02 Nov 2012

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions November 2, 2012

By Iowa Judicial Branch
Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 11-0877

LEONARD JACK vs. P AND A FARMS, LTD., d/b/a CROOKED CREEK SHOOTING PRESERVE

No. 11-1378

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KAREN J. MYERS, Deceased. REX A. PICKEN
02 Nov 2012

FREE College Financial Aid Presentation

By Brittany Marietta
02 Nov 2012

IBHS Urges Home and Business Owners to Reduce Risk of Winter-Related Damage Now

By Joseph King

Tampa, Fla. (October 31, 2012) - With many Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian states receiving as much as two feet of snow from Super Storm Sandy, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reminds business and homeowners that now is the time to prepare their property for the 2012-2013 winter season to help reduce  damage caused from freezing weather.

"Winter weather can cause numerous problems from burst pipes to roof collapses to interior fires," said Julie Rochman, president and CEO of IBHS. "Taking steps now to prepare your home or business to withstand the effects of winter storms and freezing weather will help you avoid costly losses and possible business interruptions later."

Freezing Pipes
Frozen water in pipes can cause them to burst. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing in extremely cold weather. Find out how to keep water in pipes from freezing here: http://disastersafety.org/freezing_weather/prevent-frozen-pipes

Is Your Roof Strong Enough?
The age of a building is a major determinant of how much snow and ice it can handle before collapsing. Get more information about roof snow and ice load ranges here:  http://disastersafety.org/freezing_weather/prevent-roof-collapse.

Ice Dams
When interior heat melts the snow on the roof the water will run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where temperatures are colder. The ice build-up blocks water from draining off of the roof, forcing the water under the roof covering and into the attic or down the inside walls of the house. Check out IBHS' guidance on how to decrease the likelihood that ice dams will form here: http://disastersafety.org/freezing_weather/preventing-ice-dams-on-homes.

Alternative Heating Devices
Falling temperatures also mean increased fire dangers linked to the use of heating devices. Rising fuel prices and environmental concerns have driven many consumers to seek alternate ways to heat their homes and businesses. Consult IBHS' Alternative Heating Sources guide to be safe when choosing or installing space heaters, wood pellet stoves, fireplaces or other heating sources.

IBHS' Freezing Weather page on DisasterSafety.org provides guidance on how to protect your home or business against other winter weather-related perils.

for more information about how to make your buildings more resistant to a variety of disasters, large and small. Follow IBHS on Twitter at @DisasterSafety and on

# # #

About IBHS

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit, research and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research in order to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses, and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.

02 Nov 2012

MF Global collapse, questions remain in aftermath

By Grassley Press
Thursday, November 01, 2012

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the aftermath of MF Global's collapse.  Grassley is a senior member of the Agriculture Committee.

"This week marked the one-year anniversary of MF Global's filing for bankruptcy protection.  While I'm pleased many people have received a large share of their money back from this fiasco, we still need to know more about what happened.  This is not a case of 'all's well that ends well.'  Even if farmers and investors ultimately get a substantial amount of their money  back through the bankruptcy process, what if they end up losing millions of dollars?  What about the shaken confidence in our regulators and the commodity trading system in general?   And what about the next time?  To date, there have been no announcements of criminal prosecutions and no clear explanation of how and why MF Global lost customer money that was supposed to be segregated.

"Now, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is issuing proposed regulations in response to the MF Global and Peregrine Financial collapses.  More regulation isn't going to ease farmers and investors' concerns.   We don't even know what exactly happened at MF Global, so how can we be sure new regulations will help?  What ultimately would bring confidence back to those who participate in the futures market is knowing the regulators conducted a real analysis of what went wrong at MF Global, then found and implemented the best solution for preventing these incidents and prosecuted responsible parties if necessary.   Solutions might be better enforcement of existing regulations or targeted new regulations.  But proposing new regulations without a clear understanding of what went wrong puts the cart before the horse.   It doesn't restore the confidence that's been disrupted."

02 Nov 2012

For the first time ever in Theaters, The Doors: Live at the Bowl '68

By Rick Martin

The band's historic performance re-mastered in High Definition and 5.1 Surround Sound to bring the definitive version to cinemas for the first time. 

Coming to the Giant Screen in Davenport Saturday, November 10 Shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
DAVENPORT - The Doors Live At The Bowl '68 is widely held as the band's best performance ever captured on film. Now for the first time fans can watch the complete version in digitally re-mastered glory as the entire concert has been carefully restored from the original camera negatives to include the lost performances of Hello I Love You, Texas Radio and the Big Beat and Spanish Caravan. The film opens with a special feature of interviews with the band talking about what it meant to perform at the Hollywood Bowl and the enduring significance of this concert. More than 40 years after their debut album, The Doors' music and legacy are more influential than ever before. Though they've had scores of imitators, there's never been another band quite like them and this film will appeal to their many fans - both their original followers and a younger generation discovering The Doors now.

Tickets: $11/Adult; $10/Senior/Student/Military; $8/Youth
- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Philadelphia, PA - SpectiCast, in association with More2Screen and Eagle Rock Entertainment, is pleased to announce that this November it will distribute The Doors: Live at the Bowl '68 to cinemas across the country. The Doors supplied plenty of  post Independence Day fireworks on July 5, 1968 when the legendary quartet played the Hollywood Bowl, a concert that is considered to be the band's finest on film. Fans will be able to experience the acclaimed live set - the only complete Doors concert ever captured on film - in a brand new cut, with remixed stereo and a 5.1 Surround Audio soundtrack taken from the original multi-track tapes, then painstakingly re-mastered using 16x9 High Definition digital transfer. Says keyboardist Ray Manzarek of what is now an astonishing audio experience: "You hear it as if you were actually at the Bowl, on stage with us."

Led by late frontman Jim Morrison, Manzarek and fellow band members John Densmore (drums) and Robby Krieger (guitar) thrill the live audience at the iconic Bowl with a set that includes previously lost performances of Hello, I Love You, The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat) and Spanish Caravan. Making this even more of a must-see event, Live At The Bowl '68 features a wealth of new documentary material, including interviews with the band, their friends and colleagues and other never-before-seen footage.

Jeff Jampol, Doors manager and producer of the film said: "The Doors' live performances were a shamanistic journey into dark rock and roll psychedelic theater - a swirling mixture of rock 'n' roll heat, poetry, danger, drama and unbridled musical virtuosity. Captured at the height of The Doors' magical powers, in one of the world's greatest venues, this brand new restoration, edit and mix, corny as it may sound, made me fall in love a hundred times, all over again."

More than 40 years after their debut album, The Doors' music and legacy are more influential than ever before. Though they've had scores of imitators, there's never been another band quite like them and this film will appeal to their many fans - both their original followers and a younger generation discovering The Doors now.

SpectiCast provides unique alternative content to the over 400 theatrical and non-theatrical venue with which it works in North America. "This film is a excellent addition to SpectiCast's growing series of concert films," said Mark Rupp, Co-Founder and President of SpectiCast.

"We are thrilled to be able to give audiences across the country the opportunity to experience this film on the big screen for the first time."

About the Production

The Doors: Live at the Bowl '68

Running time: 91 minutes

TRACK LISTING
1. Show Start/Intro
2. "When The Music's Over"
3. "Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)"
4. "Back Door Man"
5. "Five To One"
6. "Back Door Man" (Reprise)
7. "The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)"
8. "Hello, I Love You"
9. "Moonlight Drive"

10. "Horse Latitudes"
11. "A Little Game"
12. "The Hill Dwellers"
13. "Spanish Caravan"
14. Hey, What Would You Guys Like To Hear?
15. "Wake Up!"
16. "Light My Fire"
17. Light My Fire (Segue)
18. "The Unknown Soldier"
19. The End (Segue)
20. "The End"

About SpectiCast

SpectiCast is the fastest growing all-digital private network company in North America, distributing film, cultural arts events, and alternative content to both theatrical and non-theatrical venues. SpectiCast's proprietary Digital Theatre Network™ delivers the highest quality digital audiovisual experience using state-of-the-art Internet-protocol technologies operating over a network that has worldwide reach.

SpectiCast provides exhibitors with a low cost and high quality digital deliver system to exhibit the world's best independent film and alternative content. For distributors and content providers, SpectiCast provides access to hundreds of art house, independent, and chain theaters as well as performing arts centers, museums, schools, and other non-traditional exhibition venues. SpectiCast is a privately owned and operated firm based in Philadelphia, PA.

###

Interested members of the press may contact Eric Miller, Marketing/Exhibitor Relations Manager,

at 215-618-3876 or by e-mail at emiller@specticast.com.
02 Nov 2012

Gov. Branstad extends Disaster Emergency Proclamation

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad signed a proclamation to allow the transportation of oversized and overweight loads of soybeans, corn, hay, straw, silage and stover. The proclamation takes effect on November 3, 2012 and expires after 15 days.

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code section 321.463 paragraph "5.b", by more than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

This action is intended to allow vehicles transporting soybeans, corn, hay, straw, and stover to be oversize and overweight, not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public's safety and facilitate the movement of the trucks involved.

###

02 Nov 2012

Local Flooring Retailer Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home Helps Homeowners Create Beautiful Homes with Online Video Series Announces Premier Episode with Decorator Tracy Bross

By Douglas Patch

Thursday, October 25, 2012 (Davenport, IA) – Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home helps customers find beautiful floors for their home every day, but through an online effort, they aim to help them create beautiful homes as well. Their Beautiful Design Made Simple podcast series available through Carpet One Floor & Home's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/carpetonefh provides customers tips and design advice. The most recent episode introduces Tracy Bross, Principal Stylist for Tracy Bross Decorating and Styling.

Bross has partnered with Carpet One Floor & Home to produce a series of Beautiful Design Made Simple episodes that help homeowners make design decisions without hiring a decorator or interior designer.  Bross comments, "I have worked with clients on the east coast, west coast and everywhere in between, and now I am excited to bring that knowledge to a much larger audience."  The partnership with Bross is part of a long-standing program from Carpet One Floor & Home designed to help customers simplify the process of redecorating their homes.

"We're excited to be able to provide a resource to our customers that gives them credible design advice from a veteran of the style industry.  With Tracy's knowledge of style and our expertise in flooring, we feel like we have all the bases covered for our customers." comments Douglas Patch, of Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home.

In her premiere Beautiful Design Made Simple episode, Bross shares her secret for creating a room that her clients will love - finding the perfect inspiration.  The episode includes tips on finding that perfect inspiration for a room and examples of how to turn inspiration into a beautiful design.

"Not everyone can afford to have a decorator or designer to make their home beautiful," says Bross. "But that doesn't mean you can't have a home that you love that speaks to your personality." 

Carpet One Floor & Home plans to release several more episodes with more advice from Bross throughout the remainder of 2012 and into 2013.

Bross' inspiration video can be viewed in the Beautiful Design Made Simple playlist on Carpet One Floor & Home's YouTube Channel.

About Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home
Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home is a locally owned flooring retailer serving the Davenport area. They are part of North America's leading floor covering co-op. Their showroom is known for carrying a broad selection of beautiful carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs including exclusive brands like Bigelow and Lees. They offer a unique customer experience with the exclusive SelectAFloor merchandising system that simplifies the shopping experience and The Beautiful GuaranteeTM, which guarantees that the customer will be 100% happy with their floor. Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home is also the home of the exclusive Healthier Living Installation system. For more information visit NORTHWESTCARPETONEDAVENPORT.COM.

02 Nov 2012

Governor Quinn Directs Illinois Team to Assist New York in Hurricane Sandy Response

By Erin Wilson

Will Assist in New York City Emergency Operations Center

SPRINGFIELD - November 1, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the deployment of 13 local emergency managers and two Illinois Emergency Management Agency's (IEMA) employees to New York City to help emergency management officials coordinate recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The responders will assist with operations and logistics in the city's emergency operations center. The duration of the deployment is two weeks, with responders set to return to Illinois on Nov. 16.

"Hurricane Sandy left behind unbelievable devastation affecting millions of people along the East Coast," Governor Quinn said. "This recovery will be long and difficult, and the impacted communities will need help. Illinois stands ready to provide any assistance we can, like the dedicated emergency responders who are headed to New York today."

The responders, from across the state, reported to the state's Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) operation at the IEMA headquarters in Springfield this morning to receive event identification, mission and safety briefings and mobilization assistance. This process ensures the accountability and readiness of personnel and assets before departure.

This deployment is the first from Illinois in response to Hurricane Sandy-related requests submitted through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation's state-to-state mutual aid system.  EMAC coordinates the assistance needs of states affected by disasters with available resources from unaffected states to support response and recovery efforts. IEMA, the Illinois National Guard and other Illinois public safety agencies are standing by, ready to provide assistance in response to further EMAC requests.

Illinois has deployed assets to other states on several occasions, most notably following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when more than 2,500 first responders and other personnel from Illinois were sent to the Gulf Coast.

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02 Nov 2012

November 2012 Parks and Recreation News

By Davenport Parks and Recreation
Don't have enough things to keep you and your family busy in November?
Then take a look at what Davenport Parks and Recreation has to offer below. And
this is just a small sample! Browse over 300 additional winter programs and register
online by clicking here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001v7Kvm7N5Z4oU3MUaePXmOtfNltOElmrjti56fwG_MLHmRzjKgSYfmm6TQ-7lI1hcT0D9NzVn8rYN_QpMwlLlCPsEGwOX_coeFxWtnKeBTQSTAFMploQwLOFkJEgID67Q].
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School Out Days

Need something FUN for your kids to do when school is not in session?  We have school
out days for all ages.  Elementary age students can attend either the River's Edge
or Roosevelt Community Center. Days will be filled with playing games, doing crafts,
taking field trips and spending time with friends. Intermediate age students will
attend Collins House and days will be focused on exploring future career options
and helping engage youth in volunteerism. Program will run from 7:30 am - 5:30
pm.  Each student should bring a water bottle and sack lunch, wear socks and gym
shoes, and bring warm clothes to skate!  Afternoon snacks will be provided.
School Out Days coming up: Nov 6, Nov 12, and 21.
Click here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001v7Kvm7N5Z4qN1QNAE1WDVvzc-o2zyYX0fOGqxLweWNB8kyeGaOhVlB_xMiC-bHBFJMO85JJRvOB3sMmDscJ0a9akdgaOAm60IgdpfZ3DE7nhKqIb49pbY61LgHEgpAfWI16XRSu-4Lt_NYVV-_4NouOSQlUncPDJH0nI-lPvezW8lXRgzDdicLp3I87Xe_dwxjPUkczPz-Y=]
to register and/or browse our online calendar for more information. Additional dates
available in December as well.
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Family Friday Night

Join us every Friday night is
for a different activity for the whole family. Activities this month:

November 2- Nature:  Pumpkin Leftovers

November 9 - Junior Theatre:  Neverending Story

November 16 - Sports:  Red Hawk Golf and movie

November 30 - Friday Night Jam and Uno tournament at Roosevelt Community Center.
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At the River's Edge

Turkey Bowling at River's Edge!

It's become a Quad Cities tradition! Come on down to the River's Edge and try your
luck with bowling frozen turkeys on the ice!

Saturday, Nov 17 1:45pm-3:45pm

At the River's Edge, 700 W River Dr

Cost is only $2.00

This is fun for the whole family!

***********************

Indoor Soccer League Registration will open for January leagues beginning on 11/15.
Click here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001v7Kvm7N5Z4rzER3rcpN-S7ynmEllqMTc6BVdivZayBuex1aOrnPgA8SlOBKQTkSBblQyE72iUYe9qswlEGTuRiRMDWQ58y4pvLiAXPjgdzGvsFteGPjZyPGzHLvXXWkgX5S8xFot0-OwDxK9Z7e78O-bwC21Iub_6J7L1dmyzKs3gnGurt5cgzbvZdWcG91NsWd2VliZRqE=]
to register your team after 11/15 or for more information.
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Indoor Golf Range

Indoor Golf Range at River's Edge opens November 1

Just in time for colder weather, our indoor golf range opens at the River's Edge
starting November 1. Keep in shape by practicing your swing all winter long! A
large bucket of balls is only $5, a small bucket is only $3.

Hours are generally:
Monday through Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm

Sorry, due to soccer games, the range in NOT open on weekends.

The golf range will close early on School Out days. The hours will be 7:30am - 11:30am
on those days. The following dates in November will be effected:

November 6, 12, 21

7:30am - 11:30am

Check our turf schedule online (click here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001BR5y3yofU_BciWVWCjIDz3DaZ6_7wlgXxD8rLytX22WzneG2tFzClrd2pqevx8wNjQPKe-NcWJUDFy3kMPfC3ocfWsyoB0yWUU8oMAq03luInOKAy4ACGFybdt6GYFxKsU-FBYx9jtyzayBsBFODdw==&id=preview])
for any closures in the coming months, or call our Front Desk at 563-328-PARK to
confirm opening and closing times for the day. (The River's Edge is closed on Thanksgiving
Day.)
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Player Card

20% Bonus on Player Card for a limited time

Get your Player Card now at the River's Edge and get a 20% bonus! Makes a great
Christmas gift for the golfer in your family.


* Re-loadable      cards for use of Green Fees, Cart Fees, and Range Fees.
* Purchases      for a limited time will include a 20% bonus on the card, compliments
of Davenport Golf.
* For      sale at The Rivers Edge, 700 West River Dr, 328-PARK (7275).
* Player      Cards will not include concession and Pro-shop merchandise purchases.

* Player Cards require a $100/minimum transaction. Available in multiples of $100.

* Player Cards are valid for all Davenport Public Golf Courses - Emeis, Duck Creek
& Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center.
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Red Hawk Lodge available for rentals!

Looking for a great place to have an indoor holiday party? Then check out our space
at Red Hawk Golf and learning center. This beautiful remodeled space has multiple
TV's, a kitchen, and seating for 80 people. Set up can be customized for renter.
The space is also great for that football party or birthday party that you've wanted
to book, but couldn't find a place with a great price.  Well, Red Lodge is the place
you've been looking for!
Rental rate is $150 for 4 hours; $20 each additional hour.
There is also a $150 refundable damage deposit.
An additional room can be added for larger parties for only an extra $50.
Available beginning November 12, 2012 through March 31, 2013.
To check availability and to book, come to the Parks and Recreation office at the
River's Edge, 700 W River Drive. We're open 6am to 10pm every day of the week for
your convenience!

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Bettendorf Parks and Recreation

Davenport and Bettendorf Parks and Recreation are teaming up to deliver the most
complete package of recreation opportunities around! Watch this section for exciting
opportunities available!
This month:

"Start a new holiday tradition!" TRX Holiday Circuit Class at the Life Fitness Center.

Special extended 7-week TRX Circuit training class! Keep your workouts on track
through the holiday season.  Class incorporates cardio/strength interval training
using TRX, kettlebells, battling ropes, agility hurdles/ladders, medicine balls,
and much more!  Burn away those holiday calories and have fun while doing it!

Classes offered 3 days a week, Tues./Thurs. 5:30am & 5:45pm, and Sat. 7:45am.  Buy
a TRX Circuit punch card for flexibility ($7 per class, $5 per class for LFC members),
or pay for the whole session 2-3 days a week and get a discount!

Session begins Nov. 6thand runs through Dec. 20th. (No classes on Nov. 22 and 24).
Information available by calling 563-344-4119, or online at www.lifefitnesscenter.org
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=c7jtablab.0.awdjzkkab.yc9hayeab.3527&ts=S0827&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lifefitnesscenter.org%2F].
Life Fitness Center is located at 2222 Middle Rd. in Bettendorf.
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Public Skate
This Week
What a great way to stay in shape this winter and have some fun! Public Skate admission
at the River's Edge is only $5 and skate rental is only $3.

Fri, Nov 2
11am to 1pm
Sat, Nov 3 -
5:00pm to 8:00pm
Also, Veteran's Day Holiday
Mon, Nov 12, 2012
11:00am - 1:00pm
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Chrysanthemum Show

Come see the Conservatory Chrysanthemum show at

Vander Veer Botanical Park-

through mid November! While there tour our newly opened Enabling  Garden!

Open Tues - Sunday
10am-4pm.

Admission: $1
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Learn to Skate Lessons
The new session begins November 29. Sign up now and get $25 off any Learn to Skate
lesson.  Sessions runs through February 2.  Various skill levels available from
beginner to advanced.  Click here for more information.  Cost is $105  without coupon.
Coupon for $25 off is below.



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Kindernature
Saturday Nov 10
Diggin Dinosaurs! 10-11am Vander  Veer Botanical  Park.  Cost 6.00 all supplies
and a snack included.
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Denzel Washington
Movie Marathon
Please join us at Junior Theatre on Saturday, November 24
from 1PM - 1AM
for a movie marathon honoring Denzel Washington.
Admission is FREE!

Movies include :
1:00pm - Mississippi Masala
3:00pm - Cry Freedom
5:30pm - The Mighty Quinn
7:30pm - Safe House
9:30pm - Malcom X

Films are suitable only for 18 and over
Junior Theatre
2815 Eastern Avenue

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Birthday Party
Packages Available
Our talented and energetic party hosts will take care of set-up, clean-up, lead
group activities and ensure that each child has a great experience!
Packages available:

* Ice, Soccer or Laser Maze Ball at the River's Edge
* Fairy tale Adventure at Junior Theater
* Golf at Red Hawk Golf and Learning Center
* Nature and Garden adventures at Vander Veer or Duck Creek Park

Call our Party Hotline for details and pricing:
563-888-2088
02 Nov 2012

Faith as Politics: The Religious Justification of Neglect

By Ginny Grimsley
By: Charles Gourgey, Ph.D.

It is not unusual today to find the language of religion mixed up with the language of politics. The Republican Party's platform mentions God no less than 12 times, and Republicans have condemned Democrats for not mentioning God in theirs. Many Republican politicians do not hesitate to proclaim their Christian faith as a great motivator of their policies. So we have a right to expect that those policies will reflect godly values and honor the founder of the religion its adherents proclaim.

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan insist that their tax proposals would not burden the middle class. However, the figures do not support this claim. According to the nonpartisan Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (Aug. 1, 2012), "A revenue-neutral individual income tax change that incorporates the features Gov. Romney has proposed ... would provide large tax cuts to high-income households, and increase the tax burdens on middle- and/or lower-income taxpayers."

The great transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich, resulting from our recent financial crisis, will continue.

In addition to more tax advantages for the wealthy at the expense of others, the Republican plan will further shred the social safety net by virtually dismantling Medicaid. It will shrink the program drastically, replacing the current system with block grants to the states. To make up for the shortfall, families who are already struggling will be charged part of the cost of their elderly loved ones' care.

Medicare, too, would change beyond recognition. People would receive a fixed amount from the government to purchase their own plan. Called "premium support," this is really a euphemism for "voucher." These Medicare vouchers will not keep pace with rising health care costs, which traditionally outrun inflation. Medicare as we know it will come to an end. And once again, the burden will fall on the poor and middle class.

How do they justify this? Paul Ryan actually refers to his faith. In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (April 10, 2012) Ryan stated: "A person's faith is central to how they conduct themselves in public and in private. ... To me, the principle of subsidiarity, which is really federalism, meaning government closest to the people governs best."

Ryan found a nice word to theologize his economics. The principle of "subsidiarity" was formalized in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, who in all likelihood never intended it to supersede the Gospel, or to justify a reverse-Robin Hood economics of taking from the poor to give to the rich. But Ryan sees dismantling the safety net for disadvantaged people as actually helping them, by teaching them "independence." His "preferential option for the poor" means, in practice, cutting their benefits.

These positions are gaining popular support largely because they play on people's fears and resentment. "If I am doing poorly in this economy," one may be tempted to think, "it's because there are so many lazy people who consume my tax dollars without giving anything back."

But many of those who would suffer under Romney/Ryan economics are hard-working and do have jobs. I think of my friend who works long hours at a simple retail job that does not pay what her efforts deserve, and that gives her no health coverage. There are many like her. They work much harder than many who would judge them, including people who live off their investment income and don't work at all. Yet under Romney/Ryan the latter would pay even lower taxes, while the rest would suffer more.

And many others, including older people on fixed incomes; people with severe disabilities (mental, physical, or both) who need government assistance; people who are homeless not by choice but due to mental illness; and people with dementia whose family members may give up their own lives and livelihoods to support them, cannot simply go out and get a job. Many are unskilled and unemployable. Age and disability discrimination are rampant, even though we deny it. Yet in spite of this we seem to have a new Republican Gospel: when Jesus said (Matthew 25:36) "I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me" he was encouraging dependence. Better he should have said, "I was naked, I was sick, and you told me to get a job."

This is the politics of resentment, of stigmatizing the poor as parasites who deserve to lose their benefits. In an offhand moment, Romney said it all: These are people "who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it." This resentment is self-justifying: "I have mine, and if you don't have yours, it's your own fault. So lower my taxes."

Those who practice this resentment seem not to mind that in the richest nation on Earth, millions of people go without health care. "Are there no emergency rooms?" they ask, much as old Scrooge asked "Are there no workhouses?" But emergency rooms only stabilize you until you can receive some other form of care - which you won't if you lack insurance. If you have a chronic, degenerative disease, you are on your own. This inequality is criminal, but it is so easy to justify by playing on resentment.

This is the opposite of what Jesus stood for. So those who try to turn him into their political partisan may find themselves in for a shock. When we focus on what Jesus actually taught, we may be quite surprised that he does not share our party affiliation.

Charles Gourgey is a licensed creative arts therapist and author of Judeochristianity: The Meaning and Discovery of Faith (available at Amazon.com), which explores what faith can mean if we restore Jesus's teachings to their rightful place of central importance.

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