24 Aug 2012

4 Reasons More U.S. Churches Should Sanction Same-Sex Relationships

By Ginny Grimsley
Exclusionary Policies Run Counter to Christ's Example,
Author Says

An evergreen tender spot on the religious-political landscape is homosexuality and gay marriage. When a politician, pundit or gadfly wants to gin up his or her base, an easy tactic is to make a statement about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, says media analyst Paul Hartman.

"It's one of those issues where everyone has an opinion, one way or another," says Hartman, a retired PBS/NPR station executive and author of "The Kairos," (www.CarpeKairos.com) a five-star-rated suspense novel that imagines Jesus Christ as gay.

"One of the many roles that Jesus modeled for us was that of social reformer. He championed the equality of outcasts - prostitutes, beggars, widows, orphans, lepers.  He ignored their 'pre-existing conditions' and just loved 'em. You don't have to be a well-educated liberal today to be on the right side of history, you just have to follow Christ's example."

Currently, there are three American Christian denominations that officially accept homosexuality in their clergy: Episcopalians, Lutherans and Presbyterians. In July, the Episcopalian Church became the largest U.S. denomination to officially sanction same-sex unions by authorizing a "blessings" ceremony.

Hartman cites four reasons why American churches should accept homosexuality and gay marriage:

• In support of family and monogamy: The current estimate of U.S. citizens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) is 12 million. Due to lingering stigmas, that self-reported number is likely only a fraction of the actual. Even 12 million is a significant portion of the population who have been forced to live on the sidelines and denied the rights and responsibilities that other Americans enjoy, including marriage, and the adoption of needy children. Such denial of freedoms for sexual minorities runs counter to the Christian belief in family values.  Indeed, there are many theologians who argue homosexuality is one of God's diverse gifts in His creation of families.

• Avoiding hypocrisy and elitism: Like so many topics in the Bible, its few brief references to same-sex relations beg for intelligent interpretation. The original Bible writings, Hartman argues, never used the word "homosexual." Translators introduced that term.  In context, biblical "clobber passages" condemn "unnatural relations," meaning God finds it an abomination when straight persons ignore their nature and have sex with partners of their own sex.  Logically, people whose natural orientation is toward their own gender would have "unnatural relations" if they're intimate with opposite sex partners.  Another example is when people parrot what they've heard about the sin of Sodom being same-sex relations.  They don't realize that the Bible itself repeatedly and clearly defines that city's wicked sins as inhospitality and unloving acts toward others.  That's a charge some make against churches which discriminate against members of the GLBT community.  "When will we learn?" Hartman asks.  "Christ's message is inclusive, not exclusive."

• Already accepted in three denominations: Episcopalians, Lutherans and Presbyterians - none of them wildly radical sects of Christians - now ordain openly gay as well as openly straight clergy. While it's nothing new for denominations to disagree, it should be noteworthy that three mainstream Christian churches have accepted and embraced gay people.

• Most importantly, "Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves." Modern-day Pharisees love to emulate God's role as judge more than Christ's model of loving caregiver to the littlest, the lowest, the last and the least.

About Paul Hartman

Paul Hartman is a retired PBS/NPR station executive with a passion for biblical history. He is a Presbyterian elder, a lay preacher and a Dead Sea Scrolls aficionado. A father and grandfather, Hartman says he wrote "The Kairos" after serious Bible study revealed two repeatedly-quoted words from God as the answer to his lifelong battle with fear.

24 Aug 2012

Carol Beeding receives YWCA 'Hearts of Gold' award

By Rick Martin

(Rock Island, IL)– Carol Beeding, Aledo, IL, an employee of Royal Neighbors of America, was honored by the Rock Island YWCA with a "Hearts of Gold" award for her volunteer service. The award is given annually to women who give freely and unselfishly by volunteering their time to community activities; who empower and inspire women; and who make a positive impact on the direction and success of community projects.

Carol Beeding.jpg

As president of her Royal Neighbors chapter in Aledo, Carol leads her members in a variety of

volunteer projects, including planting a vegetable garden and perennials at the Mercer County Nursing Home; assembling and donating patio furniture and holding a mini car show at the Aledo Health and Rehab Nursing Home; donating personal care items for the troops in Afganistan; raising money for canned goods for the Mercer County Food Pantry; and hosting a car cruise night with the proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald Home.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation`s largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.
24 Aug 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Crack Down on Loan Sharking

By Ryan C. Woods

New law protects consumers from unlicensed lenders

CHICAGO - August 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to shield consumers from unlicensed lenders. House Bill 3935 imposes a Class 4 felony on lenders who have not been licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and protects consumers trapped in these high-interest loan deals from having to pay back the debt. Today's action is the latest by the governor to crack down on predatory lending and help consumers.

"Two years ago, we signed new laws to curb predatory lending and make the payday loan industry more transparent," Governor Quinn said. "Today's action is the next step in protecting consumers from unscrupulous, unlicensed lenders."

Sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), HB 3935 provides consumers with greater protections by putting teeth into the penalty and declaring any such loan as "null and void." Under existing law, the IDFPR may issue a cease-and-desist order to anyone doing business without the required license. Currently, 522 payday lenders are licensed and regulated by the IDFPR, which also regulates 1,054 Consumer Installment Loan Act lenders and 240 Sales Finance lenders.

Often called "loan sharks," unlicensed lenders charge extremely high interest rates and impose short-term repayment deadlines under threat of violence for non-payment. They are often associated with organized crime or street gangs.

The effort to increase regulation of predatory lending began with the "Monsignor John Egan Campaign for Payday Loan Reform," launched in 1999 after the Catholic priest heard the confession of a woman whose life was being ripped apart by usurious interest rates. The resulting reforms -The Consumer Installment Loan Act and Payday Loan Reform Act - are amended by this law.

The law is supported by Illinois Citizen Action and the Illinois Small Business Loan Association, and is effective on Jan. 1, 2013.

 

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24 Aug 2012

UUCQC Adds 2nd Service

By Margaret Thomas

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities

3703 Eastern Ave

Davenport, IA 52807

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities announces a change in its Sunday services schedule.  Beginning September 9, 2012, there will be two services every Sunday to better serve the needs of our Congregation. The first service will begin at 9:00 A.M., followed by coffee and socializing in the Social Hall at 10.00. At 10:15 each week there will be a Forum in the Community Room with a speaker on a topic of interest to the community. Look for the announcement of the topics on our website, qcuu.org. The second Service will begin at 11:15 A.M., with the Religious Education program running concurrent with that service.

With these changes, we will be able to offer greater flexibility in using our beautiful worship space surrounded by windows looking over our wooded campus. We have hired a second pianist to provide the music for the early service. Her name is Zoe Pinter, and she will begin on September 16. Sheila Doak, our Music Director, will provide the music for both services on September 9.

All are invited to come join our celebration, with our Minister Jay Wolin, starting his second full year with us, and our choir in our geothermal conditioned worship space and Social Hall.  For more information, call the congregation office at 563 359 0816.

24 Aug 2012

Gov. Branstad appoints Joel Dalrymple and Gregg Rosenbladt District Court Judges

By Office of Governor Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad on Friday appointed Joel Dalrymple as judge to the 2A Judicial District.  He also appointed Gregg Rosenbladt as judge to the 1B Judicial District.

Dalrymple, of Waterloo, received his law degree from Drake University and is currently serving as First Assistant Black Hawk County Attorney.  Dalrymple was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Thomas Bower to the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Rosenbladt, of Mason City, received his law degree from the University of Iowa and is currently serving as a District Associate Judge in 2A.  Rosenbladt was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stephen Carroll.

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24 Aug 2012

Do You Want to Fix the System or Just Feel Good?

By Ed Fallon
The battle over heckling Paul Ryan at the Iowa State Fair continued in force this weekend - in the mainstream media, with social media, and "on the street." It's an important conversation and raises questions activists need to confront.

The Ryan protesters say they care about the poor and middle class. I don't doubt that. But fixing the systemic problems that exacerbate poverty in America require, literally,  fixing the system. You do that by building public support for change and ultimately, by pressuring policymakers to do the right thing (or even better, by electing policymakers who don't need pressuring).

Heckling. Shouting down a speaker. Storming a stage. That's the easy way out. The hard work is the daily grind of building public consensus to move policy forward. Sure, when you drown out a presidential or vice president candidate you feel powerful - for a few minutes. Then what? If you're honest, you're left with the reality that you just alienated most of those who agreed with you on the issue. You've actually set-back the movement to fix the system, to make it work better for the very poor and middle-class people you want to help.

I repeat the question that none of my activist friends involved in the Ryan action have answered: How can you cite Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. as inspirational figures for your actions and yet fail to provide even one example of either Gandhi or King heckling or shouting down an opponent? The answer is simple. Neither Gandhi nor King ever - not once - treated an opponent this way. Sure, they embraced protest and civil disobedience (the operative word is "civil"), but these were used judiciously, in conjunction with other types of political action, to build the broadest possible public consensus and to motivate others to take action.

There's a lot more to talk about on this subject. Perhaps there's a compromise in here somewhere. Maybe next time an action such as this is planned any shouting of questions could be done before or after the candidate's speech? Just throwing that out there.

Monday, we talk with Heather Ryan of Ryan Talent and Model about a troubling child custody case involving a mom who could lose her daughter because she let her participate in beauty pageants. We also talk with Drake professor David Courard-Hauri about climate change and the myth that addressing the problem would be economically ruinous.

Tuesday, Bradshaw is my guest. We talk - surprise, surprise - politics! One item on the docket: the question posed above regarding last week's Paul Ryan protest.

Wednesday, there's plenty to cover: an update on the ethics complaint filed against Bruce Rastetter, more on the Ryan/Romney budget, and a bunch of other stuff.

Thursday, State Rep Dan Kelley joins me.

Friday, Dr. Charles Goldman is my guest as we discuss the Keystone pipeline, and how an alternative plan to route the same pipeline through western Canada is on its way to being rejected by the Canadian people and the provincial governments due to environmental concerns.

So, join the conversation live, Monday-Friday, online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077. And tune-in to Bradshaw, Monday-Friday from 1:30-2:30, also on the Fallon Forum website. Video and audio podcasts are available, too.

Thanks! - Ed

EVENTS

August 21 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month with Irish jigs and reels and Lebanese cuisine washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians and patrons are welcome at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

August 22 - Maternal Health and Warfare Survivors (Des Moines)
Dr. Lisa Menzies, a local pediatrician, discusses the safe birth projects she has assisted with in Tanzania, and Rachel Reynolds, a nursing instructor from Mercy College of Health Sciences discusses her recent work with survivors of the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda. At 7:00 pm at Friends Meeting House, 42nd and Grand. Light snacks and drinks provided. Contact Mike at (515) 238-1782 or mikecollet4@aol.com.

August 23 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

August 24-26 - White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow (Waukee)
At Hawkeye Antique Acres, 3322 Ute Ave. Twelfth annual event, fostering better understanding of all cultures through drumming, music, dance and story-telling from Native American and other cultures. Contact dcmoonwolf@hotmail.com or (515) 266-3187.

August 30 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

October 7 - Images of Peace Interfaith Prayer Service (Des Moines)
A 7:00 pm at DMACC Auditorium, Urban Campus, 9th and University for an interfaith prayer service featuring a video by Rodger Routh, presenting images of peace from various faith traditions and a variety of perspectives. At the end of the service people will walk to the Path of Peace Sculpture nearby to scatter the soil gathered from representatives of many different faiths at last year's Interfaith Service. Sponsored by the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee For Peace. Contact Eloise Cranke at (515) 262-5974 or Susie Paloma at (515) 480-1872.

October 20 - Contra Dance at Odd Fellows Hall (Des Moines)
Contra-Indications is hosting a contra dance at Odd Fellows Hall, 2904 Kingman Blvd, 8:00-11:00 pm, with lesson at 7:30 pm. Live music by Barn Owl Band; Jill Allen as caller. $10 adults; free under 12; $25 family maximum. Visit info@contra-indications.org.

20 Aug 2012

International Competition Should Drive School Reform

By Shawn Hamerlinck

With two high-profile Olympic competitors ? Lolo Jones and Gabby Douglas ? plus a host of other athletes with Iowa ties to cheer on, Iowans were into the patriotic spirit of the Olympic Games.

As a teacher and elected official, I wish our nation showed more of this drive and ambition when it came to our academic standing in the world. We have much to be proud of when it comes to our athletic accomplishments, but our students are significantly missing the mark on key international benchmarks.

One of the most disconcerting statistics highlights our poor performance in science and reading. U.S. students rank 17th and 24th, respectively, out of 34 developed nations in those subjects. Likewise, our teens didn't do particularly well in math on the international assessment, which had us at 25th.

Iowa's schools can become among the best in the nation. But we must remember that our children, while attending some of America's top schools, are competing with students around the world. That's why we have to ensure our schools are globally competitive and that our students are prepared for the "innovation economy." A strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics must be a priority of our school leaders.

International performance rankings aren't alone in showing our education system is in need of continued reform. The Council on Foreign Relations recently issued a report warning that the state of U.S. education has put America's national security at risk. It cited high dropout rates, low test scores and large disparities in achievement levels between poor and minority kids and their wealthier, white peers.

What do we do to regain our footing as an academic leader in the world? We should start by tapping into the competitive spirit that was on display at the Olympics. Let's set high expectations for every single student in our most critical academic subjects and push our children to reach farther and dig deeper.

We also need to look at the policies that are holding kids back. There's little doubt that the work our teachers do in the classroom is the most critical factor impacting how well students learn. State law should mandate that staffing decisions be based on teacher effectiveness, not seniority, and reward the teachers who perform the best. By evaluating our teachers we'll ensure that the needs of our students remain a top priority.

We need to look at these policies now and make changes quickly. We simply can't wait any longer. While our international rankings are troubling, what's worse is the direction in which we appear to be headed: We're falling farther behind each day.

Let's work together to reverse that trend. I can't think of anything more patriotic or a bigger rallying point for Iowa's children.

Thank you for letting me serve you in Des Moines.  Feel free to contact me at shawn.hamerlinck@legis.iowa.gov or visit my website at www.shawnhamerlinck.com.

hamerlinck signaturesmall.jpg
Shawn Hamerlinck
State Senator
District 42

20 Aug 2012

QC NATIVE COMES TO CALL MEDIA LINK HOME

By Natalie Linville-Mass
Rock Island, IL/August 20, 2012 - Please welcome Courtney Boothe to the Media Link team! Courtney is a recent college graduate with a great love of the Quad Cities. She will serve as the Office Manager and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Manager for the full service advertising agency.

Courtney says "I am so happy to have this opportunity to work at Media Link. The Quad Cities is home to me and it is a dream come true to be able to help out a locally owned business such as Media Link Inc and the clients they help."

Courtney is a 2011 graduate of Carthage College, where she was a double major in Public Relations and Communication. Courtney has gained a wide range of knowledge through her studies. Classes ranged from Rhetoric and Persuasion to Managerial Accounting to the Principles of Marketing. While at Carthage, Courtney was a four year varsity swimmer and member of the social fraternity, Tau Sigma Chi. One summer during her college career, Courtney actually served as a Marketing Intern for Media Link. She is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in the office and utilizing her previous knowledge. After college, Courtney brought her love of swimming back home to the Quad Cities where she Assistant Coached the Moline Middle School Swim Team. In her spare time, Courtney is a college sports junkie; spending her Saturdays in the fall at Northwestern Football games.

 

"Courtney is an amazing addition to our team.  She is so driven, precise and creative.  It was a dream having her intern with us while she was in College and we're fortunate to have the chance to bring her on board and keep her in the Quad Cities," exclaims Natalie Linville-Mass, President of Media Link, Inc.

Media Link is a full-service integrated marketing firm specializing in strategic media buying and placement. Media Link works with businesses in the Quad-Cities and around the country to develop and execute customized marketing strategies to help them more effectively reach their customers. Media Link recently developed and launched its own media buying software system, Media Link Software.  This company is also one of the only marketing firms in the region to have obtained an 8(a) SDB certification, a designation of significance to clients who contract with the federal government.

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20 Aug 2012

Burn ban lifted for Scott County

By Ross Bergen
To Whom It May Concern:  Pursuant to Chapter 100.40, State Code of Iowa, and at the request of ROSS BERGEN, representing each fire department having all or part of their fire districts within SCOTT COUNTY, the open burning ban for SCOTT COUNTY will be lifted effective August 20, 2012 AT 3:00 P.M.
20 Aug 2012

NELSON CHIROPRACTIC SUPPORTS CHRISTIAN CARE SHELTER: Waiving First Day Fees

By Rebecca Wheeler
During the month of August, Nelson Chiropractic, is offering their First Day Services for the donation of a back pack or $20 to the Christian Care Rescue Mission and Domestic Shelter. Complimentary first day services include a health history and consultation, orthopedic and neurological exam, initial x-rays (if needed), and reports of the findings with one of the doctors.

Christian Care is a nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Dr. Traci Nelson Hassel of Nelson Chiropractic states, "This is such a great opportunity to give to a wonderful cause and make a difference. We are excited to support Christian Care and help introduce people to chiropractic care at the same time."

For more information about Nelson Chiropractic and their First Day Services visit www.nelsonchiropractic.com or call 563-359-9541. Due to legal restrictions, this offer is not available to patients with state or federally funded healthcare plans, such as Medicaid and Medicare.

-End-

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