Local Events
Local Food Advocacy Groups Expose Monsanto’s Undue Influence
SF 194 /HF 463:
“An Act requiring consumer labeling information for food, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions”
Thank your Democratic representatives in the Iowa House and Senate who introduced the bills, Bolkcom, Thede, Anderson, Steckman, Berry, Abdul-Samad, Mascher, Hunter, Hanson, and Kearns. Click here to support the passage of SF 194 and HF 463
Rally and press conference today at 10:00 am
Monsanto: A Corporate Profile (report can be downloaded here)
New Food & Water Watch report sheds light on GE seed giant that is major force behind keeping GE food unlabeled
Des Moines, Iowa—As consumer demand and grassroots efforts grow in support of SF 194 and HF 463, bills to mandate the labeling of genetically engineered foods in Iowa, the consumer advocacy organization Food & Water Watch will release a new report – Monsanto: A Corporate Profile. The new report provides a thorough overview of the biotechnology giant that now holds 1,676 patents on seeds, plants and other agricultural applications, outlining Monsanto’s history and its undue influence over lawmakers, regulators, academic research and consumers.
WHAT: Press conference and rally to announce key findings of Food & Water Watch’s new report on Monsanto and its implications for the movement to label genetically engineered foods in Iowa.
WHO: Food & Water Watch along with its allies.
Speakers will include:
Matt Ohloff, Iowa-based organizer with Food & Water Watch; Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck, Leadership Development Minister for Social Justice and Mission with the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church; George Naylor, family farmer and past president of the National Family Farm Coalition; Chris Petersen, family farmer and past president of the Iowa Farmers Union.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 3 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: West Steps of the Iowa State Capitol, E. 9th and Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
CONTACT: Matt Ohloff, mohloff@fwwatch.org, 515-988-3737
Tags: GMO labeling, HF 463, Iowa Legislature 2013, Monsanto, SF 194 | 
No Comments »
“Medicaid Madness” Tour In Davenport, Mason City, Ottumwa, and Cedar Rapids Today
Gov. Branstad opposes Medicaid expansion
MARCH 27th, 2013 Matt Sinovic, (515) 423-0530
Healthiest Iowa Initiative to Hold “Medicaid Madness” Statewide Tour Today, Wednesday, March 27th
26 organizations have joined the Healthiest Iowa Initiative, including small business owners, health care providers, and citizen organizations
DES MOINES — The Healthiest Iowa Initiative will hold its “Medicaid Madness” tour today, Wednesday, March 27th. The events, which will educate Iowans about Medicaid expansion and ask them to contact Governor Branstad to support Medicaid expansion, will take place in Davenport, Mason City, Ottumwa, and Cedar Rapids. More information about the Healthiest Iowa Initiative can be found at www.healthiestiowa.com.
“Medicaid Madness” March 27th Events
DAVENPORT
WHEN: Today, Wednesday, March 27th, 10:15 am
WHERE: Community Health Care; 500 West River Drive, Davenport, Iowa
WHO: Tom Bowman, CEO, Community Health Care
Bill Gluba, Mayor of Davenport
Ken Croken, VP of Corporate Communication, Genesis Health System
Berlinda Tyler-Jamison, VP of Community impact and Advocacy, Trinity Regional Health System
Sue Dinsdale, Executive Director, Iowa Citizen Action Network
MASON CITY
WHEN: Today, Wednesday, March 27th, 9:00 AM
WHERE: Cerro Gordo County Courthouse; 220 N Washington Ave, Mason City, Iowa
WHO: Chris Petersen, Iowa Main Street Alliance
John Colombo, President, North Iowa Nine Labor Council
Frank Driscoll, Organizer, Iowa Citizen Action Network
CEDAR RAPIDS
WHEN: Today, Wednesday, March 27th, 11:00 AM
WHERE: Hawkeye Labor Council, AFL-CIO; 1211 Wiley Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
WHO: Norm Sterzenbach, Board Member, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
Matt Sinovic, Executive Director, Progress Iowa
OTTUMWA
WHEN: Today, Wednesday, March 27th, 12:30 PM
WHERE: Ottumwa Pediatrics; 1000 Pennsylvania, Ottumwa, Iowa
WHO: Rick Johnson, Executive Director of River Hills Community Health Center;
Cheryll Jones, Regional Director of University of Iowa Specialized Child Health Clinic
Steve Siegel, President of Southern Iowa Labor Council AFL-CIO
Accepting Medicaid expansion would cover an additional 150,000 Iowans – uninsured young adults, veterans, the working poor, and mentally ill. Although he has objected to expansion because of a potential failure on the part of the federal government to honor its commitments, Governor Branstad’s alternative plan costs Iowa more and still relies on the federal government for funding. Full details of the Governor’s plan have not been released, but reviews of the limited information that is available indicate that the Governor’s proposal would cost the state more while providing fewer Iowans with the health security they need.
The 26 organizations participating in the Healthiest Iowa Initiative include AFSCME Iowa Council 61, Americans for Democratic Action, AMOS, Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa, Disability Rights Iowa, Hawkeye Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans, Iowa Citizen Action Network, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Iowa Human Needs Advocates, Iowa Main Street Alliance, Iowa Mental Health Planning Council, Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force, Iowa State Education Association, Iowa Statewide Independent Living Council, NAMI Greater Des Moines, National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter, One Iowa, Passageway, Planned Parenthood Voters of Iowa, Progress Iowa, Progressive Action for the Common Good, South Central Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and Working Families Win.
In addition to learning about Medicaid expansion at Medicaid Madness events, Iowans are encouraged to sign the following petition at www.healthiestiowa.com: Iowa has the opportunity to approve a Medicaid expansion as part of Obamacare. We call on Governor Branstad to take this opportunity to help thousands of Iowans rather than pursue a plan that costs more, covers fewer and has no guarantee of federal funding. There are no real reasons – only political rhetoric – for failing to support Medicaid expansion in Iowa.
###
Background:
Iowans launch Healthiest Iowa Initiative
http://wqad.com/2013/03/24/iowans-launch-healthiest-iowa-initiative/
Iowa Senate caught up in Medicaid Mania
http://thegazette.com/2013/03/25/iowa-senate-caught-up-in-medicaid-mania/
“Medicaid Madness” grips the statehouse
http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/medicaid-madness-grips-the-iowa-statehouse/article_f071734c-955f-11e2-90b7-0019bb2963f4.html
Tags: Iowa Legislature 2013, Medicaid expansion in Iowa, Medicaid Madness | No Comments »
Mark Your Calendar: Reception For Congressman Dave Loebsack
Join us for a reception for Congressman Dave Loebsack
Join our Hosts, Sponsors and Friends
Bill & Pat Sueppel, Pat Bauer & Chris Luzzie, Hy Joseph, Steve & Kay Jackson, Ann Bovbjerg, Jean & Jix Lloyd-Jones, Ellen Widniss, Dick & Doris Myers, Wetherill Winder, Al Bohanan, Gene Savin & Susan Enzle
Friday, March 22
5-7 p.m.
at
The Home of Bill & Pat Sueppel
1408 Bristol Dr., Iowa City
Host – $1,000
Sponsor – $500
Friend – $250
Suggested Contribution – $50
Please call or email Sara Sedlacek with questions or to RSVP
319-936-6623 or sara@loebsackforcongress.org
You may also contribute online or
send a check to Loebsack for Congress, P.O. Box 3013, Iowa City, IA 52244
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/12724
How Many Casinos Does One State Need?
Sunday Morning Come to Jesus Moment
(send this far and wide)
well its Sunday Morning coming down
coming down from the frown that’s splattered all over the airwaves
and all over Linn County
some clowns wanna put up a casino
let’s take a look here
did any one vote to put this on the ballot
NO
did any one say they wanted to put it on the ballot
NO
they have already voted on this two times before
what did the voters say
NO!!
the voters have already spoken
TWICE!!
what did they say
NO!!
who has already had to pay for these previous votes and now the third vote
the Linn County taxpayers
tax money outta our pockets that could go to LEGITIMATE needed services
like Social Services
Yeah the SWINDLE is Deep and Broad
County Wide
By these shysters, heisters and snake oil smooth talkin salesmen
lets take a further look see
lets look around a little bit
they got a casino up in Waterloo
they got a casino in Marshalltown
they got a casino in Marquette
they got a casino in Dubuque
they got a casino in Clinton
they got a casino in Davenport
they got a casino in Riverside
they got a casino in Tama
that’s EIGHT CASINOS!
surrounding us
and sucking out the few precious dollars most Iowans have
count em
EIGHT
that’s EIGHT Jack!!!
and they never lay them straight
and they sure as hell down play them straight
they skim off the top
and ship a lot of that stolen wealth out to the east coast
and you guessed it organized crime
and the mafia
is in the backroom
out of the limelight
darklords of the underground
doing a whole lotta of this wheeling and dealing
Now…
these shit fer brains wanna bring this shill game ponzy scheme underhanded circus
right here to RIVER CITY!!!
Well on Tuesday the voters are gonna
RISE UP!!!
and say
HELL NO!!!
in triplicate
and fold, mutilate and spindle
this slimy shit
And then we’re gonna get to the bottom of this
who’s ACTUALLY behind this
Black Ops
backroom deal
besides the Grey Man
the Skog Man
the Bag Man
and the Bad Man
smiling his conniving smile
behind blue eyes
Here TRIES to come the New Boss
same as the Old Boss
WON’T get fooled AGAIN!!!
Vote NO!
AHO!
Guns And Civility In Cedar County
Regarding the Cedar County Democrats Central Committee February meeting on Feb 12:
Thank you to Larry Hodgden and Sheriff Wethington for working together to provide a community forum about gun issues. There was a good turnout.I thank the Sheriff for his technical information on the various guns, and the audience for their civility throughout the presentation and questions.
We live in a unique country. We have many things to treasure about this land, and we all focus on our favorites. We are made up of people with many backgrounds and experiences. Even the original documents outlining our philosophies and legal theories were the result of many hours of discussion and compromises, not easily reached unanimous decisions. In the country’s “marriage” of so many differing views, input needs to be offered and received civilly, and discussed from a “bigger picture” point of view.
The Bill of Rights was added to our constitution after the fact, by men who spent a lot of time deliberating the wording. What then, do we make of their decision to begin the 2nd amendment with the militia clause? We do have a lot of personal and community heartache caused by the use of guns. If we rule out doing nothing to change that as one of our options, where do we start? How can those who wish to use guns for law-abiding purposes help their own interests by keeping guns out of the hands of “bad people?”
Guns are a unique tool. One can certainly use a car to kill people, but almost no one buys a car for that purpose. One cannot use a gun for transportation. One can definitely use a hammer to kill a person, but nearly all hammers are purchased to repair or build things. One cannot use a gun to build a house. One can use knives to kill people, but most knives are not bought with that in mind. I use mine for slicing bread, vegetables and baling twine. Guns can’t do any of that.
What guns do well is to frighten or kill people. They can do this from a distance, through doors, past other obstacles that would keep you safe from someone with a knife. Guns, as a unique tool, require unique circumstances in our legal system.The American attitude of self-reliance, taking care of one’s self made our country what it is today. Who could have conquered the West with a different attitude? We no longer have any “west” left to conquer. We have finite borders, many more people, roads and communication systems undreamed of by our ancestors. We have become a very complex society.
Should we work on improving our ‘rule of law’ system by properly funding law enforcement, or scrap it in favor of every man for himself? Should we throw all the blame on “evil” people, or change our attitudes about mental illness, and work at providing appropriate medical help for people with problems?
What changes would you suggest? Requiring licensing and liability policies as we do with cars? Could law-abiding gun owners be more vocal about advocating the responsibilities of gun-ownership? Changing our cultural attitudes about what defines the balance between using the gun as a last resort, versus using it anytime someone startles you?
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “the only constant in life is change.” Our culture changes daily in tiny ways and occasionally in big bursts. What we cannot do is pick a time in history and remain there. All of our rights, God-given and otherwise, bump up against the rights of others.
When and where do we place the boundaries?
Laura Twing lives in Cedar county, with her husband and various animal companions.
Tags: cedar county iowa, community meetings on guns, ending gun violence in Iowa, gun violence | 1 Comment »
Special Election In Johnson County Tuesday, March 5
Not to be too eastern Iowa-centric but if there are any Johnson County Democrats reading this, please remember to vote in the special election for Johnson County Supervisor March 5. You can vote early now weekdays at the auditor’s office 8am-6pm and at other satellite locations between now and election day. Scroll down to see early voting satellite locations between now and election day.
Here is a message about it from our new IDP Chair Tyler Olson.
Friends,
This Tuesday, March 5th is Special Election Day in Johnson County to determine who the next County Supervisor will be. I wanted to give you a quick reminder of the convenient early vote locations available this week.
With our weather reminding us it’s still winter, it is important you make a plan to cast your ballot early. Find a location below and determine which day and time works best for you.
If you already have your ballot by mail you’ll need to mail it no later than Monday, March 4th. But why wait? Mail it or deliver it to the County Auditor’s office today!
Election Day is just 7 days away. We can’t waste a moment. Find your early vote location here!
I appreciate your commitment to Democrats in Johnson County and across the state!
Sincerely,
Tyler Olson
Early voting sites – By Date
Wed 2/27 UIHC fountain lobby 10-4 and North Liberty Community Center 2-8 PM
Thurs 2/28 ICPL 10-8
Fri 3/1 ICPL 10-8 and Coralville Library noon-6
Sat 3/2 New Pioneer Coralville 11-5; ICPL 10-6, Coral Ridge Mall noon-6
Sun 3/3 ICPL 12-5 and Coralville Library 12-4
Mon 3/4 Last day for early voting; Auditor’s Office 8-6
By Location
Coral Ridge Mall
1451 Coral Ridge Ave., Coralville
Saturday, March 2, noon – 6 p.m.
Coralville Public Library
1401 5th St., Coralville
Friday, March 1 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 3, noon – 4 p.m.
Iowa City Public Library
123 S. Linn St., Iowa City
Thursday, February 28, and Friday, March 1, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 3, Noon – 5 p.m.
New Pioneer Co-Op
1101 2nd Street, Coralville
Saturday, March 2, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
North Liberty Community Center
520 W. Cherry St., North Liberty
Monday, February 25, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, February 27, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, Fountain Entrance
Tuesday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Weekend Progressive Events: #noKXL Rally In Ames
Sunday, February 17
1:00pm until 2:00pm
Brookside Park, Ames Iowa
On Sunday, February 17, thousands of Americans are heading to Washington, D.C. to join the action urging President Obama to reject the Keystone XL pipeline. If you can’t make it to D.C., please join us for a solidarity rally in Ames.
We will meet at Brookside Park at 1pm. This is a family-friendly event. Please bring your families and tell your friends. There will be a 10 minute talk about why we owe it to our children to address climate change now, and there will be a petition to sign asking President Obama not to approve the pipeline. There will also be a letter for kids to sign. We hope to see you there!
Let’s hold President Obama to the promise he made during his inauguration speech: ” We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.”
https://www.facebook.com/events/141150469381639/
Weekend Legislative Forums
Iowa has a unique tradition of legislators meeting with the public during the weekends. This is a great opportunity for people to question the people who are making the laws. We encourage you to go because it is also a great opportunity for legislators to hear the views of their constituents.
The only list we could find is on the website for the Iowa Democratic senators. Where the senators appear, generally the representatives are there also. The full schedule is here listed by date and then alphabetically by senator’s last name:
http://www.senate.iowa.gov/democrats/forum-schedule/
There are many issues this year which need our input. I know that when we attend, there is a house full of Republicans. So please attend if you can just let them know you support him or her. – Dave Bradley
Scott County Democrats RED, WHITE AND BLUE BANQUET
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Expo Building • Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport, IA
5:30 pm cocktails – Russ Reyman Trio
6:30 Dinner & Program
Invited Guests Include
• Senator Tom Harkin
• Congressman Bruce Braley and
• Congressman Dave Loebsack
• Congresswoman Cheri Bustos
• Iowa Senator Mike Gronstal • Iowa Senator Jack Hatch
• Iowa Senator Rob Hogg
• Iowa Senator Jeff Danielson
• Iowa Democratic Chair, Representative Tyler Olson
• Candidate for Secretary of State Brad Anderson
Senator Harkin To Hold Roundtable Discussions On Retirement Crisis
Senator Tom Harkin, as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, recently released a new report examining the retirement crisis in America and laying out a bold proposal to rebuild the private pension system.
The report comes after a series of hearings on retirement security that Harkin has convened over the last two years. He is hosting a series of events in Iowa intended to start a discussion about the retirement crisis in our country.
Two roundtable discussions with Iowans are scheduled for August 8 and August 9.
Members of the public are invited and we encourage you to attend!
Wednesday, August 8th – Des Moines 1:30 P.M.
Des Moines Central Public Library Meeting Room 1000 Grand Avenue Des Moines
Thursday, August 9th – Mason City 3:00 P.M.
North Iowa Area Community College 500 College Drive Muse Norris Conference Center, Room 180 B +C Mason City
Become part of a progressive grassroots movement! Alliance for Retired Americans 815 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20006
Tags: Pensions, Retirement Crisis, retirement security, Senate HELP Committee, Senator Tom Harkin | No Comments »
James Zogby Iowa Lecture Tour: U.S. Policy Toward Iran
According to Dr. James Zogby, escalating rhetoric from all sides in the Gulf conflict poses danger. “The region is a tinderbox, and it is as if everyone is too busy playing with matches to think of the consequences….”
The Crisis in the Gulf: U.S. Policy toward Iran
Tuesday, March 20th, Des Moines, 7:00 PM
Waveland Hall, Plymouth Congregational Church,
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
Wednesday, March 21st, noon Cedar Falls
UNI Multi-Cultural Center (E. side of UNI campus)
Wednesday, March 21st, 4:30 PM
Senate chambers of Historic Old Capitol, Iowa City
Wednesday, March 21st, Marion 7:30,
Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services Center, 3375 Armar Dr, Marion,IA
Dr. James Zogby is president of the Arab-American Institute. A lecturer and scholar on Middle East issues, U.S.-Arab relations, and the history of the Arab American community, Dr. Zogby appears frequently on tv and radio. A regular guest on all major network news programs and a blogger on The Huffington Post, he is the author of several books including Arab Voices and What Arabs Think: Values, Beliefs and Concerns.
Free & open to the public and accessible to all. Sponsored by Veterans For Peace, the Arab-American Institute, American Friends Service Committee, PEACE Iowa, Iowa NEA Peace & Justice Caucus, People for Justice in Palestine, Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, and University of Iowa United Nations Association.
For further information, contact Ed Flaherty @ flahertyem@q.com
Tags: Dr. James Zogby, Middle East, Peace | No Comments »
- Cheating Determines Iowa’s Elections, Schultz Implies
- Cownie Unconvincing
- Too Many Little Elections?
- Like Iowa, Like Armenia
- Who Can Vote?
- Schultz Vindicated: Voter Fraud Proven!
- Schultz Raises Dead Voter Scare Again
- Repubs Stage Crime at NH Polls
- Wondering About GOP Caucus Count
- Judge Fires Voting Machine Investigators
