Representative Richard Brown (D), Assistant House Minority Leader and announced candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2024, spoke last night at the Johnson County, Missouri Democratic Club at its meeting in Warrensburg last night.
Representative Richard Brown (D), Assistant House Minority Leader.
Representative Brown (D) spoke in depth about the General Assembly, legislation, and the needs of the people in Missouri. He is optimistic about the prospects for Democratic Party candidates up and down the ticket in the 2024 election cycle, citing the U.S. Senate race, taking back the office of Governor, and additional offices falling into place. Among the issues facing Missouri are access to health care, affordable housing, living wages and economic development, support for public education, and bodily autonomy.
Representative Brown (r) reminded everyone that Republicans have controlled the Missouri General Assembly for over 20 years.
Representative Brown (D) is familiar with Warrensburg as an alumnus of the University of Central Missouri.
We don’t allow ignorant comments out of moderation to be linked with the original post, but we will present some of them in subsequent posts for the purpose of public derision and mockery. As we see fit.
Is there going to be a meeting for the citizens of warrensburg against homeless people on a fair basis and hear their opinions. If no homelessness is in warrensburg then nothing changes but if you keep attracting homeless people to warrensburg it can be the downfall of a very established driving community
First, there was a meeting. It’s on you that you didn’t bother to find out about it and attend. It was well publicized.
“Against homeless”? Seriously.
“Fair basis”? Un unedited audio recording of the entire hour and a half town hall is about as “fair” as anything can get.
“No homelessness” “Attracting”? They’re here. One has to wonder about someone’s sense of place and reality that they consider a small town in west central Missouri with limited social service resources an attractive alternative for anyone trying to get back up on their feet.
“Established driving community”? WTF is that?
By the way, the IP address and email address of all comments are attached to the original comment in our blog operating system.
A panel representing local shelters, community resources, the Trails Regional Library, and a local church held an open public town hall this evening at the Trails Regional Library Warrensburg Branch to discuss, explain, and enlighten the community about what they do and what they can’t do for homeless/unhoused individuals in Warrensburg.
A representative from the Trail Regional Library – Warrensburg Branch:
Kansas City media market news coverage:
The rest of the panel:
The town hall (1 hour, 37 minutes):
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It’s a special kind of irony when someone’s business plan is predicated on higher rents and profits, making housing less affordable, and thus helping create the unhoused/homeless issue that they’re complaining about…because business.
There were questions and statements from individuals attending the meeting:
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….And I really want to emphasize that then folks who are unhoused have a huge, huge just wide variety of reasons for being unhoused. Some of them are working, some of them are looking for work, domestic violence victims, there’s a lot of reasons that people become unhoused. Some of them are mentally ill. We don’t have any cure for persistent mental illness, except to take care of them the best that we can.
And trying to lump all of these situations, because we’re talking people that have jobs, they are, they’re living in their car, they’ve got kids that are going to school, they’re trying to do all the right things and they can’t afford housing.
So we can’t allow ourselves to lump them in to this cattle car situation and say all of the homeless can’t come here, we’re gonna ship ’em south of town, we’re gonna ship ’em to some other place. That is a huge, huge danger sign. That is cattle cars. And you should be, we should never go there.
People who are unhoused are human beings and they are citizens of this place. It may not be the most recent place, but they are citizens here. And yes, they pay taxes every time they buy something, every time they have to put gas in their car, every time they have to fix a busted car, yes, they’re paying taxes.
I’m over, over the demonization of people because they fell into the hole that we have been lucky enough not to fall in yet. I’m really over it.
I have worked with the severely mentally challenged. I have had people on moving…try to shove heads through windows. They don’t ask to be that mentally ill. And it’s a minority, but because we don’t have mentally, mental health services at the scale that we need these people get lost.
Warrensburg is a great little town. It cannot become that gated community where we cattle car people out because they don’t look nice.
Nobody’s got a scarlet H on their forehead that tells you that they’re homeless. I’m over it.
These folks [on the panel] are doing an incredible job and there’s more. And they have half the Warrensburg cat ladies here tonight [laughter] and I admire the work that they do, but they know that, that homeless people, sometimes the only thing they have that loves them back is their animal, and yes, they will stay out in the woods to protect that animal. I don’t care if it’s a cat, or a dog, or [inaudible] possum.
I’m over it. We can do better than this. And we do not have to get ugly about it.
These folks deserve our compassion and our attention and help because most people that are homeless aren’t homeless permanently. It’s very short term….
The Trails Regional Library is a public library consortium for Johnson and Lafayette Counties in Missouri. Over the past month there has been discussion on a social media platform in a community forum dedicated to Warrensburg about unhoused/homeless individuals at the Warrensburg library branch.
There are shelters in the Warrensburg area, but for the most part there are no daytime shelters. For an unhoused/homeless person this can be an even greater challenge in hot, cold, or inclement weather. The public library is a public library – it’s open to all, there is air conditioning or heat appropriate to the season, there is access to the Internet, and it’s a safe space.
Individual(s) brought their concerns to the Trails Regional Library Board of Trustees. The board met on Wednesday night at the Holden, Missouri branch with the concern(s) on the agenda.
We are kind.
We treat each other and those we serve with empathy and compassion. We see every day as an opportunity to inspire new ideas and make someone smile.
We are inclusive.
The library is for everyone, and everyone is welcome here. We recognize and value diversity and intellectual freedom and believe it makes us stronger. Though we may be different, we always begin each interaction with the belief that others’ intentions are good.
We are open.
We cultivate a space where we can share differing opinions without judgment. We stay committed to each other by trusting, communicating, working through conflict, and being open to feedback. Each interaction is an opportunity to learn, even when it doesn’t go the way we hope.
Advocates and activists for unhoused/homeless individuals attended the meeting. Several signed in to speak at the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting.
From the public comment portion of the meeting:
“…And in the mean time you’ll make them feel like productive members of society and not outcasts. We want to be welcoming to our housing displaced and provide additional support…”
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. “…Librairies are for everyone…”
. “I run the homeless shelter in Warrensburg, one of them. And I am here to defend them all…They are displaced people. But displaced people are not bad people…”
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The speaker on the meeting agenda – on the subject of unhoused/homeless individuals utilizing the library:
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A response from an individual in the audience:
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The lack of sufficient resources in Warrensburg impacts the library branch which by all accounts – to the credit of its staff – tries to meet the challenges with compassion, service, and professionalism.
Today, in Warrensburg, celebrating Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation:
Early in the morning Warrensburg Mayor Jim Kushner reads the city proclamation commemorating Juneteenth in front of the Old Johnsson County Courthouse.
Warrensburg
Missouri
JUNETEENTH DAY OF OBSERVANCE 2023 PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, in 2021, the President of the United States declared June 19th as the Juneteenth Day of Observance across the nation to acknowledge and celebrate the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of Black Americans; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 1865, almost ninety years after the country was founded, and more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word by Union soldiers that they were free from bondage; and
WHEREAS, as first-time citizens, Black Americans came to commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations of new lives and traditions across the country known by many names as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Liberation Day; and
WHEREAS, since 2003, Juneteenth has been recognized by law in Missouri as Emancipation Day and dedicated by statute inscribed that “Americans devote some part of the day to remember the proclamation that began the full realization for all people in the United States of the self-evident truth, that all people are created equal;” and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Warrensburg are urged to recommit with purpose and resolve to the work of equity, equality and justice for all.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Jim Kushner, Mayor, of Warrensburg, Missouri, along with the Warrensburg City Council, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2023 to be the JUNETEENTH DAY OF OBSERVANCE, in the City of Warrensburg, Missouri.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of June, 2023.
Jim Kushner, Mayor
Bruce D. Uhler, Chairperson Pro Tem
ATTEST: Tarl Bentley, Council Member
Eddie Osborne, Council Member
Jan Jones, Council Member
Jodi L. Schneider, City Clerk
The Warrensburg city proclamation.
Throughout the day there were readings in the old courthouse, tours of the historical museum, tours of local sites, presentations, vendors, and food trucks.
A proclamation read by Mayor Jim Kushner at Monday night’s Warrensburg, Missouri City Council meeting:
Warrensburg
Missouri
LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH JUNE 2023 PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, our nation was founded on the principle of equal rights for all people, but the fulfillment of this promise has been long in coming for many Americans; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ citizens in our local communities face discrimination simply for being who they are and for whom they love; and
WHEREAS, while society at large is slowly recognizing new definitions of sexuality and gender, we must also acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice; and
WHEREAS, the City of Warrensburg is strengthened by and thrives upon the rich diversity of its residents, all of whom contribute to the vibrant character of our city. Through our Warrensburg Diversity and Inclusion Commission, we strive to embrace diversity and foster inclusion of all citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City of Warrensburg recognizes the importance and contributions of members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ community and is committed to supporting visibility, dignity and equity for all people in our community; and
WHEREAS, celebrating Pride Month influences awareness and provides support and advocacy for Warrensburg’s LGBTQ+ community, and is an opportunity to engage in dialogue to strengthen alliances, build acceptance and advance equal rights for all.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Jim Kushner, Mayor, of Warrensburg, Missouri, along with the Warrensburg City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2023 as LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH, in the City of Warrensburg, Missouri.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of June, 2023.
Jim Kushner, Mayor
Bruce D. Uhler, Chairperson Pro Tem
ATTEST: Tarl Bentley, Council Member
Eddie Osborne, Council Member
Jan Jones, Council Member
Jodi L. Schneider, City Clerk
On Monday evening, June 12th, the Warrensburg, Missouri City Council convened for a regularly scheduled meeting. In contrast to the two previous meetings the gallery, while populated, was not packed. The large contingent of hand-wringing pearl-clutching bigots at the previous city council meetings did not appear to be in attendance.
During the public comment portion of the agenda:
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…Today I address you as a private citizen. First and foremost, I must apologize. I’ve not been as available to the public in my role as DIC [Warrensburg Diversity & Inclusion Commission] Chair I’ve been preoccupied and, thusly, unaware of some circumstances that transpired at our annual Pride Month event that was held on June 3rd. Specifically, the clear and present danger of threats of violence made against citizens of our community in a direct effort to instill fear and prevent rightful citizens from creating a more inclusive and safer place for the LGBTQIA+ community.
As this meeting marks our city’s resolve to commit to being the community of inclusion, I wish to publicly condemn threats of violence against other groups within our community.
I will not relitigate the events of the past, nor will I engage in a circular debate about beliefs or ideology. This is for another time.
What I offer instead is a reminder to all about our fundamental American beliefs in tolerating the opinions of other. And engaging in peaceful protest or debate with people who hold different views than our own.
Fear, threats of violence, and plans to commit violence to submit others into compliance are tools of Fascists, extremists, and terrorists. They are un-American.
We must be mindful of the tactics we use to express our outrage and our viewpoints. Thus, we embrace the ideals that we as Americans have sworn to defend against.
To members of the LGBTQIA+ community on attendance and those streaming online, and for those of you here, I’d hope you’d tell them the same, I will not tell that the journey to equality will be peaceful, simple, and trouble free. They may already know this by now. Instead, what I will share with you is that you are loved, you have a right to exist, to be heard, and to be treated justly as every other person who calls Warrensburg home.
There are many in our community who would stand behind you to propel your fight forward, others who will stand by your side to march with you towards equality, and there are others, like me, who will stand in front of you to embrace and shield you from the hate, vitriol, abuse, ignorance, and fearmongering.
You are not alone. Continue to inspire change. Continue to embrace the struggle, resist, and confront ignorance. Break down barriers.
In time we may be able to be part of a more inclusive world, but at the very least we can create one for those who follow after us.
After weeks of needless distractions, after all of the whining bigots, and after all of the meetings the Warrensburg Pride Festival took place without incident on Saturday.
In addition to the vendors, activities, and entertainment inside the venue a number of intolerant people stood across the street to express whatever.
It was hot and humid on Saturday.
This was one of the bigots who crossed the street to the (utility) right of way next to the Pride Festival venue parking lot. He gets credit from me for using block letters, though he fails at planning layout. No, this image has not been altered:
After weeks of needless distractions, after all of the whining bigots, and after all of the meetings the Warrensburg Pride Festival took place without incident on Saturday.
In addition to the vendors, activities, and entertainment inside the venue a number of intolerant people stood across the street to express whatever.
It was hot and humid on Saturday.
We were there.
Meta. We took over 800 frames of stills. Some with a full frame camera with a 70-200 mm lens and a 2X extender, some taken with a smaller camera with an 18-55 mm lens. Both setups get the big picture. They also capture details which add to the story.
Interestingly, with details it’s easy enough to tell who is who.
Outside, across the road, mostly:
“Women for Trump”
Grab ’em by the what?
“Never Back Down”
Unintentional irony, probably.
Not actually a monopoly.
Pandering to the base
Equal protection, ironically:
Inside at the Pride Festival:
Humanity
“Human:
“Say gay, Protect trans kids, Read banned books. Teach all history. Show love.”
“Human”
“Love Wins”
Equal protection:
“Not Today Jesus”
It works ironically, or not. It also works sarcastically, or not.
Despite the 90+ degree temperatures, these God loving patriots are standing up to protect kids from “family friendly” drag shows in Warrensburg. I stopped by to hand-deliver some water/Gatorade and personally thank each one of them for staying true to their conservative beliefs and fighting the good fight. Drag shows are not for innocent kids and I am glad to stand alongside these good folks who are trying to protect our children.
[….]
They didn’t have enough sense to bring their own water? Just asking.
By the way, where was your fellow letter writer Rick Brattin (r)?:
…Not only will I have your back, but I am willing to stand alongside you as you protect our community…
Just not in 90° temperatures and high humidity, apparently.
A people loving patriot across the street:
“Those who abide in Love abide in God”
…Running for something?
Interestingly, Denny Hoskins (r) worked the folks with the intolerant signs, walked across the street and shook the Warrensburg Police officers’ hands, but he didn’t bother to go into the venue to greet his constituents attending the Pride Festival.
Citizens For Hoskins – Active
MECID: C081024
PO Box 118
Warrensburg, MO 64093
[….]
Committee Type: Candidate
[….]
Election History
Election Outcome Political Office 8/6/2024 Primary Election Statewide Office
[….]
Some of the responses:
Standing up ??? They are protesting other citizens rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
Imposing their judgment for the judgment of the actual parents of the under 18 attending.
BTW no laws broken. Besides parents, mandatory child abuse and Law Enforcement present to observe. So again no laws were broken.
Your constituents were also inside the venue. Why didn’t you speak to us inside?
What is wrong with drag shows? They are not sexual. People are wearing costumes and acting for entertainment.
A big thank you to Denny Hoskins for showing your support and big thanks to everyone that braved the heat to try and keep the children of our community from being exposed to these highly inappropriate performances.
What is inappropriate about it?
I can’t believe there is anyone left that you need to convince of your Homophobia with a Facebook post. You are a disgrace to the office. Hate is nothing to be proud of. The majority of your constituents don’t agree with this and you know it. Your constituents were inside as well but you hate them. It’s disgusting how you flaunt and show off your hate. Zealots aren’t supposed to hold office.
Just enough expedient bluster to repeat unfounded accusations, but not enough moral compass and courage to walk a hundred feet further and through a door to see for himself.
Some (former) constituents are more equal than others, eh?
