.  But national surveys taken recently say that most businesses are afraid to borrow more and invest in their businesses until they gain a better understanding of what lies ahead from our nation’s government—for taxes, for health care, and for increased potential regulations in commerce and business.  As a community bank, I understand, because I’m a small business, too.

I am a community bank.  I am not a credit union, but I serve the same functions in helping people.  The difference is that the profits of my business create income that is taxed, and which support government services.  Credit unions are non-profit because they are supposed to have like membership, and the bottom line is that credit unions do not pay taxes.  Depositors of credit unions are not insured by FDIC,

I am a community bank.  With the bank’s funds, we can stand behind the loans we commit to make, unlike a mortgage broker.  Mortgage brokers always sell your loan to someone else—that’s what they do.  Thousands of mortgage brokers disappeared following the real estate crisis of the mid-2000’s.  We community banks are here to stay.  Our capital and funding comes from this area, and we put the money back into use, in this region.

I am a community bank.  I am not an investment house, or banking giant who thinks of you as an account number, has a call center in some distant land, and has no idea who you are.  I know your name, where you live, and I’m here to serve you and your family—however I can.  I’m here to respond to your call.  You know me, and I know you.

I am a community bank, and I appreciate our relationship.

I am a partner with you in making our community a better place.

Thank you, partner.

Tom Wilbur is President/CEO of BANK VI in Salina, Kansas.  He is a graduate of the University of Kansas, a lifelong resident of Salina, a regular editorial contributor to newspapers and magazines, and a public speaker.  On New Year’s Eve, his band—the Last National Band, will play its final gig, after 32 years together—the proceeds of which are going to Big Brothers, and Hospice of Salina.  He is active with various civic and church organizations, State and regional banking organizations, and he can be contacted directly at [email protected].

By David Norlin

Voter fraud is indeed a Kansas problem, as Secretary of State Kris Kobach points out. Not the kind he alleges. The kind he perpetrates.

The real fraud is perpetrated upon voters, not by them. Kobach’s failure to account for just under $80 thousand in contributions and expenses, in a campaign that raised just over $157 thousand, is breath-taking for a man who is presently the watchdog, or rather WatchFox, over the chicken house of Kansas’ electoral machinery. Was his staff incompetent or did he just flout the law? Choose your poison.

Whatever the case, Kansas voters, beware! One of Kobach’s most egregious fellow-perpetrators is U.S. First District Rep Tim Huelskamp. A leading example is Tim’s Town Hall Phone meetings.

At first blush, they seem the essence of Democracy. Call in, talk to Rep. Tim firsthand, and hear other Kansans’ questions. Efficient, direct–what could be better?

Well, employing basic honesty, for one thing. Huelskamp’s town halls are really a propaganda ploy, not a democracy device.

After many voicemails of Tim’s missed robo-calls, I was home one night for this great democratic experiment. An aide asked for my question. It was: Given Rep. Tim’s near-constant bombardment of anti-abortion rhetoric, what is he doing to preserve women’s rights, for fair employment and for reproductive rights? I was told to hang on; I was #6 in the queue.

Callers 1-5 asked their questions. Callers 6, 7, 8, and 9 rolled by. Tapping the table impatiently, I listened. Caller 10 asked theirs, then 11, then 12. By caller #13, I hung up in disgust. The Rep was clearly taking no calls representing views other than those fitting his narrow nostrums and parroted policy positions.

Equally off-putting were his “poll questions,” loaded as a buckshot turkey. The first asked if you approved the President’s latest “stimulus spending.” Not whether you approved the President’s “job-creating legislation.”

The second was, “Do you think federal money should ever be used for abortions?” Not “Do you think that we should help women, regardless of income, status, or race, have the right to control their own lives, reproductively or otherwise?”

Bias hung thick over Kansas’ phone lines. And I hung up.

Both frauds, however, pale in comparison to the Brownback administration’s latest privatizing “reforms.” They are intended to confuse and divide. One example: area Republican lawmakers, moderate to conservative, now profess consternation and befuddlement about BB’s new education plan.

More befuddling, and frightening, partly due to little public information, is Brownback’s move to reduce and eventually eliminate the state income tax. This is the biggest elephant (or time bomb) in the room.

On its face, few proposals could be more counter-intuitive. With Kansas already in the midst of drastic cuts to social services, education, and the arts, what’s their solution? Do away with the income tax.

This week a “No-income-tax” bus rolled into Kansas. It was led and funded by Kansans for No Income Tax, heavily underwritten by Missouri billionaire Rex Sinquefield. He is president of the Show-Me Institute, the Missouri equivalent of the Koch Brothers’ Kansas Policy Institute. Both are think tanks advocating “free-market principles,” otherwise known as stealing our assets for the enrichment of themselves and their cronies. Sinquefield contributed $11 million last year to repeal taxes in Missouri.

At Show-Me’s 2010 open house, economist Arthur Laffer gave the keynote speech. Not coincidentally, Laffer is the consultant showered with $75,000 of your tax money by the Brownback administration to lead closed-door tax-cutting strategy sessions. Laffer helped write the most recent edition of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s “Rich States, Poor States.” The foreword was written by Sam Brownback.

Laffing yet? Neither are news organizations. One filed Freedom of Information Act requests for information about the sessions. It was told the request would take seven weeks. Most state agencies, striving for openness, grant such reqests in a day or two. So much for open government.

The same forces are also pushing state-by-state legislation to restrict your right to vote. But you know about that.

What can you do? First, register to vote before January 1st. You’ll avoid any hassle about ID’s, or later, your birth certificate. Second, go to wethepeoplecampaign.org. There you’ll find many resources for fighting back against the billionaire boys stealing your democracy out from under you.

Fight for, and carefully consider, your next vote. Voter fraud runs both directions. Don’t let it trickle down on you.

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. These views and opinions do not represent those of HaysPost.com, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Allen Field House.  Not much more needs to be said.  It is as much a part of basketball as the freaking ball.  It is one of the few places I enter in a sports setting that I still get that “awe” moment.  From reading the “Phog Warning” atop the rafter to now an unbelievable Hall of Fame/History area, Allen Field House oozes college basketball.

If you are a college basketball fan, even in the slightest or a Jayhawk rival, do yourself a favor a catch a game at Allen Field House.

I along with Gerard and Callie will be in Lawrence Tuesday night as Fort Hays State University plays the Jayhawks in an exhibition game.  Will the score be close…probably not.  Will the memories last for broadcaster and player alike?  You bet!

Over a decade of broadcasting sports, more often than not, football games on Friday night turn out to be a pretty one-sided affair one way or another.  Even in a final score separated by two touchdowns still was pretty well decided before the final gun.

Not Friday night October 14, 2011.

The game between Hays High and Great Bend at Lewis Field Stadium was the 74th meeting between the two schools and it may go down as one of the best in the rivalry ever.

The story lines were too good to ignore going into the game.  First it is Hays High and Great Bend, a great rivalry.  Second, the winner of the game was guaranteed at minimum a share of the WAC title.  Third it was the first game of a tough three game district schedule to qualify for the playoffs.

The teams traded punches like a great heavy weight fight.  Hays High throwing haymakers with David Cardinal touchdowns of 44, 75, 66, and 33 yards.  Also a Adam Deterding 26 yard touchdown catch, which may have been one of the best catches in Hays High history.  Great Bend countered with body shots and jabs.  Touchdowns from 1, 12, 11, 14, and 2 yards out.  Great Bend had several scoring drives of ten or more plays.

Each team scored off a fumble and those were the only two turnovers in the game.  The game was tied at 7, 14, 28, and finally 35 forcing overtime, where the dramatics were really getting started.

Great Bend got the ball first in overtime and scored on their first play, tacked on the extra point, taking a 42-35 lead.

On Hays High’s ensuing possession, it took just two plays to score and the extra point coming up to tie.  Though this is where everybody was ready to lose their mind.  Hays High drew Great Bend off-sides on the extra point moving the ball to the one and a half yard line.  David Cardinal pounded the ball into the end zone for the victory behind his fullback Mark Mathis and his offensive line that has paved a road smoother (and faster) than what the crews are doing on I-70.

Hays won 43 – 42.

Rarely games on any level live up to the hype piled on the week leading up to the game.  This one did and then some.

It very well might have been the best high school football game I have ever been to.

It is games like this that keep me coming back to broadcast year after year, and spend the countless hours getting ready for a game under the Friday Night Lights.

Thank You Hays High and Great Bend for a great Friday night!