Sunday Funday: Wonder Woman Weekend Edition

Posted on June 4, 2017 by Dave Bradley
Image (1) hillary-clinton-acceptance-speech-300x169.jpg for post 34392

What could have been

Many of us thought we would see Wonder Woman somewhere around the 20th of January. We needed her badly then and now our need is even greater.

At this point in her administration, Republicans would have had a dozen impeachment bills drawn up, but America would be having a love affair with their new President.

In the real world the loser who was inserted into the White House continues a path of destruction unmatched in our history on both the international and domestic fronts:

Internationally he has begun the destruction of the European Union, NATO and the Paris Climate Agreement. Vladimir Putin approves these actions.

Domestically he continues to careen like a bull on the tax cuts for the rich. This will include destroying Medicaid, parts of Medicare, Meals on Wheels, SNAP, the ACA, the environment, public education and voting rights among others. But he is getting behind such outdated ideas such as coal, oil and racism.

America needs Wonder Woman

Getting harder and harder to pay attention – they are wearing me down.

1) The current president moved to pull the US out of the Paris Climate Accords. What other countries will the US join that are not part of the Accord?

2) The attacks on the press became literal last Sunday morning when a newspaper in what city had its windows shot out?

3) During his address on climate change, the current president said he was elected to represent which city, while the mayor of that city responded that he (the current president) hadn’t been?

4) Lebanon is seeking to ban showings of “Wonder Woman” in their country. Why?

5) Even though he blew a 0.0% on the breathalyzer what noted golfer was arrested for DUI in Florida last week?

6) Sticking with sports, what basketball icon had a racial slur sprayed on the front gate of his home in Los Angeles Wednesday?

7) What Iowa labor leader joined the crowded Democratic gubernatorial race last week?

8) Oh boy! What became legal to sell in Iowa as of last Thursday?

9) “Operation Overlord” was the code name for what historic military operation?

10) In a historic ruling on June 7th, 1965 in Griswold v. Connecticut, the Supreme Court struck down laws banning what practice associated with sex?

11) Jobs decelerated last month when it was reported Friday that the economy added how many jobs in May?

12) What automobile executive resigned from the current president’s Council of Economic Advisors over the decision to leave the Paris Accords?

13) What three states formed a climate alliance shortly after the US was withdrawn from the Paris Accords?

14) Must see TV next Thursday. Who will be testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee in open session next Thursday morning?

15) The administration is moving to return what to Russian control after the Obama administration closed them due to espionage activity?

16) Star Wars returns! The US conducted what test Tuesday in response to North Korea’s recent missile tests?

17) Before announcing his decision to withdraw from the Paris Accords, the current president apparently consulted with who on the decision?

18) The administration is working on a draft to reverse the ACA requirement that most employers provide what coverage free within their health insurance?

19) A noose was found in what museum Wednesday causing the museum to be closed for 3 hours to investigate?

20) The current president created diplomatic concerns along with concerns about secrecy and security when he gave what to several world leaders?

You have to love John Fugelsang:
Donald Trump gets to say ‘fuck you’ to science & every living thing on Earth because he ran for president and came in second

Answers:

1) Nicaragua and Syria. Syria is in a civil war and Nicaragua said the Accords didn’t go far enough.

2) Lexington, Kentucky

3) Pittsburgh, Pa.

4) The star – Gal Gadot – is an Israeli

5) Tiger Woods. Apparently he was messed up on prescription pain killers

6) LeBron James

7) Cathy Glasson

8) fireworks. I hope they are a dud

9) D-Day or the invasion of Normandy June 4th, 1944

10) contraception

11) 138,000

12) Elon Musk of Tesla

13) California, Washington and New York

14) James Comey

15) compounds on Long Island and Chesapeake Bay

16) a missile intercept test. It was successful, but diplomacy would be better.

17) Fox News talking head Kimberly Guilfoyle

18) contraception

19) The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History

20) his cell phone number

See you next week

Posted in #trumpresistance, Humor | Comments Off on Sunday Funday: Wonder Woman Weekend Edition

Why Celebrate This Fourth of July?

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Dave Bradley

Image (1) fireworks-flag-1.jpg for post 25965

America just passed what is often called the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day. This is a day nominally set aside to remember the sacrifices of American soldiers. Some keep it in that way, but of course many just enjoy the day off and the blessings that those fallen and wounded soldiers bought for us.

When most people think of summer, they think of the celebration of America’s major secular holiday, Independence Day or colloquially, the Fourth of July. This is a celebration to not only commemorate the day that the Thomas Jefferson written document was first publicly announced, but is also a forward looking hope that celebrates the world’s oldest democracy and the continuation of the ideals first pronounced in the Declaration of Independence.

One of the roots of our society based on the Declaration is that we will bind ourselves together to work for the good of the whole. This is to be done by electing representatives to represent the views of the majority in the central government. While there is no absolute way to measure the compliance with this goal, most would agree that generally with occasional straying from the path, the country and most of the states head in that direction.

That has changed dramatically this year both at the national and state level. America now has a national leader of their government who expects to rule as an oligarch much like the government we rebelled against in 1776. As the current president Now our current president mocks our citizens and our institutions and our laws through his actions and words on a daily basis. The most recent example of that mockery is presidential daughter and staffer Ivanka Trump tweeting a recipe for champagne popsicles on Memorial Day – a day which should be devoted to somber remembrance of those who died in war.

At the state level, Iowa has joined a large group of states with one party rule that mocks our democracy by restricting the right to vote of their citizens. Iowa has also further eroded democracy by restricting the rights of its workers to negotiate contracts and working conditions. Stopping local governments from raising minimum wages and attack #1 against Planned Parenthood were also on their docket. None of these new laws were even spoken of during the campaign.

There were other laws passed last session that let it be known that the legislature and the governor were not there to govern with the consent of the people but to rule in spite of them. Besides the two laws mentioned above perhaps no action was as illustrative of the arrogance of Iowa’s rulers as the unilateral move of Iowa’s Medicaid program to private management with huge costs to the clients of Medicaid. Amazingly this caused a died-in-the-wool republican friend to condemn Branstad a few months back. Her family was dealing with the consequences of Branstad’s arrogant, disdainful action.

Most of us have been following the unfolding story of what happened last election. It looks as if we have had a very subtle and stealthy invasion of our country take place. The question that needs to be answered is whether the current president is governing with the good of our country in mind? Or is he governing to favor what were once our enemies? Our country has never been in such a situation and Americans need real answers. Americans also need to fire those who refuse to seek the answers.

Looking at the what our national government has done in its first 5 months on the job, there is nothing to indicate that our government is in any way working for the common good.

We can begin by noting that those appointed as heads of the various departments have philosophies in direct opposition to the goals that those departments were established under. The fears that these departments would be either dismantled or made ineffective through actions of the president or the department heads has become frighteningly real.

We move on to congress where their first and most immediate concern was to rip access to health care away from 10% to 15% of our citizenry with little concern for the consequences. Of course this was done so that the oligarchs that seem to be totally in control of our society could get a huge tax break. Once again, wasn’t this the kind of thing we rebelled against in 1776?

It is not as if those in the oligarchically ruled Republican party didn’t know these action would be hugely unpopular. At both the state and national level the press is being attacked in direct opposition to the first amendment. At the state level in Iowa and states around the country there is a move to drastically restrict public demonstrations.

As a final example of their arrogance, the current administration and Republican members of congress lie at every turn and refuse to meet with constituents except in very carefully staged environments.

So the Republican rulers at the state and national level have taken positions very reminiscent to those which drove us to rebel some 241 years back. So why should we celebrate? Our democracy has been eroding for decades with the maneuvering of the public by the captive corporate press acting as the promotion arm of the Republican Party. Now we come to see what happens when Republicans have total control. Democracy loses. Once lost it will be nearly impossible to bring it back.

Perhaps the question should better be asked “How should we celebrate this year?” rather than “Why should we celebrate this year?”. Forget about the fireworks and food. This is the year to get serious on the holiday that commemorates our independence. Serious about turning the tide back to what our founders believed in.

For our part we plan to seek out those who still believe in the form of government established over 225 years ago. Then we plan to support them as best we can through donations and other means of support such as calls. And maybe we will throw in an occasional letter to the editor to let others know it is time to return the government back to the hands of the people and take it from the oligarchs.

Posted in #trumpresistance, Iowa legislature 2017 | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Why Celebrate This Fourth of July?

Real Consequences Of Legislative Cuts To Services For Survivors

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Dave Bradley
Image (4) rob-hogg-150x150.jpg for post 26982

Rob Hogg

Email from Rob Hogg:

Last night, I appeared at an event with Senator Kevin Kinney (D-Oxford), who shared with the audience his disappointment about the deep cuts (26 percent or $1.7 million) to state services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Kinney, a long-time deputy sheriff in Johnson County, said he had warned the Republican budget chairs that we could not use federal dollars instead, and that making state cuts would actually cost us federal dollars, but they refused to listen.

It was a strong reminder about the importance of the work we do, and prompted me to read an article that appeared last week in the Cedar Rapids Gazette, “Iowa domestic violence providers brace for deep funding cuts.”

It is disappointing and unnecessary. These cuts could have been avoided, especially if the Branstad-Reynolds Administration and Republican legislators had not gotten carried away with tax cuts for out-of-state corporations.

Over the coming months of the legislative interim, I plan to provide more information and resources about the real consequences of the Republican majority’s misguided legislative decisions this past session.

But I also want to help you get more involved as a citizen. The answer to our problems with state government in Des Moines and the federal government in Washington is more citizen participation, a renewed spirit of citizenship.

On the issue of support for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, you can get more involved by being more informed, by helping service providers directly, and by speaking up with legislators and the public in support of these services. In Linn County, service providers include:

Waypoint
Riverview
Cedar Valley Friends of the Family

I hope this information is helpful. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

–Rob

Senator Rob Hogg
Senate Democratic Leader
Cedar Rapids

Posted in Iowa legislature 2017, Rob Hogg | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Real Consequences Of Legislative Cuts To Services For Survivors

Reminder: ‘Summer of Citizenship’ Begins Today In Boone

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Dave Bradley

summer of citizenship

A reminder from a posting here in blogforiowa Wednesday.

The “Summer of Citizenship”
Begins Saturday, June 3, at the
“Picnic for the People” in Boone

Welcome to the “Summer of Citizenship,” a campaign to encourage and empower Iowans to reach out and listen to each other, get involved, and renew the spirit of citizenship our state and country so urgently need. You can join in, reach out, and speak up with us.

“Summer of Citizenship” begins this Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the “Picnic for the People” at McHose Park Shelter in Boone, Iowa. This picnic is sponsored by the Boone County Democrats. Suggested contribution for food tickets is $10 per person.

At the “Picnic for the People,” I will provide more details on ways you can participate. Some ideas:

– Join your local County Democratic Party or advocacy organization

– Register people to vote

– Get to know our Democratic candidates

– Organize a study group, educational program, or service project in your community

– Invite people to contribute financially to the party, candidates, or community groups

– Speak up with elected officials and staff in person, by phone call, by mail, and in public

Here’s the bottom line: The answer to our problems – with the President and Congress in Washington, D.C., and the Governor and the Iowa Legislature in Des Moines – is a renewed spirit of citizenship.

Posted in #trumpresistance, Rob Hogg | Tagged , | Comments Off on Reminder: ‘Summer of Citizenship’ Begins Today In Boone

U.S. Not Leaving Paris Agreement Yet – Here’s What You Should Know

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Trish Nelson

Image (1) the-climate-reality-project-logo.jpg for post 20417

Dear Friends,

As you know, today the White House announced that the United States would begin the process of leaving the Paris Agreement. Removing the United States from the Paris Agreement is a reckless and indefensible action. It undermines America’s standing in the world and threatens to damage humanity’s ability to solve the climate crisis in time.

But disappointment is not despair.

Make no mistake: if President Trump won’t lead, the American people will.

Civic leaders, mayors, governors, CEOs, investors and the majority of the business community will take up this challenge. We are in the middle of a clean energy revolution that no single person or group can stop. President Trump’s decision is profoundly in conflict with what the majority of Americans want from our president; but no matter what he does, we will ensure that our inevitable transition to a clean energy economy continues.

As proof, just look at how communities like Salt Lake City, Utah and Boulder, Colorado are committing to switch to 100 percent renewable electricity. Just last month, California set a new record for clean energy use in the state, and over the past several weeks and months, major corporations and businesses from around the world reaffirmed their commitment to clean energy, the Paris Agreement, and US leadership on climate. The momentum of clean energy and climate action only continues to build, and ignoring that reality is shortsighted and wrong.

Click on this link.  Now it’s up to us to pick up where the White House is leaving off.

It’s up to us to keep this progress going full steam ahead. If you’re in the US, commit to pushing your local council or mayor to embrace renewable electricity in your community. If you’re outside the US, commit to pressuring your leaders to fulfill your country’s Paris Agreement pledge and keep the process moving.

My friends, it’s time to fight like our world depends on it. Because it does. And because together we will win.

Sincerely,

Al Gore
Founder and Chairman
The Climate Reality Project

Posted in #trumpresistance, Climate Action, Climate Change | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on U.S. Not Leaving Paris Agreement Yet – Here’s What You Should Know

Iowa Must Change New Open Carry Law

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Trish Nelson

former Iowa congressman Dave Nagle

wcfcourier.com/news/opinion/columnists/iowa-must-change-new-open-carry-law

By Washington, D.C., standards it was cold that first day of March 1954. The sky was overcast with rain, a relatively strong southerly wind and the temperatures hung in the low to mid-50s.

The four arrived around noon at Union Station, having taken the train down that morning from New York. They ate lunch and then debated whether to complete their task or simply go back home. Three wanted to stop, but the fourth was adamant and said she would do it herself. She started walking up the hill to the Capitol and the three reluctantly followed.

They entered the House of Representatives, assured security they did not have cameras, and sat in the gallery above the floor. With about 240 members in the chamber, the debate over an immigration bill was vigorous.

The next day, the Washington Post reported the four suddenly stood up, the leader shouting, “viva Puerto Rico libre” and fired their pistols into the legislative body. Five members of Congress were hit, two critically, before the assailants were subdued.

This is important. The Puerto Rican nationalists were carrying one .38-caliber automatic handgun and three German Lugers. The total fire power was six rounds in the .38 and seven in each of the three Lugers. The number of shots fired by the four individuals was 30.

I thought of this incident when I read the Republican-led Iowa Legislature just voted in, and the governor signed, a law to make it easier to obtain handguns (called the Open Carry Law) and permit them in the Iowa State Capitol and all public buildings. Plus, if you are not a felon or a few other limited categories, the local sheriff is obligated to issue you a permit to carry a handgun.

Before we turn to a discussion of modern handguns, we need to consider the dimensions of the Iowa legislative chambers. The Senate is 58 feet long and 91 feet wide. The House is slightly larger, being 74 feet long and 91.4 feet wide. Between the two chambers is the rotunda, where visitors, lobbyists, sightseers, journalists and many others gather. Not infrequently 200 to 400 people will be present there when the Legislature is in session.

A handgun today is not your grandfather’s six shooter. According to Lt. Aaron McClelland of the Waterloo Police Department, the modern gun of choice is a Glock in either the 9-millimeter or .40-caliber model. McClelland is not only in charge of the second shift, he also oversees the tactical unit, the bomb squad and firearms training. According to the lieutenant, the triggers on both pistols pull with remarkable ease and in the larger caliber gun, with reloading, it is possible to fire up to 46 rounds in 30 seconds.

Remember the dimensions of the legislative chambers, in yards the Senate is 30 yards long and the House is about 35 yards. The Glock, with an experienced hand, can hit a target at 50 yards and kill out to 100. Further, the weapon can be loaded with hollow point bullets, which don’t go through a body, but mushroom outwards for maximum damage to vital organs. This means in a half a minute, 46 rounds by one or 92 rounds by two can kill anyone hit in a vital spot all the way to the back of the chambers and beyond.

Now Congress can make no law abridging freedom of speech. But there is an exception when the speech presents what is termed “a clear and present danger.” The old example is you cannot yell “Fire!” in a crowded theater.

My question is this: Shouldn’t there be some limitation on the Second Amendment?

The danger is not just a foreign terrorist but an ordinary American citizen, a taxpayer, someone who feels strongly they have been wronged and the only solution in their tormented mind is an act of maximum violence.

I do not feel it necessary to learn again the lessons of the incidents in Maquoketa or Mount Pleasant.

Change the law.

Dave Nagle is a Waterloo attorney and former U.S. congressman.
Posted in #trumpresistance, gun safety | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

“Summer of Citizenship” Begins Saturday, June 3rd

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Trish Nelson

summer of citizenship

Action alert from Rob Hogg:

The “Summer of Citizenship” Begins Saturday, June 3, at the “Picnic for the People” in Boone

Welcome to the “Summer of Citizenship,” a campaign to encourage and empower Iowans to reach out and listen to each other, get involved, and renew the spirit of citizenship our state and country so urgently need. You can join in, reach out, and speak up with us.

“Summer of Citizenship” begins this Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the “Picnic for the People” at McHose Park Shelter in Boone, Iowa. This picnic is sponsored by the Boone County Democrats. Suggested contribution for food tickets is $10 per person. Please RSVP at this Facebook event page

At the “Picnic for the People,” I will provide more details on ways you can participate. Some ideas:

– Join your local County Democratic Party or advocacy organization
– Register people to vote
– Get to know our Democratic candidates
– Organize a study group, educational program, or service project in your community
Invite people to contribute financially to the party, candidates, or community groups
Speak up with elected officials and staff in person, by phone call, by mail, and in public

Here’s the bottom line: The answer to our problems – with the President and Congress in Washington, D.C., and the Governor and the Iowa Legislature in Des Moines – is a renewed spirit of citizenship.

You can follow “Summer of Citizenship” on Twitter at: @CitizenSummer.

You can like “Summer of Citizenship” on Facebook

Please watch this video of my presentation at the Scott County Democrats’ Red, White and Blue Dinner on March 25, 2017, calling on Iowans to participate in the “Summer of Citizenship.”

See below for upcoming events in Moravia (June 3), Ames (June 10), and Ottumwa (June 17). If you would like me to appear at events this summer, or if you would like my help promoting events this summer, please email me at SenatorRobHogg@gmail.com.

Together, we can take back our state and our country.

Rob

Senator Rob Hogg
Cedar Rapids
http://www.robhogg.org

+++++

Seven-County Democratic Rally, Moravia, Saturday, June 3, 5:00 p.m. – The Appanoose County Democrats and other neighboring county parties are hosting this event at Grace United Methodist Church, 101 E. North Street, in Moravia. For more details or invite your friends, visit:  facebook.com/events

Working Families Summit, Ames, Saturday, June 10, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Many groups are coming together for this “Working Families Summit” at the Scheman Building at Iowa State University in Ames to learn about issues, advocacy, and organizing. For more details or to invite your friends, visit:  facebook.com/events

Second District Democrats Workshop, Ottumwa, Saturday, June 17, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – The Iowa 2nd District Democrats are hosting a workshop at the Bridge View Center, 102 Church St., along the riverfront in Ottumwa. Suggested contribution is $15. For more details or to invite friends, visit:  facebook.com/events

Posted in #trumpresistance | Comments Off on “Summer of Citizenship” Begins Saturday, June 3rd

Waiting For Trump On Climate Action

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Paul Deaton

Image (1) the-climate-reality-project-logo.jpg for post 20417

While in Europe, Pope Francis and the G7 leaders bent President Trump’s ears about climate change.

The Pope presented a copy of Laudato Sí, On Care For Our Common Home, his encyclical on consumerism, irresponsible development, environmental degradation and global warming to the U.S. president. The president told Pope Francis he would read it.

Reports indicate the six other G7 leaders presented arguments for the United States to stay in the 2015 Paris Agreement on mitigating the effects of climate change. Trump would not commit to doing so by the time he boarded Air Force One for the trip home.

“The entire discussion about climate was very difficult, if not to say very dissatisfying,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. “There are no indications whether the United States will stay in the Paris Agreement or not.”

That Trump failed to be part of the G7 consensus on climate may or may not be a sign of his intent. One never can tell with this president.

“I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!” Trump tweeted.

That Trump was willing to listen to his European peers and the Pope indicates he may have an open mind about the accord. However, late Saturday, Jonathan Swan and Amy Harder of Axios reported, “President Trump has privately told multiple people, including EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, that he plans to leave the Paris agreement on climate change.”

Despite the advocacy workshop for exiting the agreement EPA has become, the result of the president’s decision-making process may be more complicated than making a simple announcement.

Exiting the Paris Agreement would take at least four years. The agreement does not permit states to exit until three years after entry into force (Nov. 4, 2019). It would then take at least a year to finish the process. In that time, Trump could change his mind.

If Trump decides to exit, he would be “willfully, nonchalantly vacating leadership of the world,” former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said. Another country will step in to fill the leadership vacuum, presumably China with the world’s second largest economy.

A bone of contention with Pruitt and advocates in the hydrocarbon business is the existence of the Clean Power Plan first published by the EPA in the Federal Register Oct. 23, 2015. On March 28, President Trump signed an executive order mandating EPA review the plan. Unraveling the Clean Power Plan is not as simple as signing an executive order. Whether or not the U.S. exits the Paris Agreement, the regulation may stand.

It is significant the first nation Trump visited in his presidency was Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has almost one-fifth of the world’s proven oil reserves and ranks as the largest producer and exporter of oil in the world. Despite concerns about human rights and the treatment of women in the kingdom, Trump seemed elated about the arms deal he made during his visit. His rhetoric isolating Iran may be no more complicated than wanting to take their oil. Iran ranks fourth in proven oil reserves behind Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

That 195 states could enter the Paris Agreement was remarkable. Whether it will hold if the U.S. exits is uncertain. Regardless of politics the science on global warming has been identified since the 19th century.

After the 45th President’s first foreign trip the direction of his administration on climate change is obvious. Government climate change web sites and regulations are officially “under review” in multiple agencies. At the same time the hydrocarbon business is moving to roll back regulations that seek to reduce carbon emissions. The idea of leaving fossil fuels in the ground is not embraced in this White House.

“I think there is a better than 50/50 chance that the Trump administration will stay in the Paris agreement,” Nobel Prize winner Al Gore said. “I think odds are they will stay in.”

Time will tell.

Posted in Environment | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Waiting For Trump On Climate Action

Recess Town Halls In Iowa May 30 – June 3

Posted on May 29, 2017 by Trish Nelson

Image (1) democracy-showing-up.png for post 36259

“I’ve heard this from two additional sources. Make this recess count, folks. You have from now till June 5.”

“INTEL: Several GOP Senators have privately said this recess is the test – if they get blowback at home, they’ll tell McConnell it’s over.”    Topher Spiro

Town Halls Over The Memorial Day Recess

Charles Grassley

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Guthrie County Town Meeting
2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Guthrie County Courthouse
200 North 5th Street, Guthrie Center

 *Grassley will be available for 15 minutes after the meeting to answer questions from local reporters.

 Friday, June 2, 2017

Adair County Town Meeting
8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Adair County Courthouse
400 Public Square, Greenfield

*Grassley will be available for 15 minutes after the meeting to answer questions from local reporters.

Joni Ernst:  None scheduled on her website that we can find.

Rod Blum:  There are currently no posted events.

David Young:

“Congressman David Young began offering a new resource in 2017 for Iowans in the Third Congressional District to make sure their voices are heard or are getting help in solving problems they may be having with a federal agency. Open Office Hours provides Third District Iowans the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Congressman Young and discuss opinions, concerns, and ideas about the issues being discussed in Congress or to seek assistance, or discuss problems they are having, with a federal agency.

During each Open Office Hours event Congressman Young sits down for individual, ten minute meetings with constituents in attendance to discuss personal concerns, opinions and possible casework needs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants must be residents of one of the 16 counties of Iowa’s Third Congressional District.”

Scheduled Open Office Hours:

May 31, 2017:

Open Office Hours – Creston – 12:00 PM – 3 PM in the Multipurpose Room of SWCC Performing Arts Center – 1501 W Townline St., Creston, IA 50801

June 1, 2017:

Open Office Hours – Shenandoah – 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM at the Public Service Building – 410 Sheridan Ave. Shenandoah, IA 51601

June 2, 2017:

Open Office Hours – Winterset – 1:00 PM – 4:00 AM at the Madison County Court House – 112 N 1st St, Winterset, IA 50273

June 3, 2017:

Open Office Hours – Guthrie Center – 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Guthrie County Court House – 200 N 5th St, Guthrie Center, IA 50115

Steve King:  As far as I know, King never holds open events.

Dave Loebsack:

“Congressman Dave Loebsack is pleased to invite you to join him for a cup of coffee and an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, share ideas, and discuss issues of importance.

Dave hosts Coffee with your Congressman events in both Washington, D.C. when the House is in session, as well as throughout Iowa’s Second Congressional District. All Iowans visiting Washington, D.C. are invited to join him each week the House is in session. Any Iowan is also welcome to attend a Coffee with your Congressman event near you. A list of locations and times are below.

There is no need to RSVP for events in Iowa. If you plan on being in Washington, please RSVP by filling out the form below or contact our office at 202-225-6576.”

Saturday, June 3

Albia
9:15am
Hy-Vee Deli
301 Hwy 34 West

Chariton
11:00am
Hy-Vee Market Grille at Hotel Chariton
831 Braden Ave

Leon
1:00pm
From the Ground Coffee
200 N. Main St.

Osceola
2:30pm
Hy-Vee Deli, 510 West McLane Street

Posted in #trumpresistance | Comments Off on Recess Town Halls In Iowa May 30 – June 3

100th Anniversary Of JFK’s Birth

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Dave Bradley


Kennedy Inaugural speech

There simply couldn’t be a greater contrast between presidents than the contrast between the man born 100 years ago tomorrow and the current president.

President Kennedy was a man of intelligence, wit, charm and grace. He had an elegance about him. While he was born into a family of wealth, Kennedy understood the plight of the poor, the marginalized, the elderly and those who at that time did not fit in the narrow confines of acceptable humans in this country. Kennedy and his successor, President Johnson worked hard to break barriers and open society for those who were not then able to enjoy the blessings of this country.

President Kennedy’s push in the areas of civil rights was met with a brick wall. He was not dissuaded from what he knew was right and just. After his death at the hands of an assassin, some of his dreams such as civil rights legislation and Medicare did in fact become law and part of his legacy. America and Americans were much better because of John F. Kennedy.

Often Kennedy would disarm an opponent with a witty quip. Yet he was a man with a steel trap mind who was as mentally tough as any opponent during the cold war.

We have learned over the years that severe pain was his constant companion. Yet the public heard nary a word of it while he suffered in silence. Kennedy was also a war hero who. as many of the WWII era, seldom spoke of his deeds. When asked about his heroism when his PT boat was sunk by the enemy, Kennedy remarked

“It was involuntary. They sank my boat.”

JFK was our nation’s 35th president. Dial forward now ten presidents to the current occupant of the White House.

Most of our readers know the litany of what a boorish and pathetic human Donald Trump is. Everything that happens must in some way be related to him. He seems to care not one whit about anyone but himself. JFK called for Americans to sacrifice for the good of the country. Trump refuses to even step away from his business ventures as called for in the constitution for the good of the country.

While Kennedy worked and fought for the rights of all citizens, Trump uses his office and power to divide the country and marginalize those considered “others.” Whereas Kennedy worked in the open and treated the press with the respect and dignity they deserve, Trump uses his power to denigrate the press. Trump works hard daily to undermine the press and to undermine the first amendment of the constitution.

Kennedy worked hard to build and maintain our alliances, especially those against the Russia. Donald Trump invites Russia into the very inner circles of our government and gives them state secrets. At the same time he undermines relationships that have taken half a century or more to build.

Rather than asking his fellow countrymen to sacrifice for their country the current president sees the government as yet one more way to cash in big time on the suckers that put him in charge of the country, just like he cashed in on the suckers that signed up for his fraudulent university.

We could list contrasts for hours. How did a country that once elected a person of ideals and dreams yet grounded in reality in less than 60 years become a country that elected a person who sees the country as just another mark and its citizens as just a larger group of rubes to be fleeced?

America greatly longs for a person of Kennedy’s vision, intelligence, wit and grace once more. We have them within our midst. They are named Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Duckworth, Jay Inslee, Al Franken, Amy Klobachar, even Robert Reich.

Donald Trump is like a cancer that is infecting the American body. His removal is essential to restoring this country to its potential. There may not be another John F. Kennedy, but there are some that may come close. When given the chance they will like President Kennedy put the good of the country first.


JFK – we choose to go to the moon

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