"What's the Matter with Kansas?"

[Armstead]

That book was popular a number of years ago by Thomas Franks, and became required reading and a meme of much discussion among Democrats as to why so many people vote against their own self interest for Republicans.

Well unfortunately, the Democrats might be asked the same question now. Why vote to install a figurehead for the Corporate Wall St. Empire that is working against your own interests, unless you happen to be wealthy?

There is a candidate who stands FOR the things that many Democrats -- and many unaffiliated people -- CLAIM they believe in. And, equally important, he has pointed to and articulated the real reason for the problems that people grumble about. And a candidate who is "walking the talk" in his campaign by financing it by average schmucks like you and me instead of the horrid array of banksters and corporate lobbyists who own both political parties.

And, from a strictly partisan sense, who has a message that can revitalize the Democratic Party by offering a clear alternative to the con artists of the GOP by opening the doors, expanding the political debate and letting in some fresh air

And yet, we seem to be marching in lockstep to select the candidate who represents the same old shit. Who will offer a nothingburger of a campaign message in the General Election. Instead , we are choosing to go with the same nexus of Corporate/Political Power and Money that has been screwing us all these years.

What's the Matter with Kansas? Indeed. I guess we should look in the mirror.

[Wellstone ruled]

1. This is the Libertarian State Model

engineered by the John Birch Society and the Koch Brothers. Notice how the Corporate Sponsors are spoon feeding the Kansas residents a controlled message via the Churches and all the Media. Appears the two major Universities have capitulated and are now full on with the Libertarian Slop Education Model. Must work,Wisconsin Residents are drinking the same Slop,and so it goes.

[MuseRider]

2. I sit here in the arm pit of the country

watching other states slowly but surely go where we have gone and passed through. I did not read the book. Did he mention that the Koch brothers have been working on this state, mostly very quietly because nobody was really aware of their plans, for the last 30 years? I remember hearing slight whisperings of them and their tax plans being floated all around Kansas and in Colorado during Reagan. This is getting ever closer to becoming national policy, we have certainly been flirting with it and it terrifies me, this state sucks to be living in and it is just beginning to show the effects of this kind of policy. We do so need Bernie. Clinton does not seem reliable for the people. The people who believe so much in what is happening here in Kansas have her ear more often than not.

We have a long way to go in many ways but this was in the paper this morning. I think there is slow progress but it is hard in a state where the only people who actually turn out to vote in numbers more than 30% are those isolated individuals that take up most of the large 2/3rds of the state. Together they have much influence.

I know this is stepping away from your intention but just adding to the conversation. It does seem that people will take only so much of this crap but look what it took in Kansas for them to start changing their tune?

http://cjonline.com/news/state/2016-02-29/kansas-poll-shows-deep-disapproval-us-congress-brownback

Kansas Dem Caucus is supposedly solid for Bernie (this seems impossible to me knowing those in charge). We will see on Saturday.

[Armstead]

3. Brownback seems like the posterboy of GOP ineptitude in actual governance

[MuseRider]

11. A truer observation

can not be found. It is sad, I don't know what else to call it. He has killed this state. It will not recover in my lifetime. If his oh so much worse Lt Gov Colyer gets elected or Kobach next election then it will just get worse. It seems no matter how much the people here dislike these guys and what they do they simply cannot push the D button. Of course it would be good if the Dems could actually run someone other than feckless chicken voting cowards it would help. No matter how hard we try to push for actual brave stances on policy we always get mealy mouthed crap. (I personally like the people who run but they have no courage at all) The party is changing here slowly and by hook or crook we may get better soon but likely not in time for the next election where it looks like our candidate will be none other than the soft spoken, meeeee tooooo, I really like the gays and abortion but hey I don't have to stand up for them do I, same candidate that lost the last time. There are a few others who are being looked at who might be better.

This once principled and brave state has sunk as low as it can go (I hope there is nothing lower because we will try to get there if possible).

[Buzz Clik]

4. LOL!!! "a figurehead for the Corporate Wall St. Empire"

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. A well paid figurehead. Buying a government ain't cheap.

[tk2kewl]

9. i love how they never argue their point

kind of proves the point of the OP unless the poster is a 1%er

[Armstead]

7. Look at who's backing her campaign...Hell look at who's been bankrolling her and Bill for years

But, I know, "I won't be influenced by bribes. I'll take 'em, but I won't be influenced."

Insert dismissive little smileys here:

[Skwmom]

14. +153,000,000

[BuelahWitch]

5. A lot of them are suckers

for anyone wrapped in Old Glory holding a rifle in one hand and a bible in the other. It's always Jesus Time here in rural Kansas. Jesus on Sunday, Jesus on Wednesday, like they're afraid if they go 7 days without "church" their souls will burn in hell.
Any idiot, no matter how corrupt, who invokes the name of Jesus is a good egg, and reason is out the fucking window.

[amborin]

8. Franks comments on Hillary:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511329906

[begin_within]

10. "O, but Bernie is unelectable" (with automatic sad face)

[Armstead]

12. The damned things is he'd win by a landslide if.....

....all those people who say "I really love Bernie and his ideas and I wish he could be president and make them happen.....but I have to vote for Clinton" actually voted based on their beliefs and values.

[begin_within]

13. Exactly!