Courage in Kansas
by Karen Shade, Kansas

The Kansas Democrats held their caucus on Tuesday Feb 5.  We had a significant snow storm.  I arrived at the caucus at 5:30 PM and put my literature in plastic and then in a tote bag.  Clad in my heavy snow boots, heavy coat, wrap-around hat and scarf, I cheerfully asked those who passed if they supported the creation of a U.S. Department of Peace.

When I saw a high-ranking Democrat I knew, I told her I wasn’t going to go inside because I was a registered Republican and intended to vote in the Republican caucus.  I only wanted to make people aware of this initiative.

It was 21 degrees, with a wind chill of -2 degrees!  The inch of new snow that fell that hour was blowing around with the three to four inches that were already on the ground. I couldn’t wear gloves and still pass out literature.  I normally wear a face mask when I’m out in a blizzard, but I considered it unfashionable and suspect to wear a face mask while passing out peace literature.

I HAD A BLAST.  Days before, I was wondering if I would have the nerve to go…I’m so glad my courage spoke louder.  In a not so proud moment, I saw two caucus attendees approach with Obama signs and I don’t know if I said, “Are you going to challenge me for this spot?” or I may have said, “Will I have to fight you to keep this spot?”  My old jackal was feeling insecure and afraid….but if that was my only faux paus that night, in a Midwest blizzard; I can easily resolve to do better next time.