When was the last time you read, saw or heard much from the media about the Guantánamo Bay prison? Eric Wentz, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Navy who worked as an interrogator and linguist at the prison, says it's no mistake if you haven't.

"I remember when there were Guantánamo stories on a near-daily basis - that was when President Bush was in office. But there have been comparatively few Gitmo stories during President Obama's tenure," says Wentz, a former intelligence officer and  author of a new Readers Choice Award-winning novel based on his experiences, "Killing Sharks: De Profundis," (www.ericwentz.com).

"The United States is still holding more than 160 prisoners at our prison in Cuba and, while critics here and abroad have protested their indefinite detention without charges or trials, they represent a real risk to our national security," Wentz says.

"Americans should be well-informed when these debates arise, and they simply are not."

Wentz reviews five things the American public should know about Guantánamo.

• Letting go of detainees is not a good option. Al-Qaeda's current No. 1 and No. 2 leaders in Yemen were once prisoners at Guantánamo, and the terrorist group's No. 1 in Libya also came from the prison. In Southern Russia, a number of former detainees went on a rampage, killing more than 100 innocents during a single afternoon of attacks. In fact, these outcomes after detainees are released have become so common, Wikipedia has a page devoted to it: "lists of former Guantanamo Bay detainees alleged to have returned to terrorism."

• The potential for diplomatic chaos. It's not hard to ruffle the feathers of other world powers, which often compromises U.S. relations globally, as witnessed in the aftermath of Edward Snowden's leaks of NSA spying and the Syrian crisis. Imagine the blowback onto the United States if one of its military bases frees a detainee that later assassinates another nation's leader or government official.

• Gitmo: the misinformation campaign. During Wentz's time at the prison, there was absolutely no indication that torture of any kind ever occurred. "To my knowledge, only four terrorists were ever waterboarded - and that was done by the CIA, and not at Guantánamo," he says. Yet reporting insinuates that torture is a common occurrence there. "I once read a headline: 'Guantánamo Detainee, Who Was Waterboarded, Tells Int'l Community ....' It doesn't say where the waterboarding occurred, but the insinuation is there." Such misinformation campaigns are among the tactics outlined in the Manchester Document, also known as the al-Qaeda Handbook.

• The International Red Cross says Gitmo is well run. The prison is well-run and should be a model for the treatment of prisoners worldwide - this is according to an assessment from the International Red Cross. This good news regarding the prison is likely something you've never read. Americans have been fed a steady stream of only bad news about the prison, but there are good reasons for its existence.

• Consider the source - the lawyers of detainees and their plea to the public. The only news coming out from Gitmo recently has involved the detainees' hunger strike, which has had some success in its original purpose: to build sympathy. One of the lawyers for the detainees has also represented, in past decades, members of the Irish Republican Army, who used the same tactic while imprisoned by the British. The hunger strike came shortly after the lawyer's visit, Wentz says, and it's not coincidence. Additionally, while the British didn't use feeding tubes, the U.S. military has, which is something detainees have come to count on, he says.

About Eric Wentz

Eric Wentz is a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served as an intelligence officer, interrogator and linguist. He has a bachelor's degree in history and English literature, a master's degree in linguistics, and a Master of Science degree and doctorate in educational administration. He is also a certified SCUBA diver and an experienced canoeist. His novel, "Killing Sharks: De Profundis," has won the Readers Choice Book Reviews Bronze Award.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after Speaker Boehner moved to send legislation to fund the government to a conference committee. Due to repeated demands by the Tea Party, House Republicans were not willing to put a clean continuing resolution to avoid this manufactured crisis for a vote.

"It is unconscionable that we have come to this point. Because of the reckless actions by the Tea Party, the latest move by Speaker Boehner serves one purpose: to try and shift blame away from Republicans and the brinksmanship they have caused. This is one more manufactured crisis that Iowans and our economy cannot afford. Washington must re-focus its energy on job creation and fixing the economy. I will work to bridge the differences and put an end to these irresponsible practices and get the basic work done that the American people expect of Congress."

Rock Island, IL-Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in our community. It is a silent predator that affects one out of every four women and, typically, impacts several generations of family members. In recognition of national domestic violence awareness this month, Christian Care is hosting Walk the Walk this Saturday, October 5, located at Prospect Park in Moline. The walk is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. Take a stand against domestic violence: join Christian Care and Diamonds on the Avenue by participating in this year's Walk the Walk.

Before beginning the walk, participants will hear the compelling story of how a grandmother lost her granddaughter to domestic violence. Afterwards, they will enjoy a performance by Healing Waters Empowerment Project. Participants will receive a race bag, walk pedometer, and several other goodies. The event also features a silent auction and activities for children. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go directly back into the programs and services that Christian Care offers to so many in the Quad Cities community. Please do not forget that every dollar donated makes a difference, registration is only $10.00. 98% of the women who complete Christian Care's holistic programs go on to live independent lives, free of their abusers.

Christian Care's services are available in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to anyone in need. They serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their vision is to transform the lives of those they serve by providing their residents with an opportunity to start a new, more productive life. For more information contact Lindsey at 309-786-5734 or visit Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org

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Simon to host Illinois River Coordinating Council meeting, encourage best water quality practices

Part of three day river conference in Peoria

PEORIA - Sept. 30, 2013. Continuing her efforts to encourage river awareness and protect water quality, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will host an Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC) meeting on Tuesday in conjunction with the 14^th Biennial Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System. The IRCC will discuss whether to seek a Blue Trail or other designation to help promote conservation and recreation on the Illinois River.

"By working together we can help protect and preserve our Illinois rivers," said Simon. "This public dialogue is an excellent way to have your voice heard and learn more about our waterways."

Simon is encouraging members of the public to attend the quarterly meeting of the Illinois Rivers Coordinating Council and participate in an open forum for public questions and comments. Members of the Mississippi and Wabash-Ohio River Coordinating Councils will be in attendance as will several mayors from the Mississippi River and Towns Initiative.

Being held from Oct. 1 - Oct. 3, the three day conference will also include an Illinois River Watershed Conservation Tour, drought workshop, Spirit of Peoria River Boat Cruise and discussions on infrastructure needs, community issues, local economy and importance of protecting natural resources.

Recognizing Lt. Gov. Simon's efforts to promote river health and protect drinking water, Alton Main Street and the Sierra Club recently presented Simon with the prestigious Confluence Conservation Leadership Award. Simon chairs the Mississippi, Illinois, and Wabash and Ohio River Coordinating Councils, which are charged with reviewing state and federal programs that impact the watersheds and working with local communities to raise awareness of and address watershed issues.

TIME: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

PLACE: Four Points by Sheraton, Peoria

NOTE: Simon is available for interviews before and after the council meeting.