10 Sep 2012

Occupy Turns One

By Ed Fallon

Imagine throwing a birthday party for your kid and using the occasion to remind him of the many ways he's failed over the past year? If you did that, you'd be a truly horrible parent.

So, as the Occupy Wall Street movement celebrates its one-year anniversary this weekend, let's resist the temptation to talk about all the things that have gone wrong and focus on the good stuff. After all, there's a reason why so many of us were inspired and saw OWS as the most promising groundswell for social change to come along in decades.

My short list of why Occupy Wall Street resonated so powerfully with so many:

- Most Americans know something is deeply wrong in our country. We know powerful corporations are a big part of the problem, and we're furious that some of the worst corporate offenders got huge taxpayer bailouts.

- Wall Street is the symbolic epicenter of corporate power and the logical target of public anger over corporate malfeasance.

- Thousands of rank-and-file Americans rallying before the gilded gates of Wall Street in peaceful protest captivated America. When law enforcement responded with an unnecessarily heavy-hand it only further rallied public support behind the protesters.

That's my short list of why Occupy Wall Street's one-year birthday anniversary deserves cake, not condemnation. What are your thoughts? Today, Monday, we'll talk about it. We also welcome the DeCoster family back to the news with the discovery of salmonella in DeCoster-owned chicken confinements in north-central Iowa. Also today, talent manager Heather Ryan joins us for an update on the bizarre child custody case in Kentucky involving a Mom who allowed her daughter to participate in a pageant.

Tuesday, Manu Martin with the Peoples Congress joins us. We also talk with Rachel Garrett about Paul Ryan's inspirational hero, Ayn Rand.

Wednesday, we talk with Bob Stone about Democracy School, and also John Brown about the controversy around so-called "smart meters."

Thursday, it's State Rep. Dan Kelley.

Friday, Libertarian Party candidate for Vice President, Judge Jim Gray, is back in Iowa and back on our program.

Among the other issues we need to address this week:

- Congressman Steve King finds a new enemy: healthy food. To make up for it, he's enlisted a new ally: overweight kids.

- The Orascom scam not only involves the biggest taxpayer handout to a corporation in Iowa's history but it appears to have been negotiated almost entirely behind closed doors.

- Rev. Sun Myung Moon, head of the so-called Unification Church, died last week. I'll share a personal story about my role years ago in England, helping de-program one of Moon's cult's many victims.

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

September 13 - 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.

September 14-16 - Democracy School (Fairfield)
Thomas Linzey, co-founder of Democracy School, has had success in Pennsylvania in combating encroaching CAFOs and  has worked with 140 communities in eight states on CAFOs, fracking, etc. School is Friday 7:30-10:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-4:30. The fee is $195.

September 14-30 - World Premiere of "Sense and Sensibility" (Des Moines)
The book by Jane Austen has been adapted for the stage by Iowa's Kerry Skram. Performances are at the Des Moines Social Club's Kirkwood Theater, 4th and Walnut. For tickets, call MIDWESTIX at (515) 244-2771.

September 18 - 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, Mideastern belly dancing, 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.

September 22 - Latinos Unidos Scholarship Award Ceremony Dinner (DM)
From 5:30- 8:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Cottage Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults, $7.50 for children under $10, and $120 for a table for eight. Businesses contact Julian Caselli at j-caselli@hotmail.com and individuals Lena Avila Robison at iowalatina12@live.com.

September 27 - Coleen Rowley 'Blowing the Whistle on War' (Des Moines)
At 7:00 pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, 42nd and Ingersoll, Iowa's own Coleen Rowley talks about the need to end our permanent war economy and state of perpetual war. Coleen grew up in New Hampton Iowa and was part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation before blowing the whistle on bad intelligence work in the wake of September 11. She was Time magazine's PERSON OF THE YEAR in 2002 and is an important voice in favor of government transparency. Contact Jeff Weiss at jjwcpm@yahoo.com.

October 3 - Jim Hightower: Taking Back Our Food and Agriculture (Fairfield)
Hightower gives the keynote at the Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors annual meeting at 7:30 pm at the Arts & Convention Center, 200 N Main St. An outspoken critic of CAFO animal production, Hightower will address what is needed to turn around our environmentally destructive, nutritionally compromised system of industrial food production. Contact Diane at drosenberg@lisco.com.

October 6 - The Shrinking Middle Class (Des Moines)
At Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, 10:00-2:00. Cost is $10 and lunch is provided for this presentation and panel discussion. Income inequality, rising costs, political corruption, and economic instability threaten our global household. This seminar will explore a variety of current problems and contemplate solutions surrounding the erosion of middle class political and economic power while providing a theological context for these contemporary struggles.

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.
10 Sep 2012

CEMETERY HUNTERS Find Secrets in the Cemetery!

By Steve Hart

Cemetery Hunters at the Davenport Public Library is the perfect program for those looking to learn tips and tricks about searching for information in a cemetery. Join us Thursday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fairmount Branch Library (3000 N Fairmount Street) to learn what different types of stone, species of trees, and more can tell you about your ancestors and the people from this area. Find out how to uncover secrets from the past through what is still around today. Adults and teens are invited to attend this FREE program.

For more information on this and other Davenport Public Library programs, call 563-326-7832 or visit www.davenportlibrary.com.

This event is in collaboration with East West Riverfest in the Quad Cities. From September 7 to 16, 2012, the Quad Cities hosts East West Riverfest, a new community-wide, ten-day celebration of the arts, culture and heritage thriving on this bend of the Mississippi River. Over 300 events will take place at almost 100 various theaters, music venues, galleries, historic sites, museums, parks, and attractions on both sides of the river in the Quad Cities. For more information, visit www.eastwestriverfest.com or the official Facebook page.

***

10 Sep 2012

U.S. Soy Trade Relationships Grow In September

By United Soybean Board
International customers meet with soy checkoff farmer-leaders to discuss U.S. soy

ST. LOUIS (September 10, 2012) - Relationships are important to building markets for U.S. soy and the farmer-leaders of the soy checkoff recognize that importance. In fact, the United Soybean Board (USB), along with its international marketing arm, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), will host customers from more than 20 countries in September.

"Face-to-face meetings mean a lot to businesses throughout the world," says Marc Curtis, a soybean farmer from Leland, Miss., and a member of USB's international marketing program. "This year, especially, it gets them out in the field to alleviate fears of not having a crop and also highlights our sustainability."

Teams from Europe, Asia, and South and Central America will visit a wide variety of stops in multiple states. They will tour farms, export facilities, modern livestock and poultry facilities and even the Chicago Board of Trade, learning more about U.S. agriculture and, specifically, U.S. soy.

"The end goal is to increase demand for soybeans," adds Curtis, who also serves as past chair of USB. "You increase demand by making foreign buyers more comfortable with the United States, the reliable supply we have and the quality of our product."

By focusing on the needs of the individual teams, USB and USSEC hope to continue to grow the personal relationships needed to sell U.S. soy globally and maintain soy's rank as one of the top U.S. agricultural exports.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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10 Sep 2012

Fall Child Safety Tips from WCSC

By Window Coverings Safety Council
Tips to Create a Safe Environment in the Classroom

As summer comes to a close, early childhood education professionals are busy gearing up for the little ones. In addition to developing new reading lists and homework assignments, many teachers are also investing their time in classroom safety. According to Safe Kids USA, an estimated 14 million children are unintentionally injured each year - with as many as 25 percent of those incidents occurring in and around schools. Educational leaders can prevent some of these incidents by childproofing all classrooms to help eliminate potential hazards.

Read More

Full Press Release (PDF)

Parents Reminded to Check Their Window Coverings

The Window Covering Safety Council is reminding parents and caregivers of potential window-cord dangers and urging them to make the right choice and only use cordless window products in homes with young children.


Read More

Full Press Release (PDF)

A Safe and Happy Holiday Season

The fall and winter holidays are just around the corner. Families will reunite and make wonderful memories while trick-or-treating or enjoying festive meals. But the season can also pose potential safety hazards for young children.

Read More

Full Press Release (PDF)

Easy Steps to Prevent Window-Cord Accidents

The accidental strangulation of infants and young children in the cords of window blinds, shades and drapes continues to be an issue, with both inner and pull cords remaining a concern for today's busy parents.

Read More

Full Press Release (PDF)

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10 Sep 2012

Iowa is Ranked 2nd for volunteer rate in the USA

By Corportation for National and Community Service

Iowa has an average annual volunteer rate of 37.9%, with 887,000 volunteers serving 93.4 million total hours per year!

http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/IA

10 Sep 2012

Branstad, Reynolds announce "Volunteer Iowa: A Call to Service" Initiative

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today announced a new public-private partnership initiative titled "Volunteer Iowa: A Call to Service."

The goal of the "Call to Service" initiative is to make Iowa the national leader in service and volunteerism by 2015 by focusing on volunteer expansion in Iowa's most pressing areas throughout the state while focusing on the administration's goals of becoming the healthiest state in the nation, having the best schools and growing Iowa's economy.

"Volunteerism is an integral part to the state's future and well-being," said Branstad. "Our objective for the 'Call to Service' is to increase the number of Iowans who are volunteering as well as the number of hours that they serve.  Iowa currently ranks second in the nation in volunteerism, and just as we want to become the healthiest state in the nation and have the best schools, I know Iowa can lead the nation in volunteerism as well."

The "Call to Service" initiative is driven by the private sector, but publically endorsed while working  with non-profits and other organizations to increase the volunteer supply, demand and retention, mobilize communities and generate targeted tactics to expand volunteerism in Iowa. This multi-year blueprint seeks to eliminate barriers preventing meaningful volunteer engagement and strengthen the behavioral norm of service in Iowa.

"It is our hope that Iowans will embrace the 'Call to Service' initiative and do what Iowans do best, which is giving back to their local communities," said Reynolds. "We want to mobilize and connect Iowans with meaningful volunteer opportunities in their communities and challenge the private sector to support and help strengthen Iowa's volunteer infrastructure."

As a first step, Iowans are encouraged to take part in a local service project during the week of Sept. 10, 2012, as part of the launch of "Volunteer Iowa: A Call to Service." A complete list of service projects can be found at www.volunteeriowa.org.

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10 Sep 2012

Morthland Urges Illinois Not to Waive Welfare to Work Requirements

By Rep. Rich Morthland

Moline, IL... State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) introduced two pieces of legislation today aimed at maintaining Illinois' commitment to the work requirements for assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

Established in 1996, the program attempts to curb welfare dependence by encouraging recipients to move from welfare to work. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicated in July that it is willing to approve state waivers that reduce the participation requirements.

Morthland introduced House Bill 6223 which would prohibit Illinois from seeking a waiver.

"This legislation hits close to home," said Morthland. "My wife and I have seen first-hand the benefits the TANF program brings to our community and to our state. The program has resulted in a reduction of child poverty, a reduction in the welfare dependency, and an increase in employment earnings of single mothers."

Morthland also announced House Resolution 1218 which urges the Governor and the Illinois Secretary of the Department of Human Services to refuse to seek a waiver from HHS.

"Welfare to Work is a good program that helps working families who want a piece of the American dream. It is important we hold Illinois to a higher standard and continue to offer job training, mentoring and educational opportunities to those in need."

10 Sep 2012

New Braley Ad Featuring Bill Clinton Rebuts Lange's False Medicare Claim

By Braley for Congress - Jeff Giertz
In case you missed it...

This weekend, Braley for Congress launched a new TV ad responding to Ben Lange and his Washington allies' latest smear campaign on Medicare.  Time.com and Politico have profiled our new spot, which can be watched here: http://youtu.be/76qh7GlzWfo


Clinton for the D Defense
Time.com
September 8th, 2012

Congressman Bruce Braley, the Democrat running for re-election against Ben Lange in Iowa's first congressional district, is the first down ballot candidate to bring the Big Dog to his defense through a TV ad.
The spot, slated to hit Hawkeye TV early this week, employs video from the Democrats' Charlotte convention, with 42 making the case.

Clinton Convention Speech on Medicare Shows up in Iowa Race
Politico
September 9th, 2012

Bill Clinton's full-throated pushback at the DNC of Mitt Romney's and Paul Ryan's line that President Obama "robbed" Medicare to fund Obamacare is the centerpiece of an ad in an Iowa congressional race.
The spot from Rep. Bruce Braley, who supported Obamacare and has been under fire from opponent Ben Lange, uses the Clinton testimonial almost exclusively.
As far as we know it's the first spot anywhere to feature the speech, which, along with Michelle Obama's, was considered a high point of Charlotte.
# # #
10 Sep 2012

Illinois National Guard Helicopter, Crew Return from Southwest Border

By Illinois National Guard PAO

DECATUR, IL (09/10/2012)(readMedia)-- WHO:

• The Illinois National Guard's Detachment 1, Company C, 1st Battalion, 376th Aviation Regiment in Decatur.

WHAT:

• One Illinois National Guard OH-58 Kiowa helicopter and one pilot will return to the Illinois National Guard's Aviation Support Facility after completing a three-month deployment to the U.S. Southwest Border in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security performing border security operations. A total of four Soldiers supported the mission. The other three Soldiers have already arrived home.

WHEN/WHERE:

• Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.

• Illinois National Guard Aviation Support Facility, 660 S. Airport Rd, Decatur, Ill.

WHY:

• Dec. 15, 2011 the Secretary of Defense approved the continued use of the National Guard to support the Department of Homeland Security's effort to secure the U.S. southwest border.

• The Southwest Border extends from San Diego, Calif., to Brownsville, Texas, and is approximately 2,000 miles.

• In most areas, the Southwest Border is located in remote and sparsely populated areas of vast desert and rugged mountain terrain.

• The Southwest Border region is defined as the areas up to 150 miles north of the United States-Mexican border.

 

-30-

10 Sep 2012

Government Proposes Simplified Mortgage Disclosure Forms

By Steve Burke

By Jason Alderman

No doubt many wannabe first-time homebuyers have been sitting on the sidelines of the volatile housing market, unsure when or how to enter the game. If that describes you, you're probably fortunate to have missed out on the housing bubble and lax lending standards of a few years ago, when millions of people took out mortgages they couldn't afford - or understand.

Homeownership is a long-term commitment filled with expenses (both expected and unexpected) and responsibilities. The upsides - not to mention the tax advantages - are why approximately two-thirds of Americans own instead of renting. But homeownership is not always right for everyone or at every stage of life.

Here's hoping that now, as home prices have plummeted and loan interest rates are at historic lows, you can resist the temptation to get in over your head and first bone up on the many one-time and recurring costs involved in owning your own home.

A good place to start is Know Before You Owe, the financial education initiative launched last year by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to ensure that people receive concise, easy-to-understand information regarding mortgages, credit cards and student loans, among other major financial decisions (www.consumerfinance.gov).

After soliciting input from thousands of consumers, lenders, mortgage brokers and consumer advocates, the CFPB recently developed new prototypes for the federal disclosure forms borrowers receive after applying for a mortgage and before closing on the loan.

"When making what is likely the biggest purchase of their life, consumers should be looking at paperwork that clearly lays out the terms of the deal," said CFPB Director Richard Cordray.

The proposed forms combine several different but overlapping documents now required by various federal agencies. But they will simplify the language and format and make it easier to compare different mortgages and more easily understand loan terms, including interest rates, monthly payment amounts, closing costs and how the loan amount might change over time (e.g., with an adjustable-rate loan). They also highlight features borrowers may want to avoid such as prepayment penalties and negative amortization.

In the meantime, if you're considering buying a home, review the proposed forms to get an idea of which costs you should be watching out for. And, even if you're already comparing loans or in escrow, ask your lender to show you where the various costs highlighted in the new forms are located in your current disclosure documents - it might help avoid costly last-minute surprises.

Here are some factors future homebuyers should keep in mind:

  • Start planning now. It could take years to save enough for a down payment and closing costs.
  • Don't forget ongoing expenses like a monthly mortgage payment, mortgage insurance, homeowner's insurance, property taxes, furnishings, maintenance and repairs.
  • People with poor credit ratings usually either don't qualify for loans or pay much higher interest rates. Work on repairing your credit at the same time you launch a savings plan.
  • If your down payment isn't at least 20 percent, you'll probably be required to buy Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which protects the lender if you default.

For a comprehensive overview of how different types of mortgages work, check out Bankrate.com. Also, watch the easy-to-follow video explaining mortgages at Practical Money Skills for Life (www.practicalmoneyskills.com), a free personal financial management program run by Visa Inc.

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