A look at back at 2013 from MoGOP and best wishes for a Happy New Year from Lafayette County Republicans

Happy New Year from Lafayette County Republicans

(Watch this site for meeting announcements beginning in January)

And take a look back at 2013 on MoGOP's website. Click here.

Merry Christmas from Lafayette County Republicans

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness.  ~Bob Hope

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May the blessings of Christmas be with you today
 and in the year ahead.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year, too!

From the Lafayette County Republican Central Committee, the Federated Republican Women's Club and all our may volunteers and friends.

A history of Thanksgiving and warm wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving from the Lafayette County Republican Central Committee

A history of Thanksgiving from the Smithsonian 'Plimoth Plantation' blog. To read more, click here.

An excerpt: "Thanksgiving is a particularly American holiday. The word evokes images of football, family reunions, roasted turkey with stuffing, pumpkin pie and, of course, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, the acknowledged founders of the feast...Giving thanks for the Creator’s gifts had always been a part of Wampanoag daily life. From ancient times, Native People of North America have held ceremonies to give thanks for successful harvests, for the hope of a good growing season in the early spring, and for other good fortune such as the birth of a child. Giving thanks was, and still is, the primary reason for ceremonies or celebrations.

As with Native traditions in America, celebrations - complete with merrymaking and feasting - in England and throughout Europe after a successful crop are as ancient as the harvest-time itself. In 1621, when their labors were rewarded with a bountiful harvest after a year of sickness and scarcity, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God and celebrated His bounty in the Harvest Home tradition with feasting and sport (recreation). To these people of strong Christian faith, this was not merely a revel; it was also a joyous outpouring of gratitude..."

Read on to learn more of the history of Thanksgiving Day in America.

Photos of Fall Carry-in Dinner, sponsored by Lafayette County Republicans and Federated Republican Women's Club

It turned out to be a perfect fall evening with a great turnout for the Fall Candidate Carry-in Dinner sponsored by Lafayette Co. Republican Central Committee and the FRW Club on October 24, 2013, at the beautiful La Bella Winery, located at FF and Flournoy School Road! 

Marlene Strodtman, a 2013 Missouri FRW Woman of Tribute, led the group in the table prayer, and Virginia Bertz, committeewoman, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Lana Crain, Federated Republican Women's Club president, was master of ceremonies for the evening.  

Sheila Stokes-Begley presented the program on Second Amendment and gun rights. She is the president of the Western Missouri Shooters Alliance - www.wmsa.net .

Current Republican office holders and candidates for the 2014 election were introduced as well as guests from neighboring Jackson and Ray counties. 

The FRW Club sponsored a collection drive during the dinner for families of ten Lafayette County servicemen and women who will be deployed this year. Proceeds will go directly to the families. Ros Hall of Lexington chairs this effort.

Lafayette County Republicans and Federated Republican Women Meeting Schedule for 2013

Thursday, October 24th, 2013

Annual Carry-in Dinner Sponsored by the Lafayette County Republican Central Committee and Federated Republican Women

6:30 MEET AND GREET
7:00 DINNER

LOCATION: La Bella Winery, 11644 Flournoy School Rd, Wellington
 (at the intersection of Hwy. FF and Flournoy School Road)


PROGRAM: Candidate talks and program on Gun Rights (rescheduled from July 18th)
Bring one meat dish and one other dish.
Beverages and service provided.
Wine will be dutch treat.
Public invited.

Monday, October 28th, 2013

Call to Meeting
Elected Members of Central Committee and Officers

Business Meeting to Elect Sni-A-Bar Township Members

6 PM

Biffle's BBQ, Concordia

Open to the public.

NOVEMBER, 2013

Saturday, November 2

Benton, Lafayette, and McKinley Federated Repubican Women's Clubs to Hold Leadership Retreat-Saturday, November 2 at 9 AM, Golden Corral in Sedalia, MO. 

Event Details: Buffet is $7.99 and $7.19 for seniors; includes coffee. Guests are welcome. 

Event Speaker: Shane Schoeller--

Shane Schoeller served three terms in the Missouri General Assembly, including two years as Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House of Representatives. He is currently the executive director of the Missouri Republican Party.

DECEMBER, 2013

POSSIBLE CHRISTMAS PARTY, TBA

5th Congressional District Federated Republican Women Elect New Officers

The new officer's elected for the 5th Congressional District Federated Republican Women for  2013-2014 and the clubs they represent:

The Fifth Congressional District Federated Republican Women held their annual meeting at Monetti's A Taste Of Italy Restaurant in Lee's Summit. Owner, Giuliano Monetti was the speaker, and shared his story of the challenges of being a small business owner. 

New officers elected are:

President, Ruth Pirch (High Noon Club) 

1st VP, Marilyn Etzenhauser (Republican Women of Greater Kansas City Club) 

2nd VP, Doris Strickler (Federated Republican Women of Lafayette County Club) 

Secretary, Jamie Landes (KC Metro Club) 

Treasurer, Judy Egloff (First Ward Club). 

The Fifth CD is comprised of clubs from Jackson, Ray, Lafayette and Saline Counties.

Lafayette County Republicans attend Missouri Republican Leadership Conference in Kansas City

Federated Republican Women Club members Lana Crain, Alice Jarman, Avan Solomon, Doris Strickler, and associate members Bob Jarman and Steve Solomon, attended the Legislative Luncheon at the Midwest Republican Leadership Conference recently in Kansas City.

Other FRW members and associate members attending and working at the conference were Representative Glen Kolkmeyer of 53rd District and his Legislative Assistant Brianna Jordan, Ros Hall, and Teri Scott.

 NOTE: For more stories and photos of Lafayette County Repubicans at the MRLC, visit our Facebook page and scroll through posts. 

Federated Republican Women Name 2013 Women of Tribute - Marlene Strodtman of Napoleon is Lafayette County's Honoree

REPUBLICAN WOMEN ELECT OFFICERS AND HONOR THEIR WOMEN OF TRIBUTE: Marlene Strodtman, from Napoleon, was honored in Columbia, August 24th, as one of the MOFRW'S thirty Women of Tribute. Marlene's local club, Federated Republican Women of Lafayette County, nominated her for the award for her longstanding commitment as Chaplain of the club and for her unwavering support and participation in the club. Other local FRW members attending the event were Lana Crain and Lisa Kolkmeyer – Odessa, Colleen Wieligman, Wellington – Alice Jarman, Higginsville – Doris Strickler, Lexington. Federated Republican women from across the state gather every two years for this Woman of Tribute event sponsored by the Missouri Federation of Republican women.

Marlene Strodtman, Lafayette County 2013 Woman of Tribute

In other news, the Federated Republican Women of Lafayette County also elected new officers at their August meeting. Officers are: Lana Crain, President; Valeta McGee, lst Vice President; Lisa Kolkmeyer, 2nd Vice President; Doris Strickler, Secretary; and Cherie Mason, Treasurer.

Photos from the FRW 2013 Women of Tribute Luncheon

The Lighter Side of Ronald Reagan -- absolutely hilarious, a must-add to your watch list

Video that never gets old: President Bush's Opening Pitch at Yankee Stadium After 9-11

President Bush's Opening Pitch at Yankee Stadium After 9-11 

NEWS RELEASE: Senator Blunt Fights to Empower Americans, Stop Government Abuse

NEWS RELEASE: Jul 25 2013

Senator Blunt Fights To Empower Americans, Stop Government Abuse

Introduces Legislation To Empower Citizens, Hold Government Accountable

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) introduced the “Citizen Empowerment Act” (CEA) today to restore Americans’ trust in government and authorize people to fight back against bureaucratic overreach by expanding provisions included in current law that allow individuals to record conversations with executive agency employees. U.S. Representative Lynn Jenkins (Kans.) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives last week.

In May 2013, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officials admitted to targeting conservative organizations and other Americans – an issue that Blunt recently addressed in a Daily Caller op-ed. Meanwhile, burdensome executive regulations of all kinds have created unprecedented burdens on many businesses and individuals who are simply trying to comply with the law in good faith.

“Americans need less government intrusion in their lives – not more,” said Blunt. “An imbalance of power has developed between American citizens and government officials, and that balance needs to be restored. It’s time we give citizens the tools to even the playing field and get the federal government off their backs.”

As part of his efforts to stop government abuse, Blunt has also joined U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (Penn.) to introduce the “Government Employee Accountability Act” in the Senate this week. This bill would give executive agencies the mechanisms they need to effectively deal with Senior Executive Service (SES) employees, and provide Congress with more oversight.

This initiative follows a report by released by the General Services Administration (GSA) Inspector General in April 2012, which revealed extravagant spending, waste, and mismanagement by senior GSA employees, including more than $822,000 spent on a Las Vegas conference. The bill also addresses concerns surrounding Lois Lerner, the IRS's former director of tax-exempt organizations, who remains at the center of the IRS targeting scandal and continues to receive pay while on administrative leave from the agency.

Background on the Citizen Empowerment Act (CEA):

• Current federal law only allows individuals to record conversations with IRS officials. The CEA would expand that right to any federal executive agency employee.
• Individuals would no longer be required to provide 10 days advance notice to IRS employees or any other federal employees regarding their intent to record a conversation.
• Under the bill, individuals will be enabled to record telephone or in-person conversations. Currently, individuals can only record in-person interviews.
• Executive agency employees will be required under CEA to inform Americans about their right to record the conversation.
• Conversations could be recorded at any stage of the investigation. Current federal law only allows Americans to record conversations during the initial stages of the investigation.

Background on the Government Employee Accountability Act:

• Gives agency officials the authority to remove SES employees on the spot.
• Creates an option for investigative leave with or without pay for 90 days.
• Requires administrators to report back to Congress every 45 days.
• Requires definitive action at the end of the 90 day investigative leave period, at which time the agency must either: 1.) Remove the employee, 2.) Suspend the employee without pay, or 3.) Reinstate or restore employee to duty.
• Employees retain existing due process rights, including the right to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board.

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Permalink: http://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/7/senator-blunt-fights-to-empower-americans-stop-government-abuse

Dinner Meeting Postponed: the July 18th carry-in dinner and program on gun rights is postponed due to scheduling changes

JULY 18th MEETING DATE POSTPONED

Due to scheduling changes and conflicts, the Lafayette County Republicans July 18th carry-in dinner and gun rights program has been postponed. It will be held on Thursday, October 24th at the same time and place. This will be the annual Candidate Carry-in Dinner, always held in October.  Location: LaBella Winery. Time: 6:30 meet and greet with dinner at 7 p.m.  Watch closer to the time for more details, and note that other meeting dates for the months ahead remain the same.  Thanks for your understanding about this unforeseen conflict.  

POSTPONED: Lafayette County Republicans Schedule Summer Carry-in Dinner for Thursday, July 18th at LaBella Winery. Program on Gun Rights

POSTPONED DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

Lafayette County Republicans

 and Lafayette County Federated Republican Women

Invite You to our Summer Carry-in Dinner

Thursday, July 18th at LaBella Winery

Program - "Are We Speaking The Same Language" - Dealing with how people talk about and think about the Second Amendment

(This program is now rescheduled after it was postponed in February due to inclement weather.)

Presenter: Sheila Stokes-Begley, president of Western Missouri Shooters Alliance

Stokes-Begley is the president of the Western Missouri Shooters Alliance (WMSA), a non-profit gun rights and informational organization. To find more information about their upcoming events, articles and license-to-carry courses, visit the WMSA website http://www.wmsa.net .   

Time: 6:30 PM, meet and greet; carry-in dinner begins at 7 PM. Program to follow. Please bring one meat dish and one other dish. Service and coffee, tea, and water provided.  Wine may be ordered dutch treat. The public is invited.

Location: LaBella Winery, 11644 Fournoy School Road, Wellington, Mo 64097.

•••

"You know why there's a Second Amendment? In case the government fails to follow the first one." 

- Rush Limbaugh

Reprinting opinion piece from WaPo by Charles Krauthammer, one that you do not want to miss reading - "Obama, the fall".

Here is an excerpt from the Washington Post:

Obama: The fall

By Charles Krauthammer, Published: May 2

Fate is fickle, power cyclical, and nothing is new under the sun. Especially in Washington, where after every election the losing party is sagely instructed to confess sin, rend garments and rethink its principles lest it go the way of the Whigs. And where the victor is hailed as the new Caesar, facing an open road to domination.
And where Barack Obama, already naturally inclined to believe his own loftiness, graciously accepted the kingly crown and proceeded to ride his reelection success to a crushing victory over the GOP at the fiscal cliff, leaving a humiliated John Boehner & Co. with nothing but naked tax hikes.
Thus emboldened, Obama turned his inaugural and State of the Union addresses into a left-wing dream factory, from his declaration of war on global warming (on a planet where temperatures are the same as 16 years ago and in a country whose CO2 emissions are at a 20-year low) to the invention of new entitlements — e.g., universal preschool for 5-year-olds— for a country already drowning in debt.
To realize his dreams, Obama sought to fracture and neutralize the congressional GOP as a prelude to reclaiming the House in 2014. This would enable him to fully enact his agenda in the final two years of his presidency, usually a time of lame-duck paralysis. Hail the Obama juggernaut.
Well, that story — excuse me, narrative — lasted exactly six months. The Big Mo is gone.

To read the full story in the Washington Post, click here.

Opinion piece: The Presidential Wheel Turns. Obama fatigue sets in and a new affection for Bush rises with both now at identical presidential approval ratings of 47%!

The Presidential Wheel Turns

by Peggy Noonan, columnist

Wall Street Journal

Excerpt: 

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"Barack Obama was elected president in 2008 because he was not George W. Bush. In fact, he was elected because he was the farthest thing possible from Mr. Bush. On some level he knew this, which is why every time he got in trouble he'd say Bush's name. It's all his fault, you have no idea the mess I inherited. As long as Mr. Bush's memory was hovering like Boo Radley in the shadows, Mr. Obama would be OK.

Related Video

In an excerpt from a longer interview, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is asked by Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institution whether he plans to run for president in 2016. "Uncommon Knowledge" is produced by the Hoover Institution for WSJ Live.

This week something changed. George W. Bush is back, for the unveiling of his presidential library. His numbers are dramatically up. You know why? Because he's the farthest thing from Barack Obama.

Obama fatigue has opened the way to Bush affection...onward to Obama fatigue, and the Democratic Party wrestling with what comes next. It's not only the Republicans in a deep pit."

Rep. Glen Kolkmeyer to speak to 5th CD Federated Republican Women on April 28th in Blue Springs

Rep. Glen Kolkmeyer of the 53rd Missouri Legislative District will be the special guest speaker at the 5th Congressional District Federated Republican Women Spring Meeting on Sunday, 4/28

Rep. Kolkmeyer is a member of the House Transportation, Local Government, Elections, and Appropriations Committees and a member of the Joint Committee on Tranportation Oversight.

The event will be held at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee Community Room, 625 W. 40 Highway, Blue Springs, 7 and 40 Highways.

Registration:1:45 to 2 PM

Meeting: 2 to 4 PM

Bring a Silent Auction item

$8.00 at the door

Find Glen on Facebook here. 

Follow @glenkolkmeyer on Twitter here. 

Photos from 2013 Lafayette County Lincoln Dinner

Sen. David Pearce (21st) greets Catherine Hanaway, keynote speaker at the annual Lafayette County Lincoln Dinner held at the Community Christian Center in Wellington on April 18, 2013.