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Saturday, April 30
Mystery of the Democrats' New Spine
by
Trish Nelson
on Sat 30 Apr 2005 10:50 AM CDT
 Mystery of the Democrats' New Spine
Consortiumnews
By Robert Parry
Across
the nation's capital, perplexed political pundits have been rubbing
their chins wondering what has happened to the Democrats, who were
supposed to quiver in fear of the ["victorious"] George W. Bush and his
Republican congressional majority. Instead, the minority party has been
picking - and even winning - some fights.
The
Washington Post said, "Democrats were supposed to enter the 109th
Congress meek and cowed, demoralized by November's election losses and
ready to cut deals with Republicans who threatened further campaigns
against 'obstructionists.' But House and Senate Democrats have turned
that conventional wisdom on its head."
The
mystery is, how did this happen? How did the Democrats find their voice
and gain the upper hand over Bush on a number of issues: Social
Security, his right-wing judicial appointments, the Terri Schiavo case,
Tom DeLay's ethics mess and the John Bolton nomination? What has caused
the Democrats to grow a new spine?
...One explanation for the Democrats’ turnabout is the rise of
progressive media, most notably progressive AM talk radio which has
expanded rapidly over the past several months. Finally, Democratic
leaders can go on sympathetic radio shows and make their case directly
to listeners.
(Click here to read the entire article).
 Iowa Rapid Response needs letter-writers, researchers, readers, and media watchers. Join the Rapid Response-Iowa team.
Volunteer Opportunity: Living Lands and Waters Needs YOU!
by
Linda Thieman
on Sat 30 Apr 2005 04:15 AM CDT
 Volunteer Opportunity: Living Lands and Waters Needs YOU!
Who: Living Lands and Waters, Woodson Spring, Coordinator U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Joe Lundh, Forester
What: Invasive honeysuckle bush removal with the help of local schools and community volunteers
How: Advance registration requested. Please contact Geoff Manis, Living Lands and Waters, at 309-236-5627 to do this.
Why:
The honeysuckle bush is an invasive species that is easily propagated,
holds its leaves longer than most native vegetation, and chokes out
native trees, shrubs and wildflowers from emerging where the
honeysuckle is present. By removing the bushes, root and all, we are
making way for natural regeneration of native species.
This
is part of an ongoing partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
and Living Lands and Waters. In the spring of 2003, the partners
removed two square acres of the bush and planted the newly opened area
with native hardwoods. In 2004, the partners continued the progress,
with more than two acres removed over three weekends. With only a
little more than four acres of honeysuckle needing to be removed,
Living Lands and Waters hopes to conclude this phase of the project in
2005.
Where: Smith’s Island National Recreation Trail, located within the Lock and Dam 14 complex, accessible from Iowa side.
Directions:
From the 74 bridge in Iowa, take River Drive/67N approximately seven
miles until about two miles south of I-80 Bridge. Look for brown sign:
“Lock and Dam 14 Recreation Area“. Take next right turn onto frontage
road, which runs north parallel to 67. Park at the first gravel parking
lot. Follow sidewalk upstream to auxiliary lock chamber. Cross the lock
chamber and follow the path/road. Turn on the gravel path to the left
of the small prairie planting. Cross the footbridge to Smith’s Island.
The total walking distance is one mile. Please call Woodson or Joe if assistance is needed. (numbers below)
When: Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21, and 28. 8:00 AM-4:00 PM all four days unless finished early.
For more details, please contact: Geoff Manis: 309-236-5627, Woodson Spring: 319-457-0007 or Joe Lundh: 309-794-4528.
Volunteers should know that this activity will be physically demanding as well as gratifying as the removal progresses.
Participants
will be expected to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes (no sandals,
please), along with provided safety gear.
Volunteers
should be at least 13 years old and those under age 18 will need to
have a signed permission form to participate. Groups can be
accommodated with advance registration.
Lunch will be provided.
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