Blue Hearts

Blue Hearts Meeting
11/17/05


This past Thursday around 25-30 of us got together for our most recent gathering. So many of our usual suspects were unable to be there, but so many new people are interested in being a part of our passionate and compassionate group.

Thanks to Anne Bethune for hosting. We had a lovely setting at Indian Hills CC where we were joined by Michele Lahr of Heartland Democrats of America and MO State Auditor, Claire McCaskill. More on that later.

In welcoming everyone, I reiterated how Blue Hearts came about. I read from Tom McMahon’s letter from the DNC about the many house parties held 11/15 throughout the nation to kick off the 2006 elections. See www.democrats.org. In addition I shared a bit from John Kerry’s letter about funding billboards saying “20,000 troops home by the holidays. A plan for a stable Iraq”. The plan is to get these billboards in the home districts of Republican leaders.

I shared the good news that our efforts are not for naught; Jane Bogetto won an important election with 57.6% of the vote.

Each gathering we’ve had new people who were invited by current Blue Hearts members. Our meetings serve to help hone our mission through discussion. I mentioned our education committee, headed by Yolanda Wheat. This sub-group reads books of interest and reports to the rest of the group. We also share books at our meetings. If you have one to bring that you think was worth the effort, please bring it to share.

I mentioned True Blue Women and how we have been welcomed to join them at their book club. They will update us on their next event. Also, they hold a letter-writing meeting once a month that we have been invited to join. I will forward that information along as I receive it. I believe this is a great opportunity for us to piggy-back our efforts to educate ourselves through reading and express ourselves through writing and voicing our opinions.

I brought along our new letterhead, envelopes, business cards, and BUMPER STICKERS for people to take and, most importantly, use. All display our Blue Hearts logo, website, and PO Box information. We’re finally ready to really spread our Blue Hearts symbol everywhere. Please contact me if you need a sticker. We are suggesting a $1 donation to offset printing costs. Thanks!

We heard from Michele first. She shared with us their groups origins and goals. Their message is based on the mantra: Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, Trust, and Service. Please see their website to learn more about this exciting group that is truly going to make a difference in MO to help elect progressive candidates who share our values. heartlanddemocrats.com

Finally, Claire McCaskill generously shared her time and message with us. The McCaskill/ Talent race has been bumped up to #1 priority by the DSCC. EMILY’s List is very supportive. Claire stressed the urgency of this campaign. Realistically there are only 10 months left to take action. Talent is in the same conservative leagues as Sam Brownback and Rick Santorum. She believes that Patriotism has been stolen from the Democrats and it’s time we take it back. Many members discussed the possibility of a fund raiser for Claire and another one for Paul Morrison (running for KS Atty Gen against Phile Kline).

And, finally, our future gatherings are coordinated by Suzanne Green Johnston. A person may host at a home, a club, or a restaurant. Someone may provide space and someone else, refreshments. We are very flexible and informal. If you are interested please let me or Suzanne know.

FYI we were joined by Laura Ziegler Davis who brought her taping equipment for a story she’s working on for KCUR. I’ll keep you posted on when that might be airing.

Thanks, everyone.

Kristin Amend