Bring Progressive Radio to Eastern Iowa!

By Sam Garchik

This came to me from the Johnson County Dem list-serv.  It's something that could be very important for the future of Eastern Iowa Progressives.  In the interests of fairness, I worked for a year at KXIC, but that I don't know Mr. Laton.

As the election draws closer, the need for a progressive voice in eastern Iowa becomes more and more stark. As we try to elect Dave Loebsack in the second district and one of the fine candidates in the first district, we need to have a voice that will remind voters what progressives stand for.

We are working to try to convince Clear Channel that that voice in eastern Iowa should be KXIC in Iowa City. This station covers most of the second district and some of the first. We need to keep pressure on Clear Channel so they know we are serious. We are asking that John Laton, general manager for Clear Channel in eastern Iowa be the contact for your emails and phone calls.

Please mention two specific key points: 1) Eastern Iowa is predominantly a progressive area, yet there is no outlet for the progressive viewpoint. This is a great business opportunity. Iowa City is center of the progressive movement in Iowa. 2) You look forward to rewarding advertisers on progressive radio with my business.

Thank you for your help. This project will have lasting rewards for our party in Eastern Iowa.

Contact: johnlaton@clearchannel.com or mail him at: John Laton, c/o WMT Radio, 600 Old Marion Road NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402. Phone 319-395-0530

Online petition: http://new.petitiononline.com/icradio/petition.html

Prevent Future War in Iran

By Sam Garchik

I was sent this by Ed Flaherty, who is organzing this petition drive.

Iowans For Peace, recognizing the need to counter the drumbeat for an Iran War, is circulating the petition below. We must speak up, write letters, not allow the unthinkable to happen (again). Please copy and circulate the petition, returning it by May 26th to the address at the bottom. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions.

  Dear Senator Grassley, Senator Harkin, and Representative Leach,

Please use the power of Congress and the checks and balances so wisely created by the authors of our Constitution to avert a disastrous attack on Iran.

Legislation is urgently needed to ensure that: (1) There shall be no bombing or other act of war on Iran without an explicit congressional declaration of war, and (2) There shall be no use of nuclear weapons on any nation without explicit congressional authorization. We ask you to introduce and support such legislation immediately.

Whether or not Iran has or develops nuclear weapons, an attack on Iran would be a monstrous misjudgment. The resulting destabilization of the region would endanger national and international security. Such an attack, especially one involving nuclear weapons, would inflame anti-U.S. sentiment around the world and lead to enormous suffering among the people of Iran. The cost to U.S. taxpayers would be large, we do not have reliable intelligence on Iran, and there is no guarantee that any Iranian nuclear program would actually be halted. Diplomacy is the only option in this difficult situation.

We in Iowa do not wish to squander international security, the lives of our loved ones, and our tax money, on such an immoral, illegal, and foolish venture. However unpalatable, an Iranian nuclear weapons program is preferable to the inevitably disastrous consequences of an attack on Iran.

Signed,

Name (legible signature or print) Street Address/P.O. Box City & State Zip code

1.__________________________

2.__________________________

3.__________________________

4.__________________________

5.__________________________

6.__________________________

7.__________________________

8.__________________________

9.__________________________  

10.__________________________

Return completed petitions by May 26 to Iowans For Peace, 826 South 7th Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240