June Is Gay Pride Month In Iowa Also!

Posted on June 8, 2019 by Dave Bradley

Image (1) gayPRIDEflag.gif for post 271

With Dear Leader sucking up so much of the air on a daily – nay hourly – level many of us tend to focus on that train wreck while life goes on.

With the coming of summer comes the fairs and fests through which we celebrate our lives and work. In the past 50 years gay pride parades have come to join the stable of celebrations, especially in medium to larger cities.

Gay pride parades usually happen in June. This is apparently done to commemorate the Stonewall uprising of June 28th of 1969. That date is often marked as the beginning of the gay pride movement. For those who are counting 2019 is the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. As many Iowans also remember, April was the 10th anniversary of the Iowa Supreme Court decision that same sex members could legally marry in Iowa.

So this is a double bang year of celebration. 

Most of us have gay family members or gay friends or co-workers. This is a chance to show solidarity with them.

Here is a sampling of Pride celebrations around Iowa. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

Des Moines:

Pride Fest has been going on in Des Moines all week. It culminates this weekend with plenty of events too numerous to put on here. The best thing to do is go to the link here and see what all is available. Have Fun!  

https://www.capitalcitypride.org/2019pridefest

Cedar Rapids:

Cedar Rapids Pride Fest coincides with the 4th of July week, beginning July 1st and going through the 8th. Since 2017 the fest has been held in the New Bo district of Cedar Rapids. Much more information can be found at the CR Pride fest website:   https://crpridefest.com

Quad Cities:

Flooding pushed the celebration back a few weeks, but didn’t stop anything. Learn about the festivities at the website for 2019 Quad Cities pride here:  https://www.proudout.com/po-event/unity-pride-week-2019/

Iowa City:

Perhaps Iowa’s oldest continuing fest, Iowa City is ready to party next week and weekend. Get the schedule here at the Iowa City Pride website. Enjoy!    https://www.iowacitypride.org

Ames:

Stick this one in your tickler file for September. Ames will have a pride parade on September 7, 2019.  https://www.amespride.org/#/

Omaha/ Council Bluffs:

Over there on Iowa’s west coast we will have the Heartland Pride festival on June 28th and 29th. Here is the website.  https://heartlandpride.org/2019pride/   Head on over and enjoy!

Sioux City:

Oops – we missed the SUX Pride. It took place on June 1st – last week. Hope everybody had fun.

Waterloo Cedar Falls (Cedar Valley Pride Fest)

Another one for the tickler file. This one takes place the weekend of August 23rd and 24th. Find information here.  http://www.cedarvalleypride.com

Mason City:

Looks like planning is underway for a pride fest in Mason City for August 17th. Check here for information.   http://masoncitypride.com

Certainly not an exhaustive list. Something to give us a break from the continual coverage of Dear Leader. Hope you can find some stuff there to enjoy.

Just in  from our friends at progressiowa: 

For Immediate Release: June 6, 2019

Contact: Matt Sinovic, (515) 423-0133

IOWA LGBTQ MEDIA GUIDE RELEASED IN RECOGNITION OF PRIDE MONTH

DES MOINES — Local and national organizations released the annual Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide today, to provide accurate information and encourage appropriate representation of the LGBTQ community in the media. One Iowa, Transformations Iowa, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, GLAAD, and Progress Iowa jointly released the guide, which can be viewed by clicking here.

The following leaders issued statements to be included in the Iowa LGBTQ Media Guide:

“The LGBTQ community has worked for equal treatment and respect for decades. While we’ve made progress, LGBTQ people, particularly transgender individuals, continue to face harmful stigma and policies here in Iowa. Respectful and accurate media coverage is key to educating the public and breaking through false narratives about LGBTQ people. One Iowa is committed to working with and educating journalists to accomplish this.”

  • Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel,
  • Executive Director, One Iowa

“Transgender people are facing directed attacks like few times before. From state governments denying us the right to bathrooms and life saving surgeries, to our federal government allowing discrimination towards us in all aspects of life, even from emergency room doctors. The message from them is clear, they do not believe we are people. As such it is more important than ever that media outlets respect our humanity. Using our name and pronouns, even when referring to our past, is just the first most basic step towards that. When the media respects who we are it helps the public see we are the same loving, kind, and caring people they are. “

  • Sophia Stone, President,
  • Transformations Iowa

“Words matter. It is important that the media take the time to understand and correctly use language that is based in best practices and is respectful. In doing so, it helps to report events accurately and educate the public in the process. Interfaith Alliance of Iowa has been a proud ally of the LGBTQ community for more than two decades. We will always advocate for the rights and dignity of LGBTQ Iowans and stand against any effort that uses religion as a weapon to discriminate.”

  • Connie Ryan, Executive
  • Director, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

Included in the guide, which can be viewed by clicking here, are an overview of the LGBTQ community in Iowa, including demographics, a background on Iowa laws, and best practices for LGBTQ coverage, including a glossary of common terms.

Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , , | Comments Off on June Is Gay Pride Month In Iowa Also!

Courts Becoming Republican Power Centers

Posted on June 8, 2019 by Dave Bradley

Image (1) supreme-court.jpg for post 13215

Thanks to a case decided by the Iowa Supreme Court and a couple of cases on the docket for decisions this month for the SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the US)  we can see why Republicans have put so much emphasis on stealing elections through any means possible.

Looking at the Iowa situation first, we have the Iowa Supreme Court deciding that the hastily passed 2017 laws that gutted Iowa’s long standing chapter 20 rules on public unions to be constitutional. These new laws split public unions into 2 types of unions with different bargaining powers, plus new tougher rules on collecting dues and recertifying unions.  

The court deciding on these issues included two appointees by Gov. Kim Reynolds in the 4 votes for their side. Both of these appointees were added under the previous rules for appointing justices that included input from groups representing the bar and the bench. 

Thanks to a law run through the last legislative session by Republicans and signed by Gov. Reynolds, the governor will now be able to appoint nine of the seventeen members of the nominating commission. This will give the governor control of the nominating commission. Iowa’s once highly thought of fairly non-partisan nominating process has been turned into yet another power control center for the governor.

One of the Republican bets is that their party will control the governor’s seat in Iowa as it has from the day Iowa became a state. Having gubernatorial elections in off (non-presidential) years makes that possibility even more likely. Thus a Republican will select a majority Republican nominating commission that will make sure the state court system is loaded with Republicans instead of less partial justices picked by a much less partisan commission.

Just another example of the control that Republicans will be exerting over our lives for a long time to come. 

At the national level, Ian MIlheiser at thinkprogress.org discusses a couple of cases involving gerrymandering and the case concerning the census question on citizenship that will almost certainly cause undercounts in many areas where populations os non-citizens may exist.

While the decisions in these specific cases are of utmost importance, Milheiser points out what is really at stake for the long run:

It’s June, which means the Supreme Court is in the final stretch of its first term since Justice Anthony Kennedy gave his seat up for President Trump to fill. We will soon know what America looks like under a judiciary that’s been remade by a president that is actively lobbying the Supreme Court to permit racist voter suppression.

Indeed, the story of this term is likely to be a story about democracy — and the Supreme Court’s role in thwarting it. The court is likely to hold that federal judges are powerless to stop partisan gerrymandering (although, oddly enough, Trump judge Brett Kavanaugh appeared open to some of the arguments against gerrymandering during oral arguments). And it is even more likely to hold that the Trump administration may effectively rig the Census to discourage immigrants from participating and shift power to white communities.

Below the surface, however, are two far more subtle attacks on democracy. These two cases, Kisor v. Wilkie and Gundy v. United States, are early stages of a much broader effort to transfer power from the executive branch — whose leader is elected, at least most of the time — to a judiciary that is unaccountable to voters and that is now controlled by the Republican Party. It is unclear whether the Supreme Court’s right flank has the votes it needs to prevail in both cases, but both are bellwethers for an agenda that could leave the next Democratic president powerless to govern.

This agenda has two prongs. The first seeks to make congressional elections as undemocratic as possible. Gerrymandering helps lock Republicans into power in the House of Representatives. And when a Democratic wave election overcomes those gerrymanders, as it did in 2018, Senate malapportionment effectively gives Republicans so many free seats in the Senate that Democrats need a crushing electoral victory to gain control of Congress’ upper house.

Barring a political realignment that allows Democrats to compete in underpopulated states like Wyoming — or massive constitutional reform that abolishes both gerrymandering and Senate malapportionment — Republicans will control at least one house of Congress nearly all of the time. They will do so even after many elections where a majority of the American people vote for Democrats. And that means that Democratic presidents will not be able to push a legislative agenda.

This is a bit of a nested read, but try to dig through it – it is worth it. Among the outcomes of decisions giving more power to the Courts from these two cases could be this situation:

“The future, in other words, is likely to be one where the judiciary owes little or no deference to agencies, and where every regulation must win the approval of Republicans in black robes. In that world, Republican administrations are likely to be able to regulate (or deregulate) freely, while Democratic administrations will have to seek a Republican Supreme Court’s permission every time it wants to make meaningful policy changes.”

Think of agencies during Republican administrations that could make rules destroying the agency with no interference from any court. In a more practical example, think Social Security and Medicare destroyed through regulation with no recourse to the Court system which is a Republican stronghold due to their lock on senatorial elections.

Elections have long-term, unadvertised elections. Don’t ever forget that!

Posted in #trumpresistance, 2020 election campaign, Iowa legislature 2017, Iowa legislature 2019, Labor, SCOTUS | Tagged , | Comments Off on Courts Becoming Republican Power Centers

Government and Public Welfare

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Trish Nelson


by Ralph Scharnau

The headlines proclaim a booming economy with historic low inflation and unemployment rates. But these cheery statistics hold no reality for millions of people coping with immediate or looming insecurity.

The evidence for the gloom seems clear. Inflation-adjusted middle-class wages have been stagnant for the last 40 years. Meanwhile income of the top 1% has nearly tripled. Inequality continues to grow with the gap between rich and poor widening. And today’s average workers are often employed at jobs marked by automation, outsourcing, declining union protection, and employer hostility.

Savings accounts are the farthest thing from the minds of millions of U.S. workers still struggling to meet their regular living expenses. Their income barely covers the costs of housing payments, clothing, child care, health care, food, and transportation. Many of them hold two or even three jobs just to meet these basic needs

A car problem, illness, or an unexpected emergency can overwhelm their capacity to pay. They may face bankruptcy during an emergency caused by large medical bills, job loss, or workplace injury.

The issues here reflect a distinct political divide. A lot of words have been spilled in the media about the highly partisan tone of politics. But there are clear differences between Democrats and Republicans on economic and other vital issues.

Democrats want to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. Currently, the federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 for nearly ten years. Workers living on that wage continue to lose purchasing power due to inflation. Republicans show little or no interest in raising the minimum wage.

Government can help average citizens by reducing the number of subsidies and tax write-offs to giant corporations. The Trump-Republican tax plan has further enriched executives, not workers. Already a number of giant corporations, like Amazon, Wal-Mart, Apple, IBM, and Chevron, pay no federal taxes at all.

When economic development plans fail, moreover, companies raise prices, cut employees, and seek assistance from government. Laborers pay the price through firings, layoffs, or transfers to other workplaces.

The United States today does not hold the number one ranking compared to other industrialized countries. For example, our land-based power grid, roads/rails/bridges, and our air-traffic control system lag behind other industrialized nations.

Under the Trump administration, moreover, foreign relations are chaotic. Personal whim rather than reasoned policy prevails. This strains diplomacy and trade negotiations. It also complicates arms control and climate talks.

Republican-controlled government seems more and more like a privileged oligarchic sanctuary for the rich. Whether its health care legislation, protecting the environment, supporting workers, advocating for minorities, or promoting safety, profits and wealth “trump” all other concerns where ever Republicans dominate politically.

Yet, Democrats generally push programs to help people, not profits. The Democratic Party’s economic, labor, and financial programs are designed to promote the common good. They also sponsor public welfare measures to protect the environment, uphold decent health care standards for all, support fair workplace conditions, and advocate equal opportunities for minorities, women, LGBTQ and transgender folks. The Republican Party’s platform offers only unrestrained individualism, reduced government spending, and privatization as the best answer to these socio-economic issues.

Republicans have ushered in a political era marked by splendor for the rich and scarcity for many, many others. Democrats insist this is neither inevitable nor democratic. They argue that community-oriented common good should take precedence over unrestrained individualism. All people should have access to a decent standard of living regardless of their skin color, sexual orientation, and economic status.

Ralph Scharnau
May 30, 2019

Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Government and Public Welfare

Right To Harm: A Film About CAFOs And Human Rights

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Trish Nelson

Most people don’t know about the problem of CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations).  This documentary was made to reach out to the public and expose the problem so we can together find a solution before it is too late.

Watch the trailer..  “An exposé on the public health impact of factory farming across the United States, told through the eyes of residents in five rural communities. When pushed to their limit, these citizens turned activists band together to demand justice.”

 

Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Right To Harm: A Film About CAFOs And Human Rights

Democratic Candidates Iowa Schedule June 7-11

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Trish Nelson


Information provided by desmoinesregister.com/iowa-caucus/candidate-tracker

Beto O’Rourke Jun 7, 2019, 11:50 a.m.
Coyote Run Farm, 1841 20th Pl, Lacona, IA
Walking tour of farm to discuss impact of President Trump’s tariffs and trade policy.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 7, 2019, 2 p.m.
Hotel Ottumwa, Mahaska Room, 107 2nd St E, Ottumwa, IA
Town hall.

John Hickenlooper  Jun 7, 2019, 2:30 p.m.
The Foundry, 111 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA
Hickenlooper tours The Foundry prior to the development’s grand opening.

Pete Buttigieg Jun 7, 2019, 4:30 p.m.
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, 833 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards Dinner. Sponsored by Eychaner Foundation.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 7, 2019, 4:45 p.m.
Peace Tree Brewing Company, 107 W Main St, Knoxville, IA
Town hall.

John Hickenlooper Jun 7, 2019, 6 p.m.
The Livery Deli, 806 7th St, Boone, IA
Meet and greet. Sponsored by Boone County Democrats.

Kirsten Gillibrand Jun 7, 2019, 7 p.m.
Blazing Saddle, 416 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will attend Capital City Pride and go to the Blazing Saddle to meet with caucus-goers.

John DelaneyJun  7, 2019, 7 p.m.
Wobbly Boots Roadhouse, 1301 NW 114th St, Clive, IA
Meet and greet. Sponsored by Clive Democrats.

Bernie Sanders Jun 7, 2019, 7 p.m.
Sinclair Auditorium, Coe College, 1st Avenue East, Cedar Rapids, IA
Sen. Sanders will join a live taping of the Political Party Live podcast. Limited seating is available. Only ticketed individuals will be allowed into the event. Doors open at 6pm and the event is set to begin at 7pm. Register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/political-party-live-w-bernie-sanders-tickets-62591170877.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 8, 2019, 8 a.m.
Brenton Skating Plaza, 520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA
O’Rourke and his wife, Amy, will participate in the Capital City Pride Fest Fun Run 5k. Sponsored by Capital City Pride Fest.

Kirsten Gillibrand Jun 8, 2019, 9 a.m.
Wellmark YMCA, 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will attend the Iowa 2020 Book Club, where she will discuss her book “Off the Sidelines” and her children’s book “Bold and Brave.”.

John Hickenlooper Jun 8, 2019, 9:30 a.m.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, 400 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA

John Delaney Jun 8, 2019, 10 a.m.
Des Moines Farmers Market, 300 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
Visit.

Marianne Williamson Jun 8, 2019, 10 a.m.
Governor’s Day Parade, Grimes, IA
Marianne Williamson marches in the Governor’s Day Parade.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 8, 2019, 10:30 a.m.
Grand View University Student Center, 2811 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA
Immigration round table.

John Hickenlooper Jun 8, 2019, 10:30 a.m.
Iowa Safe Schools Pride Tailgate and Capital City Pride Festival, Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines’ East Village.
Pete Buttigieg Jun 8, 2019, 12 p.m.
Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
Capital City 10 Years of Love Reception. Buttigieg’s speaking time TBD. Sponsored by Capital City Pride.

Cory Booker Jun 8, 2019, 12:30 p.m.
Capital City Pride Festival, 600 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
Capital City Pride Festival.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 8, 2019, 1 p.m.
People’s Plaza, 711 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA
Capital City Pride Fest candidate forum.

John Delaney Jun 8, 2019, 1:30 p.m.
The People’s Plaza – Iowa State Capitol, 711 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA
Remarks at 2019 Pride Fest. Sponsored by Capital City Pride.

Bernie Sanders Jun 8, 2019, 1:30 p.m.
People’s Plaza, 711 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA
Capital City Pride Candidate Forum.

Kirsten Gillibrand Jun 8, 2019, 1:30 p.m.
Capital City Pride, 711 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will attend a “Meet the Candidates” forum. Gillibrand will speak at 2:20 p.m.

Kirsten Gillibrand Jun 8, 2019, 1:30 p.m.
Capital City Pride, Blazing Saddle, 416 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will walk around Capital City Pride with Vana Rosenberg, a drag queen she met at the Blazing Saddle earlier this year, and Kyla Paterson, the first transgender chair of the Stonewall Caucus of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Kirsten Gillibrand Jun 8, 2019, 2 p.m.
Alluvial Brewing, 3715 W 190th St, Ames, IA
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will deliver remarks at Story County’s Dems’ annual event “Big Tent on the Prairie.” She’s expected to speak at 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by Story County Democrats.

John Hickenlooper Jun 8, 2019, 2 p.m.
Cabin Coffee, 1304 4th St SE, Mason City, IA
Meet and greet. Sponsored by Cerro Gordo County Democrats.

Cory Booker Jun 8, 2019, 2:45 p.m.
Alluvial Brewing Co., 3715 W 190th St, Ames, IA
Story County Democrats’ Big Tent on the Prairie Fundraiser. Sponsored by Story County Democrats.

Bernie Sanders Jun 8, 2019, 4 p.m.
Dejardin Hall, Iowa Valley Continuing Education Conference Center, 3702 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA
Town hall.

Pete Buttigieg Jun 8, 2019, 4 p.m.
Heritage Events Center, 229 3rd Ave W, Cresco, IA
First District Passport to Victory Kick Off Event. Sponsored by Iowa First District Democrats.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 8, 2019, 4 p.m.
Williamsburg Recreation Center, 939 S Highland St, Williamsburg, IA
Town hall.

Marianne Williamson Jun 8, 2019, 5 p.m.
Gazali’s, Drake University, 1205 25th St, Des Moines, IA
Marianne Williamson meets with Polk County Youth Democrats.

Rosalind Greene Jun 8, 2019, 5-6:30 p.m.
Raygun Cedar Rapids, 1028 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Climate Policy, Healthcare, Gun control, Tangibles 2020, and more.

Jay Inslee Jun 8, 2019, 6 p.m.
Ellis Park, 2000 Ellis Blvd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Jay Inslee will participate in a climate conversation with State Senator Rob Hogg at the Overlook Pavilion in Ellis Park off of Ellis Boulevard in northwest Cedar Rapids. Sponsored by Rob Hogg.

John Hickenlooper Jun 8, 2019, 6 p.m.
McAllister Catering and Heritage Event Center, 229 3rd Ave W, Cresco, IA
Hickenlooper attends First District Democrats’ Passport to Victory Event, Discusses Rural Iowa Policy Plan.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 8, 2019, 6 p.m.
Beto for America office, 417 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Linn County Beto for America Office opening.

Bernie Sanders Jun 8, 2019, 6:30 p.m.
Pavilion, National Cattle Congress, 257 Ansborough Ave, Waterloo, IA
Town hall.

Cory Booker Jun 8, 2019, 7 p.m.
Gene’s Bar at the Graduate Hotel, 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
“Political Party Live” interview for podcast, with live audience.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 9, 2019, 10:30 a.m.
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 805 Adams St, Waterloo, IA
Church service.

Steve Bullock Jun 9, 2019, 11 a.m.
Home of State Rep. Andy McKean, 509 S Oak St, Anamosa, IA
Bullock will host a meet & greet.

John Delaney Jun 9, 2019, 12 p.m.
Delaney campaign office, 2706 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Meet and greet.

Rosalind Greene Jun 9, 2019, 12 p.m.
Location TBD, Iowa City, IA
Meet and greet and tour, locations and times to be announced.

John Hickenlooper Jun 9, 2019, 12 p.m.
Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery, 616 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Meet and greet.

Cory Booker Jun 9, 2019, 1 p.m.
Doubletree Hotel and Convention Center, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Cory 2020 Hall of Fame Kickoff, Second Floor Grand Ballroom. This will be proceed the Iowa Democrats’ Hall of Fame celebration.

Marianne Williamson Jun 9, 2019, 1-6 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, Grand Ballroom, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Marianne Williamson speaks at the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Kamala Harris Jun 9, 2019, 1:10 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Pre-Hall of Fame Dinner rally. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the event begins at 1:10 p.m.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 9, 2019, 1:15 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. O’Rourke will speak 19th out of 19 candidates due to a random drawing. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Kirsten Gillibrand Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Kirsten Gillibrand speaks at the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Andrew Yang Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa Democratic Party 2019 Hall of Fame Celebration.

Elizabeth Warren Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, Grand Ballroom, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Bernie Sanders Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Amy Klobuchar Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Eric Swalwell Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

John Delaney Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Cory Booker Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Jay Inslee Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Tulsi Gabbard Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Steve Bullock Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

John Hickenlooper Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Tim Ryan Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Pete Buttigieg Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Kamala Harris Jun 9, 2019, 2 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
2019 Hall of Fame Celebration. Sponsored by Iowa Democratic Party.

Bernie Sanders Jun 9, 2019, 3:45 p.m.
Ballroom, Grand River Center, 500 Bell St, Dubuque, IA
Rally.

Elizabeth Warren Jun 9, 2019, 6:15 p.m.
Private residence, 405 Ankeny St, Waterloo, IA
Doors open at 5:45 p.m. RSVP online: https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforwarren/event/94215/?utm_source=press.

Kamala Harris Jun 9, 2019, 6:45 p.m.
Union Missionary Baptist Church, 209 Jackson St, Waterloo, IA
Town hall. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Marianne Williamson Jun 9, 2019, 8 p.m.
Toula Yoga, 2720 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
Marianne Williamson visits Toula Yoga.

Steve Bullock Jun 10, 2019, 9 a.m.
Greene Bean Coffee Co., 202 N Wilson Ave, Jefferson, IA
Bullock hosts a meet & greet.

Beto O’Rourke Jun 10, 2019, 9 a.m.
Gateway Area Community Center, 1850 S Bluff Blvd, Clinton, IA
Town hall.

Marianne Williamson Jun 10, 2019, 10:30 a.m.
Pierson’s Flower Shop, 1800 Ellis Blvd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Williamson will join Iowa Sen. Rob Hogg to discuss business recovery following the Flood of 2008 with shop owner Al Pierson.

Rosalind Greene Jun 10, 2019, 12 p.m.
Location TBD, Davenport, IA
Meet and greet and tour, locations and times to be announced.

Steve Bullock Jun 10, 2019, 12 p.m.
Better Days Cafe, 518 Lake Ave N, Storm Lake, IA
Bullock hosts a meet & greet.

Marianne Williamson Jun 10, 2019, 12 p.m.
Cedar Hall, Room 343, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Marianne Williamson meets with Kirkwood College Democrats, hosted by State Senator Rob Hogg. Sponsored by Kirkwood College Democrats.

Kamala Harris Jun 10, 2019, 1 p.m.
Convivum Urban Farmstead, 2811 Jackson St, Dubuque, IA
Meet and greet. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Marianne Williamson Jun 10, 2019, 4 p.m.
Drake Library at Grinnell College, 930 Park St, Grinnell, IA
Marianne Williamson meets with Poweshiek Democrats. Sponsored by Poweshiek Democrats.

Steve Bullock Jun 10, 2019, 5:30 p.m.
Bob Roe’s Point After, 2320 Transit Ave, Sioux City, IA
Bullock hosts a meet & greet.

Steve Bullock Jun 11, 2019, 10:45 a.m.
Home of Fran Parr, 59283 205th St, Pacific Junction, IA
Bullock to tour Missouri River flooding in Pacific Junction.

Steve Bullock Jun 11, 2019, 12:30 p.m.
Barley’s, 114 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA
Bullock hosts a meet & greet.

 

Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Democratic Candidates Iowa Schedule June 7-11

How Will We Stop Republican Election Stealing In 2020?

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Trish Nelson

Click on the image to buy this book on Amazon

All good liars know how to cover their actions by accusing others of what they themselves are doing.  For example, a spouse who is cheating covers with constant displays of jealousy and accusations of his or her spouse cheating. It’s a time honored and common method liars use to throw everyone off the scent and keep them from seeing what’s really going on.

Thom Hartmann speaks with Greg Palast who has been largely responsible for exposing Republican efforts to suppress voting all the while screaming about voter fraud.

Check out Palast’s books on Republican election stealing on Amazon.

 

Click on the image to buy this book on Amazon

Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on How Will We Stop Republican Election Stealing In 2020?

Elizabeth Warren “You Don’t Get What You Don’t Fight For”

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Trish Nelson


Elizabeth Warren announced her candidacy for President of the United States in February in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  This paragraph characterizes the central theme of her candidacy and serves to explain in common language what has happened to America.

It started very quietly. The richest and most powerful people in America – they were rich – I mean really rich – but they wanted to be even richer and they didn’t care who got hurt. So every year, bit by bit, they lobbied Washington and paid off politicians to tilt the system just a little more in their direction. And year by year, bit by bit, more of the wealth and opportunity went to the people at the very top. And that is how today in the richest country in the history of the world, tens of millions of people are struggling to get by.

Warren chose to open her speech with a nod to unions and workers and the story of the Lawrence, Massachusetts textile strike of 1912, also known as the Bread and Roses strike, a strike of immigrant workers led by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).

“These women didn’t even have a common language… nevertheless, they persisted…These workers did more than improve their own lives. They changed America.  Like the women of Lawrence, we are here to say enough is enough.”

This is a wonderful speech, packed with inspiration, information and loaded with sensible policy ideas.  As I have watched her on the campaign trail she sticks to the themes presented here and it serves as the blueprint of her campaign.

This speech is wonky but not boring or preachy. Filled with inspirational, funny anecdotes that have served to define her, she displays her sense of humor and seemingly boundless energy as well as her ability and willingness to fight.

I stand before you today courtesy of three bags of M and Ms and a cooperative toddler. And since that day I’ve never let anyone tell me that anything is too hard. How they have tried…

The textile workers here in Lawrence more than 100 years ago won this fight because they refused to be divided. Today we gather on those same streets ready to be united again. This is our moment in history, the moment we are called to. The moment to dream big, fight hard and win.

Music:  Aretha Franklin – RESPECT.

 

Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Elizabeth Warren “You Don’t Get What You Don’t Fight For”

Reps. King, Finkenauer and Axne Sign Bipartisan Letter Urging Congress To Delay Cuts to Hospitals Serving Vulnerable Populations

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Dave Bradley

Image (1) progress-iowa.jpg for post 17381For Immediate Release: May 23, 2019

Contact: Matt Sinovic, (515) 423-0133

In Case You Missed It:

DSH Program Essential for Iowa’s Hospitals

Des Moines, Iowa – Last week, 302 members of the House of Representatives sent a  bipartisan letter to Congressional leaders calling for a delay in cuts to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program. Three of Iowa’s four representatives, including Democrats and Republicans, signed the letter.

The Medicaid DSH program provides vital support to Iowa hospitals that serve a disproportionate number of Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. The DSH program is essential to ensuring that such hospitals can continue to serve low-income patients who don’t have private insurance.

“In treating those who have nowhere else to turn, these hospitals incur uncompensated costs…Medicaid DSH payments allow them to continue serving our constituents and communities,” the letter reads.

According to the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), if the cuts are implemented, Iowa hospitals could lose $6.6 million the first year and double that number the following year. Industry experts warn that the proposed cuts to the program are unsustainable for struggling safety net hospitals, especially in rural areas, and could force some of them to reduce services or even close their doors.

The full letter can be read here.

 Signees include:

  • Rep. Abby Finkenauer
  • (D, IA-01)
  • Rep. Cindy Axne (D,
  • IA-03)
  • Rep. Steve King (R,
  • IA-04)
Posted in Blog for Iowa | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reps. King, Finkenauer and Axne Sign Bipartisan Letter Urging Congress To Delay Cuts to Hospitals Serving Vulnerable Populations

Bernie Sanders: Fighting For Every Citizen

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Dave Bradley

NBC News, MSNBC and Telemundo will host the first 2020 presidential primary debate in June of 2019. This is the tenth in a series of BFIA’s coverage and commentary of the announcement speeches by the declared Democratic candidates for president for 2020 in no particular order.  To view the previous candidate announcement posts type the candidate’s name in the search box on this page.

Because of a valiant underdog fight for the presidency in the 2016, Bernie Sanders is one of the four or five best known politicians in this country. Therefore we won’t need to spend a lot of time describing Sanders nor analyzing his policy positions. Both are probably about as well known as anyone’s profile and policies are known in this country.

The main point of Sanders policies is that he fights for the little guy, no matter the race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age or any other factor. Sanders has always been a man of the people. His focus on justice and equality for all has led him to embrace policies that are very popular among average citizens.

Sanders is in many respects the candidate whose policies and idealism reaches back to the days of FDR and the New Deal. In pursuit of his ideals, Sanders has taken on some of the most sacred cows in our current society – the extremely wealthy, the corporations, The oil companies, the prison industry, the insurance companies and the education industry much as FDR took on the sacred cows of his day. Many of these sacred cows have not changed.

For some, Sanders vision of the future in which the government is of the people, by the people and especially for the people is almost too much to imagine. When you listen to Sanders for a little bit, you understand that yes, it can be done and we will all benefit.

In 2016 Sanders had a nearly empty area to exploit on the left in America. Many others have moved over to join him this time. This is good for the country and for the Democratic Party. The competition will help create new ideas and help bring more and more to the ideals of candidates like Bernie Sanders.

Even if he doesn’t win, Sanders re-awakening of the left in this country has been a great service to the country. 

As you listen to Sanders it becomes very clear that the lessons of his youth as a lower middle class family have shaped his beliefs of today. As he says, he knows where he came from!

The contrast between the current president and Bernie Sanders would be about as stark as the contrast between any two candidates has ever been. One who exploits and refuses to pay workers against one who has walked picket lines. 

Sanders would be a leader who truly paid his dues.

Posted in #trumpresistance, 2020 election campaign, Bernie Sanders, Blog for Iowa | Comments Off on Bernie Sanders: Fighting For Every Citizen

Sunday Funday: Vetoing Medical Marijuana Edition

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Dave Bradley
kim reynolds

hard to see forward with your eyes closed

Far sighted Kim Reynolds once again had a chance to bring a bit of Iowa into the 21st century by signing a bill to expand the use of medical marijuana in Iowa. Instead she used her governor’s ability to see into the future. Rather than seeing individuals whose pain or medical problem is relieved by medical marijuana she sees an Iowa ravaged by the scourge of cannabis as pointed out to her no doubt by representatives of the Pharma and alcohol industries.

The Iowa state drug czar (did Putin pick this czar?) claimed “there’s “limited scientific consensus” about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and the governor made a prudent decision.” One has to wonder if he or she was advised of this “limited scientific consensus” by the barkeeper at their favorite watering hole. Claiming that marijuana may be harmful while continuing to sell alcohol and nicotine is sure ass backward.

Once again Iowa has been saved from the scourge of pain relief by leaders who are truly the pain in the rear.

  1. What was the name on that ship that the Navy had to cover so that Dear Leader would not have a temper tantrum if he should accidentally see it?
  1. Memorial Day is a somber day of remembrance of US war dead. Where was Dear Leader for Memorial Day?
  1. What former member of Dear Leader’s staff faced an “existential crisis” on whether or not to comply with congressional subpoenas?
  1. June 6th will be the 75th anniversary of the Allies invasion of Europe. Who was the head of the D-Day invasion for the Allies?
  1. What leading Allie general was used as a decoy to draw German soldiers to believe the invasion of Europe would happen at Pas-de-Calais and not Omaha Beach?
  1. What leading figure in Russia election sabotage investigation gave an unexpected news briefing Wednesday morning?
  1. At the Harvard commencement Thursday, what world leader offered a thinly veiled major criticism of Dear Leader’s policies?
  1. For the 3rd time in 2 weeks a compromise disaster relief bill passed overwhelmingly by both houses of congress has been blocked by a member of what group?
  1. As of Friday what state was on the verge of having its only abortion clinic shut down?
  1. With just short of 1000 new cases just this year what once nearly eradicated childhood disease has already hit a 27 year high for a year?
  1. According to Rep. Adam Schiff “There is an epidemic of “ what in the GOP?
  1. June 5th, 1968, what leading US political figure was assassinated in Los Angeles?
  1. What major international leader will be stepping down as prime Minister of her country next Friday?
  1. Senate Leader McConnell publicly switched his position on the appointment of what position in a presidential election year?
  1. June 7th, 1965, in Griswold v. Connecticut the Supreme Court upheld a married couple’s right to do what?
  1. The Supreme Court last week upheld Indiana’s law that requires the burial or cremation of what?
  1. Hugh Culverhouse, Jr. has asked for the return of his $21.5 million donation to the Alabama University system over what new Alabama state policy?
  1. What ultra rich woman pledged to donate half of her fortune to charity Tuesday?
  1. The cost to Dayton, Ohio to provide protection to the 9 members of the Ku Klux Klan for their demonstration a week ago Saturday was what?
  1. What company is being sued by the state of Oklahoma for its role in making the opioid crisis in that state?

John Fugelsang on Twitter:

In 2018, every one of the 50 extremist killings in the US tracked by the ADL was committed by a man w/ties to a right-wing extremist group. White supremacists were responsible for 78% of them. And if one of them leaked WH secrets while murdering ppl maybe Trump would mention it.

Answers:

  1. The John McCain. Dear leader loses another on to a dead gut.
  1. Japan
  1. Hope Hicks
  1. Gen. Eisenhower
  1. Gen. Patton
  1. Robert Mueller
  1. Angela Merkel
  1. A Republican member of the House.
  1. Missouri
  1. Measles
  1. Cowardice
  1. Robert F. Kennedy
  1. Theresa May
  1. Supreme Court Justice. Suddenly it is ok for a president to appoint a justice in an election year.
  1. Practice birth control
  1. A fetus
  1. Alabama’s strict abortion law.
  1. McKenzie Bezos
  1. $650,000
  1. Johnson and Johnson

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—The House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, took advantage of Donald Trump’s storming out of an Oval Office meeting on Wednesday to hide the nuclear codes, Pelosi has confirmed.

Moments after Trump threw a tantrum and abruptly left his own office, the quick-thinking Pelosi turned to Senator Charles Schumer, who was also present for the meeting, and said, “Chuck, we’ve got to find those nuclear codes and hide them.”

Pelosi and Schumer ransacked the Oval Office for the codes until Pelosi finally located them in a desk drawer under a pile of empty Quarter Pounder containers from McDonald’s.

Posted in #trumpresistance, Humor | Comments Off on Sunday Funday: Vetoing Medical Marijuana Edition