Julian Bond And Social Justice

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Julian Bond Photo Credit - AP

Julian Bond Photo Credit – AP

On Nov. 12, 1970 I heard Julian Bond speak at the University of Iowa Field House. My memory of the event is wondering why I should care about a Georgia legislator who found his way to Iowa, other than the classroom assignment to report on five university events that semester.

Hearing Bond’s speech changed me in ways that persist at his passing this week, leaving an indelible mark for which I am grateful.

When Bond joined Morris Dees and Joe Levin in 1971 to help found the Southern Poverty Law Center as its first president, I joined and followed the cases they took over the years.

At first, their work showed me how far out of touch I was with the legacy of the south. Why should I care about their 1972 plan to apportion voting districts in Alabama? If I knew then what I know now about redistricting I would have paid more attention.

As a result of their litigation in Nixon vs. Brewer, attorneys for the Center argued, “blacks made up one-fourth of the Alabama population but were unable to elect representatives of their choice under the current at-large voting system.” After a successful outcome in federal court, the state adopted the Center’s plan for apportionment. In 1974, 15 blacks were elected to the state legislature. This is the type of social justice for which I remember Bond.

Like most of my friends, I knew few people of color in my youth. When I was coming up our family visited the plantation where my father lived while attending high school in Tallahassee, Fla. My father’s ease with black acquaintances from his youth taught me acceptance of people as people with whom we have much in common. Bond’s example teaches that we need not just acceptance, but social justice.

Julian Bond was called home too early. His legacy follows the arc of social justice that has been part of public life for most of mine. I feel a sadness at his passing. Not for what he was, or for the loss, as much as for how far we have to go.

Posted in Progressive Community | Tagged , | Comments Off on Julian Bond And Social Justice

Iowa Breaks Beach Warnings Record

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Lake Macbride

Lake Macbride

(Editor’s Note: The Iowa Environmental Council released this statement Aug. 14 on record levels of microcystin produced by certain types of algae blooms. They rightly associate the problem with the nutrient-rich soup lakes and waterways have become as a result of nutrient runoff from farms).

Iowa breaks beach warnings record
Swimming advisories for harmful toxin produce by blue-green algae blooms reach new heights

DES MOINES – It’s Iowa State Fair time, and many Iowans are hoping to walk away with a blue ribbon or better yet, a new record. A record was broken today, but it’s not one any Iowan is likely to brag about.

Today, DNR issued two beach advisory warnings, instructing Iowans to stay out of the water at two State Park beaches due to high levels of microcystin, a toxin produced by blue-green algae blooms that can make people sick. The two beach advisories this week bring the total number of microcystin warnings posted this year to 25, which surpasses the previous record – 24 warnings – set in 2013.

“Many Iowans set aside time in August to squeeze in one last family vacation, head to the water with friends, or get in one more summer swim,” said Water Program Director Susan Heathcote. “Unfortunately, more and more Iowans are being greeted by signs warning them to stay out of the water due to harmful blue-green algae at their favorite shoreline spots. It’s likely we’ll continue to see additional beach warnings between now and Labor Day, the last week of the DNR beach monitoring program.”

Blue-green algae, which is caused by a combination of high levels of phosphorus pollution and increased temperatures, has long been an issue in Iowa. However, in recent years, the high levels of microcystin in Iowa lakes and resulting beach warnings have been on the rise.

Since 2006, DNR has issued 139* beach warnings for levels of microcystin exceeding 20ug/L, a level deemed unsafe by the World Health Organization. Nearly two thirds (91) of these warnings have been posted in the past four years. Additionally, more than half (23) of the 39 State Park beached monitored by DNR have made an appearance on the DNR warning list, many making repeat appearances. Of the 13 beaches with microcystin warnings posted this summer, five beaches – Lake Darling, Pine Lake, Red Haw Lake, Twin Lake West and Springbrook Lake – had their first microcystin toxin warnings posted this year.

“It’s important to note that while DNR monitors State Park beaches for this toxin, the problem is not isolated to these lakes. Many other public and private beaches not monitored by DNR are also susceptible to blue-green algae blooms, so it’s critical that Iowans know how to recognize the blooms and respond if exposed,” Heathcote said.

Toxic blue-green algae blooms create blue to green murky water, visible surface scum and a foul odor. The blooms can spread across the water, but tend to accumulate in shoreline areas. Contact with water at or above 20 ug/L can result in breathing problems, upset stomach, skin reactions, and even liver damage. Inhaling water droplets containing toxic blue-green algae can cause runny eyes and nose, cough, sore throat, chest pain, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reactions.

Earlier this summer, Iowa’s public health leaders announced plans to require doctors to report “microcystin-toxin poisoning” to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

If you think you or your pets may have been exposed to toxic blue-green algae, thoroughly wash it off with fresh water. If you or your pet experience symptoms associated with high microcystin levels after suspected exposure, seek medical or veterinary care immediately.

“To reduce the occurrence of these harmful algae blooms we must reduce the phosphorus pollution coming from farms, city lawns and urban and industrial wastewater that is feeding the algae,” Heathcote said. “Failing to reduce these sources of phosphorus pollution not only puts our health at risk, but also threatens safe drinking water, has negative economic impacts on communities and our quality of life.”

Weekly beach advisories can be found on the DNR website. While swimming activities drop off after Labor Day, the danger of exposure to blue-green algae continues as long as the hot, sunny weather lasts, so the public must continue to be vigilant. Call the DNR Beach Monitoring Hotline at 515-725-3434 to report a potential blue-green algae bloom.

Records showing State Park Beaches with documented Microcystin levels exceeding 20 ug/L dating back to 2006 are available on the Iowa Environmental Council’s website.

*Excludes 2008 when beaches were not monitored due to a diversion of DNR resources to address extreme flooding in the state.

Posted in Environment, Iowa Environmental Council | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Iowa Breaks Beach Warnings Record

Fallon Forum Fair Fun And Foibles

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Listen live Mondays at 11 am

Listen live Mondays at 11 am

Dear Friends,

(Check out and “like” my Facebook Page for pics, videos and impressions of the presidential candidates . . . and for updates on my exploits with chickens and organic gardening).

“Hey kids! Forget the pony rides. This year, Crazy Uncle Donald’s taking you for a spin in his monster-copter.”

And thus, Iowa’s premiere annual showcase of cultural, culinary and agricultural glory morphs from State Fair to Trump Fare. Hopefully, 2015 will be an anomaly, with future fair-goers spared the pomp, press and privilege of a Donald Trump visit.

Or, for that matter, a Hillary Clinton visit. Like Trump, Clinton refused to appear on the Presidential Soapbox. And unlike the other candidates, instead of entering the fairgrounds through a public gate, Clinton slipped in to an exclusive corner of the grounds, where the fair’s big-money donors park their RVs for the week. Welcoming Clinton to the fair was a hand-picked entourage including three of Iowa’s Democratic kingmakers: Tom Harkin, Jerry Crawford and Bill Knapp.

(Warning: incoming vent. “Democratic kingmakers” . . . unless the Democrat is too progressive, too critical of big business. In 2010, Crawford had no qualms backing Republican Bill Northey over Democrat Francis Thicke for Secretary of Ag. Similarly, Knapp had no qualms backing Terry Branstad over Jack Hatch for Governor last year. Really, the two aren’t so much Democratic kingmakers as they are Status-quo King-and-Queen makers).

In terms of pandering to the national media circus, the Trump and Clinton campaigns can declare their Iowa State Fair visits a success. In terms of providing access to the voting public, both candidates failed miserably — by design.

Fortunately, most presidential candidates seem willing, if not eager, to submit themselves to the exposure and risk provided by the Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox. Shari Hrdina and I listened to and/or spoke with six of the candidates. Here are my impressions.

Mike Huckabee: I applauded loudly when he spoke in strong, unflinching language about the importance of art and music in our schools. But alas, Shari and I had separate conversations with him about climate change, and those did not go well. Initially, when Shari asked about the climate crisis, Huckabee drew a blank, wasn’t quite sure what she was talking about. He emphasized that he is a strong conservationist, but then went on to extol the virtues of fossil fuels. Nice guy at any rate, and hopefully, next time someone brings up the climate crisis to him, he’ll at least know what we’re talking about.

Jim Webb: He’s running for the Democratic nomination, but given his remarks on climate and energy, he’d fit more comfortably in the Republican field. Webb came out boldly in favor of oil, gas, coal and nuclear. He’s a big fan of pipelines, too. And when he and I were talking one-on-one and I politely pushed him a bit on the need for a climate mobilization, even though there was no one else waiting to talk with him, he gave me an abrupt “Thank you,” a.k.a., “This conversation is over.”

Martin O’Malley: Such a pleasant, personable fellow! He gave one heck of a strong speech, too, on a range of issues. I talked with him for a bit before the Soapbox about both the Bakken Pipeline and the Pledge to Mobilize. He didn’t commit, needed to learn more, and that’s reasonable. I look forward to continuing the conversation with him, and encourage YOU to ask him about both issues as well.

Rick Santorum: I expected no mention of climate change from the former Senator from Pennsylvania and was not disappointed. But he talked plenty about prosecuting Planned Parenthood and putting terrorists in body bags. Next.

Lincoln Chafee: I really like Chafee’s low-key style, direct answers and transparent sincerity. When I first met him over a month ago, he told me he supported the Keystone pipeline. When I came up to him at the Fair, not only did he recognize me, but he remembered the issue we talked about, and before I could even ask, he told me he’d come around to oppose Keystone! We talked further about the Bakken pipeline, and he accepted from me a copy of the Pledge to Mobilize. For those who have a chance to attend future Chafee events, I strongly encourage you to continue to dialogue with him on both issues.

Bernie Sanders: Huge, I mean huge, did I say HUGE crowd for Sanders on the Soapbox. Possibly the biggest State Fair Soapbox crowd ever. I had a chance to shake his hand, say hello, but Sanders had no time for conversation. From the Soapbox, he spoke strongly about the urgency of the climate crisis, and I was pleased later in the day to get this Facebook message from Heidi Drees-White about Sanders’ position on the Bakken pipeline: “I asked him in Boone today. He said no, not in favor! A very resounding NO I might add.” That’s great news, because I had talked with him personally twice about the issue, and he hadn’t taken a stand on it. Now, let’s encourage him to sign the Pledge to Mobilize.

Visiting the Fair to “bird-dog” presidential candidates was draining, but productive. This morning, Shari and I are off to see what Carly Fiorina has to say . . . and maybe ask a question or two about climate and pipelines.

On today’s Fallon Forum, we’ll discuss the Iowa Caucuses, the Walk to Paris for Climate Action, the President’s Clean Power Plan and more. Join us live every Monday from 11:00-12:00 noon CDT on KDLF 1260 AM (Des Moines) and online. Call (515) 528-8122 to add your voice to the conversation. The program re-broadcasts Wednesday on KHOI 89.1 FM (Ames) at 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday on KPVL 89.1 FM (Postville) at 7:00 p.m. Podcasts available, too.

Thanks! – Ed Fallon
EVENTS

Now-December – Utilities Board deliberations on proposed pipeline (ND, SD, IA, IL)
In Iowa, for details on the evolving schedule, visit https://iub.iowa.gov/. For questions on how you can have
your voice heard in the process, contact Climate Action NOW!, Bakken Pipeline Resistance, or Private Property Rights Coalition.

August 29 – Immigration and New American Forum (Storm Lake)
A nonpartisan forum moderated by Kyle Munson of the Des Moines Register, with 2016 candidates from both parties invited. Watch for more info including transportation options from several Iowa communities. At Buena Vista University. For more detail and to register: http://iowaimmigration.org/.

September – Just Faith Meetings (Des Moines metro)
The Center for Social Ministry regularly offers the Just Faith classes to anyone who is interested. It is a in-depth look at the call for social ministry, with both a Catholic and an ecumenical version:
– Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at SS John & Paul Church, Altoona
– Tuesdays 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, West Des Moines
– Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6th & High, Des Moines
– Thursdays 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Catholic Pastoral Center, 6th and Locust, Des Moines
– Thursdays  6:00-8:00 p.m. at Friends House, 4211 Grand Ave, Des Moines
– Sundays 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Windsor Heights Presbyterian Church, Windsor Heights
If you would like to register for a group, click here.  For more information about Just Faith, contact the Center for Social Ministry at (515) 782-3054 or centerforsocialministry@gmail.com.

October 2-3 – Celebrate 40 Years with Iowa CCI (Des Moines)
Join Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement to celebrate 40 years of tackling tough issues and to lift up the People and Planet First agenda. There will be live music and dancing, food, and big-name doers and thinkers. For more information or to register, go to http://iowacci.org.

October 31 – ISIS & Waging Peace (Des Moines)
Methodist Federation for Social Action’s fall statewide gathering will be led by Jeffrey Weiss, Catholic Peace Ministry Peace Education Director. It’s at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church, 1001 Pleasant Street.

November 11-28 – Walk to Paris for Climate Action (Normandy – Paris, France)
On 11 November (Veterans Day in the U.S.), Ed Fallon and Steve Martin (who last year walked across the U.S. for action on climate change) will set-out from the coast of Normandy, France, walking over 350 kilometers to arrive in Paris on November 28 for the start of the United Nations Climate Summit. Contact Evelyn Davis at evelyn@climatemarch.org.

November 30-December 11 – U.N. Climate Summit (Paris, France)
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited world leaders from government, finance, business, and civil society to galvanize and catalyzeclimate action. He has asked these leaders to bring bold announcements and actions to the Summit that will reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience, and mobilize political will for a meaningful legal agreement. Visit http://www.un.org/climatechange/summit/.

Posted in Ed Fallon | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Fallon Forum Fair Fun And Foibles

5 Take-Aways From The Wing Ding

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Young Democrats

Young Democrats

Clear Lake, where the Iowa Democratic Wing Ding was held Friday, was an impossible venue for most Iowa working people.

Over 160 miles away in my case, driving there after work was not an option. To make up for the distance, I viewed the Des Moines Register webcast on my desktop. It wasn’t the same as being there, but it felt close in the twitterverse.

A key question for the Feb. 1 caucuses is who will show up, and this year one expects a significant number—not as many as in 2008—will not be activists. The campaigns will be judged by how well they organize and turn out their supporters that night. A failure to bring new people to the caucus process could be fatal for a candidate’s hopes. One of two tickets out of Iowa will go to Hillary Clinton.

Here are five take-aways from the Iowa Democratic Wing Ding.

What not to like about Martin O’Malley? Whether O’Malley can challenge Sanders for the second ticket out of Iowa is uncertain, but he is campaigning in a personal, energetic and personable way. He has had multiple bites at the policy-setting apple, and long time political activists, as well as quadrennial Democrats, can find a lot to like about O’Malley’s ideas and campaign tactics.

The Democratic political establishment is overly reliant on resources the eventual nominee will bring to the table. While Trump and Carson stage circus-like extravaganzas that bring new people into the political process, Democrats place stock in large, formal events like the Wing Ding which target existing political activists. Such events have a role. The better question is what are Democrats doing to bring new people into the process? Prove me wrong, but they aren’t doing much except dusting off the same old sawhorses for the post-caucus campaign. Is anyone else tired of hearing the name Jerry Crawford?

Bernie Sanders’ stump speech is getting old. Progressives are supportive of Sanders’ ideas, but the message is little changed since he appeared in Johnson County to support Bruce Braley before the midterm election. Maybe the idea of political revolution doesn’t need to change. His speech at the Wing Ding wasn’t helped by the fact he was losing his voice. The ideas remained strong, but delivery suffered. The novelty of Sanders is wearing off.

Chafee is actually a Democrat. If there is any question about Chafee’s allegiance to mainstream Democratic ideas, he inoculated the political bloodstream with his better than expected Wing Ding speech.

Hillary Clinton gets a ticket out of Iowa but her challenges lie ahead. In case you missed it, Hillary Clinton is a woman. Set aside all the policy ideas you agree or disagree with—your niggling objections—and it is much less than a sure thing the electorate will support a woman for president in the general election.

We live in a culture where women are considered to be second class citizens and worse. No one knows this better or has done more about it in public life than Hillary Clinton. She has done a lot globally to support women and girls, but the battle is not won. Far from it. Despite her impressive credentials, for reasons that include her gender, Hillary gets short shrift. Like many women, she will have to work smarter and twice as hard as the others to achieve her goals. The glass ceiling isn’t broken yet.

By Labor Day, most Democratic activists—people who invest time and resources into political campaigns—will have decided for whom they will caucus. Many already know or have signed up for a campaign. Some wear their preference on a T-shirt or car bumper. Others keep close counsel. The veil—already wearing thin—will be shed in a few weeks.

There is a desultory feel to this year’s caucus season, which began April 10 in Des Moines with speeches by Jim Webb and Martin O’Malley. Some show enthusiasm for their chosen candidate, yet most people I encounter are tuned out of politics. With each election the life cycle of interest in voting seems shorter.

As Iowans seek relief from summer’s heat and humidity we have had a chance to get to know the five Democratic contenders. Deciding which one to support will be easier because of Iowa’s first in the nation status. What everyday Iowans do about it is an open question.

Posted in 2016 Election Campaign, Iowa Caucuses | Tagged , , | Comments Off on 5 Take-Aways From The Wing Ding

Senator Joni Ernst Staff Office Hours

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Paul Deaton

USSenateThis email came from Senator Joni Ernst’s office late Friday. It is a chance to express your opinions and seek help from her staff:

The office of U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) will host upcoming traveling office hours in your area. These office hours are open to the public and walk-ins are always welcome.

A representative from Senator Ernst’s office will be available in the following counties to serve as a resource in dealing with the federal government. Please note, Senator Ernst will not be at the traveling office hours. Our office can help with problems or questions about eligibility involving issues like Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits or military affairs, passports, immigration issues, and other federal programs. You are encouraged to stop by with your questions, comments, concerns or ideas.

Tuesday August 25
Fayette County
10:00 am – 11:00 am
West Union Public Library
210 N Vine Street
West Union, IA

Winneshiek County
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Decorah Public Library
Lower Level Meeting Room
202 Winnebago Street
Decorah, IA

Allamakee County
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Robey Memorial Library
Room E
401 1st Ave NW
Waukon, IA

Clayton County
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Elkader Public Library
130 N Main Street
Elkader, IA

Wednesday, August 26
Cedar County
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Cedar County Courthouse
Room 2B
400 Cedar Street
Tipton, IA

Johnson County
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Coralville Public Library
Meeting Room B
1401 5th Street
Coralville, IA

Iowa County
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Williamsburg Public Library
Conference Room
300 W State Street
Williamsburg, IA

Poweshiek County
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Brooklyn Public Library
Meeting Room
306 Jackson Street
Brooklyn, IA

Thursday, August 27
Linn County
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Marion Public Library
Conference Room
1095 6th Avenue
Marion, IA

Franklin County
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Hampton Public Library
4 S Federal Street
Hampton, IA

Wright County
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Clarion Public Library
302 N Main Street
Clarion, IA

Hancock County
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Britt Public Library
132 Main Avenue S
Britt, IA

Winnebago County
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Forest City Public Library
115 East L. Street
Forest City, IA

Cerro Gordo County
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Clear Lake Public Library
200 N 4th Street
Clear Lake, IA

Friday, August 28
Jones County
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Anamosa Public Library
600 E 1st Street
Anamosa, Iowa

Jackson County
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Maquoketa Public Library
History Room
126 S 2nd Street
Maquoketa, IA 52060

Dubuque County
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Asbury Community Services Campus
Dubuque County Library – Asbury Branch
5290 Grand Meadow Drive
Asbury, IA

Tuesday, September 1
Grundy County
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Kling Memorial Library
708 7th Street
Grundy Center, IA

Tama County
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Norma Anders Public Library
320 Main Street
Dysart, IA

Benton County
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Vinton Public Library
510 2nd Avenue
Vinton, IA

Wednesday, September 2
Worth County
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Worth County Courthouse
Boardroom
1000 Central Ave
Northwood, IA

Mitchell County
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Osage Public Library
406 Main Street
Osage, IA

Floyd County
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Charles City Chamber of Commerce
401 N Main Street
Charles City, IA

Butler County
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Aplington Public Library
Community Center
929 Parriott Street
Aplington, IA

Posted in Local Events | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Senator Joni Ernst Staff Office Hours

The Former CEO Of Young And Rubicam Is Afraid.

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Dave Bradley
corporate ownership in few hands

corporate ownership in few hands

By Greg from Vermont – Daily Kos member

reprinted from dailykos diary section

Quick intro: Found this Thursday while reading dailykos. It puts today’s situation in perspective with similar historical situations.

I was in France recently and while I travelled I read “Abundance, a novel of Marie Antoinette” by Sena Jeter Naslund, (Harper Perennial, 2007). It was a great read and provided great context for understanding the French revolution. This book was still fresh in my mind when I read “Capitalists, Arise: We Need to Deal With Income Inequality” by Peter Georgescu in the New York Times of August 7, 2015. This OpEd contribution has been widely discussed because of Mr. Georgescu’s opener:

“I’m scared. The billionaire hedge funder Paul Tudor Jones is scared. My friend Ken Langone, a founder of the Home Depot, is scared. So are many other chief executives. Not of Al Qaeda, or the vicious Islamic State or some other evolving radical group from the Middle East, Africa or Asia. We are afraid where income inequality will lead.”

America’s Oligarchs have good reason to be afraid, and history has more than enough examples of what happens when too few take too much at the expense of so many. The advent of the French revolution is one such example. The reign of Louis the 16th began with an overhang of debt inherited from his father and grandfather. The French monarchy had spent enormous sums in an endless cycle of wars against the Hapsburgs in the Netherlands and Spain, as well as the English. At the same time, the First Estate (the Church) and the Second Estate (the Nobility) were largely exempted from taxes, despite controlling most of the nation’s wealth. Unable to change that fact, the King resorted to selling titles to the wealthy few that could afford them, exempting even more wealth from taxation. Having spent huge sums aiding in the American Revolution, the crown simply did not have the resources to respond when a few bad harvests lead to widespread food shortages in 1788-1789. The government of the time was too slow to react, and while the need to raise taxes on the wealthy and to institute reforms was discussed, the Aristocracy proved unwilling to give up their prerogatives. In the end, they ended up giving up their heads.

America today has inherited a large debt caused by an endless cycle of wars in southwest Asia (ed. note: and the middle east) and widespread military commitments around the globe. We spend almost a trillion dollars a year on war preparations, actual war, and on the debt service for previous wars. Meanwhile our wealthiest citizens are able to avoid most of their tax obligations through a complex maze of tax preferences and exemptions. The same can be said for a number of obviously profitable Churches as well. Our modern “nobility” is fighting tooth and claw to avoid changes to the tax system, and still insists this grows the economy despite 30 years of evidence to the contrary. Mr. Georgescu claims to understand this, although his solution includes additional tax preferences to incent business leaders to start raising wages.

According to FeedingAmerica.org, In 2013, 49.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households, including 33.3 million adults and 15.8 million children. In 2013, 14 percent of households (17.5 million households) were food insecure. In 2013, 6 percent of households (6.8 million households) experienced very low food security. Climate change in conjunction with agricultural policy is likely to raise the cost of food while reducing the availability of food. Sustained drought exacerbates this situation. At the same time, Republicans in Congress and in various statehouses are doing all they can to dismantle the system of government support intended to mitigate these food stresses. Why? To provide additional tax relief to the few thousand families who already reap most of the benefits of our economy.

It is clear that the Republicans and their sponsors understand the risks underlying what they are doing. Otherwise, why spend so much energy trying to prevent the poor from voting? You may brand me a conspiracy nut, but I think the militarization of American police forces and the widespread surveilance of all American citizens are a hedge against the inevitable backlash against plutocratic policies. So long as government repression of the populace focuses on minorities and foreigners, this strategy may work. Louis the 16th managed to put down the first bread riots by force of arms. But modern America is different in significant ways. We are the most heavily armed civilian population in world history. We now have a generation of Americans who have been raised in a culture that distains civic virtue and whose grievances are constantly stimulated for political effect and profit. These are not side effects, but central projects of the modern Republican Party.

Mr. Georgescu and his friends are right to be afraid. Unless something big changes, the trajectory we are on will lead to “social unrest” as he describes it. When a candidate like Bernie Sanders can fill a 27,000 seat arena to capacity, it starts to be clear that more than a few Americans have had enough and want that change. It is naive of America’s super rich to think they can fully control this process. The harder they try to maintain the status quo, the more likely it is that Americans will be forced to turn to extra-political means. If that happens the battle lines will not be drawn between Liberals and Conservatives, such distinctions being too abstract. It will be the poor versus the rich, and in this case, the numbers favor the poor.

Posted in economic inequality, Economy, Income inequality | Tagged | Comments Off on The Former CEO Of Young And Rubicam Is Afraid.

Sunday Funday: Chuck Those Cares, Go To The Fair!

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Dave Bradley

countyfair01-big

This is year 1 of “You Can’t Start School Until The Fair Is Over.” This is one of Iowa’s ways to keep kids and teachers’ unions from getting a big head thinking that education is really a priority in Iowa.

As reinforcement to that idea, education governor Terry Branstad cut a massive amount from the education budget this summer when he thought no one was looking. If they wanted to push academics down yet one more notch in Iowa they could force the high school kids to listen to the soap box speeches made at the fair by the Republican presidential candidates.

As for us let’s see if our brains were engaged last week:

1) BOOM!!!! A massive explosion so big they were recorded by seismographs, at a “dangerous goods” warehouse rocked what Chinese city Wednesday?

2) Which Republican presidential candidate who has decried use of fetal tissue for research has been found to have done research on fetal tissue in the past?

3) Sorry, kid, you want to see it, you got to pay. The debuts of what kids’ educational series will now take place on HBO?

4) Did someone throw a giant sparkler into the sky last week? No, it was what annual phenomena that just ended its run til next year?

5) Order early. This coming December will see the publishing of a biography as what Iowan sets a record for longevity?

6) Happy Birthday to you dear – what major Democratic social program turned 80 last Friday?

7) Which Republican candidate blasted the media for its obsession with Donald Trump in Waterloo last week?

8) VJ Day was 70 years ago Friday. How long before the last Japanese soldier surrendered?

9) In Paraguay, an 11 year old girl gave birth after being denied an abortion. Who is the father of the baby?

10) A militia group named what was seen carrying assault rifles on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri during commemorations of Michael Brown’s death?

11) He may look smarter with the glasses, but what Republican candidate appears to be broke already?

12) Many people remember her from “Little House On The Prairie.” Now what child star wants to move up to the US House from Michigan?

13) Here’s a name from the past. What mail-order music company from the 60s on filed for bankruptcy last week?

14) A county clerk in Kentucky is still in the news because she still refuses to do what?

15) Be careful what you ask for. Looks like California may get drenched this winter by a super strong what?

16) Forty-six years ago yesterday the kids gathered at Yasgur’s farm for what celebration of music?

17) The Davenport school district may dip into its reserve account to do what?

18) Mike Huckabee kicked off a long line of presidential hopefuls that will be speaking from what Iowa State Fair institution?

19) The EPA accidentally caused a breach at an abandoned gold mine allowing what to be spilled into the Animas River?

20) This week’s Darwin nominee is a man who jumped the fence of a roller coaster to retrieve what at Ohio’s Cedar Point amusement park?

Have a great time at the fair if you go. Try the fried beer on a stick – kidding.

Answers:

1) Tianin

2) Ben Carson

3) Sesame Street

4) Perseid Meteor Shower

5) Branstad becomes America’s longest serving governor in December (not on my wish list)

6) Social Security. This is a landmark year for many Democratic programs

7) can’t remember his name – oh yeah- Jindal.

8) in 1974 some 29 years later.

9) The girl’s stepfather who raped her. Draw your own lessons for the US. Religious groups praised her not being allowed an abortion.

10) Oath Keepers.

11) Rick Perry. Stopped paying his staff

12) Melissa Gilbert

13) Columbia House

14) issue marriage licenses to same sex couples

15) El Nino – already being called a “Godzilla El Nino.”

16) Woodstock

17) equalize their per pupil spending with other districts

18) the Des Moines Register’s soapbox.

19) heavy metals especially lead, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium and mercury

20) his cell phone. Got hit by the roller coaster

Just read these inspirational word from Sen. Cory Booker:

Posted in Humor | Comments Off on Sunday Funday: Chuck Those Cares, Go To The Fair!

Donate To Planned Parenthood In Joni Ernst’s Name

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Dave Bradley

planned parentood attack

Joni Ernst’s gambit to put a woman’s name behind a bill to defund Planned Parenthood was so cynical and so pandering that it deserves some special recognition. The best recognition it could get is for folks to give a donation of any size to their local Planned Parenthood.

Let us repudiate Ernst’s ploy by making PP stronger. In the process we help women’s health. That is always a good idea!

Here is a link to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland’s donate page.

Planned_Parenthood_Fan_Page_Profile_Photo

Posted in Joni Ernst, planned parenthood | Comments Off on Donate To Planned Parenthood In Joni Ernst’s Name

Wide Benefits Projected In County Minimum Wages In Iowa

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Dave Bradley

Iowa Policy Project

Iowa Policy Project


​
FOR RELEASE TUESDAY, AUG. 11, 2015
CONTACT: MIKE OWEN, (319) 338-0773, mikeowen@iowapolicyproject.org

For full report: http://www.iowapolicyproject.org/2015docs/150811-minwage.pdf

IPP News
Wide benefits projected in county minimum wages in Iowa
In Linn, Johnson, $15 wage would boost combined 43,000 workers

IOWA CITY, Iowa (Aug. 11, 2015) — As Congress and the state Legislature have forced Iowans to wait almost eight years for action, a new report projects benefits to 19,300 workers in Johnson County and 24,300 in Linn County if a $15 minimum wage were adopted locally.

“We need to pay attention to why this matters to families and communities — and when we do, it’s easy to see why communities in other states are passing local minimum wage laws. They know it’s needed, and they’re tired of waiting,” said Peter Fisher, research director of the nonpartisan Iowa Policy Project and author of the new report.

Fisher, using information provided by the Economic Policy Institute, noted the majority of workers benefiting would be full-time workers over age 20, and many would have families. Much of their increased pay would be spent in local retail and service establishments, boosting the local economy.

“The workers and families benefiting from a minimum wage increase are not those typically portrayed by opponents who want to dismiss the importance of this issue to low-income working families,” Fisher said.

The report found that with a gradual, five-year increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour in Johnson and Linn counties:

— Of those who would benefit from the higher wage in Johnson County, 59 percent are women, 58 percent work full time, and nearly a third are over age 40, while only 14 percent are under 20. In Linn County, 54 percent are women, 60 percent are full-time workers, and 41 percent are over age 40.
— Almost all workers in the two counties who are now living below the poverty line would see a wage increase.
— A higher minimum wage would put money in the pockets of low-wage workers and boost spending in the local economy, which in turn would lead to additional local retail and service jobs.

The report is available on the Iowa Policy Project website, www.iowapolicyproject.org.

Iowa’s minimum wage of $7.25 took effect in January 2008, and the federal wage followed at that level in July 2009. Twenty-nine states have a minimum wage higher than $7.25, including all of Iowa’s neighbors except Wisconsin.

The Iowa Senate passed an $8.75 wage this year, but the issue did not come to a vote in the House. Governor Branstad has not supported a minimum wage increase.

“While worker productivity has nearly doubled since 1968, the real value of the minimum wage has fallen 25 percent,” Fisher said.

Recently, Johnson County officials signaled their intent to push for a $10.10 minimum wage to be phased in by 2017, and a public forum is scheduled on the issue for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building in Iowa City.

“There’s a wide range in what counties and cities around the country are proposing,” Fisher said. “Most of the cities and counties that have adopted a local minimum wage have set the wage above $10 per hour, many at $15, and most have indexed the wage to inflation.

“We know from our ‘Cost of Living in Iowa’ research that $15 is closer to the idea of a living wage, so we thought it would be worth knowing what kind of impacts that would have in a couple of major Iowa counties. And it would still fall short for most families in Johnson and Linn counties. Iowans need work supports such as food, energy and child care assistance to fill the gaps in household budgets.”

While no locality in Iowa has yet taken the step of passing a county or city minimum, 24 cities and counties across the country now have a higher minimum wage than the federal.

“The list will keep growing,” Fisher said. “Campaigns to raise the minimum wage are planned or underway in at least 10 cities right now.”

Studies of moderate increases in the minimum wage have found no discernible effect on jobs, the report noted. Even with an increase to $15, the resulting boost in local spending, reduced employee turnover and hiring costs, and the ability of employers to make other adjustments will likely minimize effects on employment.

The Iowa Policy Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research organization based in Iowa City. Reports are available at www.iowapolicyproject.org.

Comments:

This is an excellent well researched article that is well worth the time to read in full. Really brings the issue home since most of us personally know people who will be directly impacted by a county wide minimum wage raise.

There are several myths surrounding a rise in minimum wage that have become talking points which do not survive close scrutiny. There are a plethora of articles on the internet debunking these myths. I will direct folks to this debunking on Salon. A simple googling of ‘minimum wage myths debunked ‘ will get thousands of articles.

As noted in the press release above, Branstad opposes a minimum wage increase. Minimum wage increases have also been a target of ALEC. The tactic for ALEC has been to take away local control from cities and counties in certain ares and give control of those areas strictly to the state. Minimum wage is one and fracking is another. With the Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate firmly controlled by ALEC we should fully expect such a measure to be introduced in the Iowa House shortly after the swearing in and replacement of Kraig Paulsen as leader. This is a major issue for ALEC across the country.

Raising the minimum wage was a big winner at the polls last November even in red states like Arkansas. Iowa’s Republicans will once more they are out of step with their constituents by standing four square against minimum wage raises.

Finally, the basic question that seems to capture all the misinformation in one statement – How much more will my Big Mac cost? Well, read it here and be amazed. Looks like not much more.

walmart protest for wages

Posted in economic inequality, Economy, Hunger In America, Income inequality, Iowa Policy Project, Jobs, minimum wage | Tagged | Comments Off on Wide Benefits Projected In County Minimum Wages In Iowa

Taking Local Out Of Local Food

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Paul Deaton
Kale Salad

Kale Salad

Ingredients for this kale salad were grown within 100 feet of our kitchen. It is as local as food gets.

We enjoy garden produce in high summer — when nature’s bounty yields so much food we either preserve or give it away. Any more our household gives away more than it preserves because the pantry is well stocked with previous years’ harvests.

Friends and family talk about the “local food movement.” In Iowa it is being assimilated into lifestyles that gladly incorporate ingredients from all over the globe. This assimilation has taken the local out of local food.

From an intellectual standpoint, it wouldn’t be hard to replace food grown in China, Mexico, California and Florida with crops grown here in Iowa. The number of acres required is surprisingly small. For example, local farmer Paul Rasch once estimated it would take about 110 acres to keep a county of 160,000 people in apples all year. The political will to encourage home-grown solutions in the food supply chain doesn’t currently exist. Until it does, rational, local solutions to food supply remain in the ether of unrealized ideas.

A vendor at the Iowa City Farmers Market was recently suspended for violating a rule that produce sold there must be grown by the vendor. Just walk the market and ask booth workers from where they hail. Often he/she is an employee or contractor working for a farm seeking coverage around many Eastern Iowa farmers markets. Too often they are anything but local growers. What’s been lost in this commercialization of local food is the face of the farmer.

Knowing where one’s food comes from is a basic tenant of the local food movement. I enjoy working with local growers on a small acreage to produce food for families. At the same time, I seldom purchase a box of cereal from the supermarket even though I’ve seen the grain trucks queue up to unload at the cereal mills in Cedar Rapids.

For example, my garden doesn’t produce enough garlic for the year. I’d rather buy a supplemental bag of peeled garlic cloves produced at Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, Calif. than cloves lacking discernible origin at a farmers market. I know how Christopher Ranch produces their garlic. Absent the face of the farmer, there is value in understanding food origins, and that means some percentage of a household’s food supply will not be local.

There is a lot of marketing hype around “organic,” “GMO-free,” and “gluten free” foods, and this has to be impacting the customer base of local food producers. If consumers feel they can get a reasonably priced, “healthy option” at the supermarket, why make an extra trip to the farmers market, except for the occasional special experience? Why wouldn’t one pick up a bag of Earthbound Farms organic carrots when local growers can never produce enough to meet demand? At the same time, marketing hype is just what the name suggests.

Food security and sustainability are complicated. Before the local foods movement came into its own, it already is being assimilated faster than one can say snap peas. From a consumer standpoint the local came out of local foods some time ago, and it may not be back.

Posted in Local Food | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment