06 Sep 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Releases Statement on Jobs Report

By Ron Paul 2012 PCC

End wars, spending and reintroduce sound money

ANKENY, Iowa- The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign released the following statement from National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton in response to the U.S. Department of Labor's August 2011 Employment Situation Summary:

"The August national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent is another unfortunate chapter in the Obama administration's almost superhuman mishandling of the economy.  Total nonfarm employment was unchanged, with zero jobs created.  The number of involuntary part-time workers is up, and the number of those marginally attached to the workforce is up.

"Six million workers, 42.9 percent of total unemployed persons, have been jobless 27 weeks or longer - a frightening proposition considering that mortgage, rent, food and back-to-school bills may go unpaid.  The most recent four-week moving average of new unemployment claims, favored for being a less volatile indicator of our jobs picture, is a frowning 410,250 - also cause for dismay.

"Indeed, much more than these data hangs in the balance.  Americans are enduring painful long-term joblessness.  They're witnessing their savings disappear due to lost income.  They're seeing their personal debt rise due to lost income.   And they gaze despairingly upon their retirement plans as these arrangements are tabled or upended entirely.

"We've been told our economic situation would get worse before it gets better, yet circumstances have remained near to their utmost worst for nearly three years. 

"We've been told that help was on the way, yet taxpayer-derived aid was granted to pet causes and favored political allies.  Too often, bailouts were targeted to the President's corporate and financial sector allies, a policy similar to that of tossing life preservers to those partying on yachts.

"Americans have had enough.

"It's high time that the President and his Washington establishment allies - those in both parties - 'man up' and face the responsibility to enact authentic change.

"First, America must put an end to the unconstitutional, undeclared wars that are nothing more than destructive conflicts having an unclear connection to U.S. national security.  And we should stop putting our war-weary armed services men and women in danger by being the world's police force and dispense with state building while there are pressing needs at home. 

"Ron Paul has called for an authentic stimulus that communities across America will find economically and affectionately stimulating: the return to America of 305,000 of their sons, daughters, husbands and wives who are deployed overseas. 

"Dr. Paul says time and again that these men and women's absence from the U.S., their deployments by international organizations such as N.A.T.O. and the United Nations, and their involvement in unconstitutional, undeclared wars puts America at risk. 

"America's heroes should finally return, reunite with their loved ones in the vicinity of U.S. bases - many of which face closure, as foreign bases thrive - and they can spend, save or invest their pay right here in America.

"A return to the U.S. of service men and women and their equipment just months ago would mean that Vermont would have possessed the needed Blackhawk helicopters and personnel to adequately respond to Hurricane Irene's destruction.  Instead, Vermont was required to borrow helicopters from Illinois and New Hampshire.

"In the wake of Hurricane Irene, there's a national conversation about the constitutionality, efficacy and efficiency of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) happening.  Yet, none of Ron Paul's Republican primary competitors have raised the issue that, since the U.S. reportedly spends more than $500 billion on overseas adventures, just seven days' worth of U.S global militarism would pay for Hurricane Irene response.

"Second, President Obama and his Washington enablers of both parties must end the appalling practice of overspending and borrowing.  American households are becoming poorer as the economic doldrums continue, however Washington enjoys a kind of golden age as it grows and promotes its relevance in every facet of life. 

"The Obama administration offers empty promises on a jobs fix despite the economic reality that government does not create jobs, and in lockstep those in government garner little criticism as few in the media hold Washingtonians' feet to the fire.   This selective examination of the facts, too, must end.

"Third, the U.S. must avoid the disastrous boom and bust cycles that promote irresponsible spending, investing, borrowing and lending and this can only be done by returning to a sound money system. 

"The Federal Reserve should undergo a complete and thorough audit, and currency competition should be introduced by decriminalizing the use of gold and silver as legal tender.  The final aim would be to end the Fed, which rewards the wealthy few while punishing and injuring working class Americans.

"The numbers and anecdotal evidence of a failed jobs picture speak for themselves.  They are a glaring argument for abandoning the failed Big Government, discredited Keynesian response to the national crisis all but those in Washington are experiencing.

"We do not need another speech or prime-time lecture for that matter to tell us what we know: Washington has failed and it is time for new leadership. 

"Ron Paul has championed the same constitutionally-limited government, noninterventionist foreign policy and sound money arguments for more than 30 years. 

"Dr. Paul wisely predicted the economic crisis and foresaw that it would fall hardest on the hardworking and most vulnerable.  The issues now match the candidate, which is why his message is resonating with more voters as the primary campaign cycle advances." 

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC. www.RonPaul2012.com

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06 Sep 2011

UN-PLUG AND GET OUT THERE! CONNECTING TODAY'S STUDENTS WITH NATURE

By Rick Martin

Most adults recall a time when summer meant endless hours of outdoor play (and the start of school the confinement of a classroom) - but most American children today spend the majority of summer indoors.  Studies show the average American child between the ages of 8 and 18 spends nearly eight hours per day, year round, indoors with televisions, computers, and video games.  The costs of this "indoor childhood" run the gamut from health problems to a reduced ability to relate to peers and adults and inability to concentrate.  Solutions to this trend are fairly simple, such as including unstructured time outdoors in a child's daily routine, as well as more outdoor education in schools.  The National Wildlife Federation campaign, Be Out There, aims to ensure that every child gets a daily "Green Hour" - 60 minutes of exposure to active outdoor play and/or nature.  Studies show academic performance in science, math, English, and social studies, as well as a sense of responsibility to their surroundings, increase when students have hands-on experiences with nature.  In addition, exposure to natural settings has shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression in children.  Be Out There provides practical tools for families and schools to make being outdoors a fun, automatic part of everyday life and return to America's children what they don't even know they've lost: their connection to the natural world!

At Rivermont Collegiate, education goes well beyond the classroom!  Rivermont students are provided a solid foundation in quantitative knowledge and written expression, while also completing a series of requirements that challenge biases, encourage personal expression, promote tolerance, and help students discover courage and inspiration.  Rivermont is excited to announce the addition of a formal Outdoor Education Program to the Upper School for the 2011-12 school year!  Students in grades 9-12 will be traveling to Camp Manito-wish in upper Wisconsin this September, experiencing a week of supervised physical challenges and varied living conditions, while learning to work with each other in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional obstacles.  The Outdoor Education Program at Rivermont is designed to challenge students to grow in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with one another.  Furthermore, thanks to the generosity of individuals, groups, and foundations, Rivermont is able to offer this inaugural program at no additional charge to students!

Rivermont Collegiate, located in Bettendorf, is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, multicultural college preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade.  What are you waiting for?  Explore what Rivermont has to offer!  Drop in for Open Tours on Tuesday, September 6th from 8:30-10:00 a.m. No appointment necessary!  This casual event gives families the opportunity to tour campus and explore our philosophy and programs.

Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.  Visit us online at www.rvmt.org!  For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Tuesday's Open Tours, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

For additional information on the National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There and Green Hour campaigns, visit www.greenhour.org.  For additional information on Camp Manito-wish, visit www.manito-wish.org.

 

-END-
06 Sep 2011

Scott County Public Flu Clinics

By Craig Cooper

DATE DAY/TIME PLACE

09-24-11 Sat. 8am - 12pm CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport IA

10-05-11 Wed. 9am - 12pm American Legion Hall, Bluegrass, IA

10-06-11 Thur. 8am - 1pm CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport IA

10-19-11 Wed. 3pm - 6pm Bettendorf Presbyterian Church, 1200 Middle Rd., Bettendorf , IA

10/24/11 Mon. 11am - 1pm Heritage Woods of Moline, 5500 46th Ave. Dr. Moline, Il

10-27-11 Thur. 8am - 12 CASI 1035 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport IA

Those receiving a flu shot should wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably short sleeves. Medicare recipients must bring their Medicare card/Medicare HMO card to the clinic. For those without Medicare the flu vaccine cost is $35 with a $5 discount at the door if you pay by cash or check at that time. No Credit Cards accepted. Pneumonia vaccine is $40.

 

06 Sep 2011

Braley Receives "Advocate Award" at People's Community Health Clinic

By Rick Martin

Waterloo, IA (Sept. 1, 2011) -Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) toured People's Community Health Clinic in Waterloo.  While there, he was presented with the National Association of Community Health Centers "Advocate Award," for his work to preserve, strengthen, and expand access to America's health centers.

"Iowa's community health centers serve as the health care home for many Iowans who are in need of care," said Rep. Braley. "I'm proud to fight for greater investments in community health centers, so that Iowa families haveaccess to affordable, high-quality primary care. "

Congressman Braley is Co-Chair of the Quality Care Coalition, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of care in America.  He has supported greater investment in Community Health Centers, and efforts which will lower costs and improve the quality of primary care in Iowa.

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06 Sep 2011

Labor Day Report - America's Middle Class Needs Our Help

By Rick Martin

As the nation prepares to honor America's workers this weekend, I wanted to share a report I released today on the decline of America's middle class and its long-term consequences for our economy.  As you'll see in the report, the problems plaguing the middle class and the broader economy were not brought on just by this recession, but rather through a series of systematic policy decisions put into place over the past 40 years.  I believe that rebuilding the middle class needs to be the primary focus of the Congress and that it can only be done by reversing these policy choices.

All the talk in Washington about deficits and spending cuts ignores one simple truth: there will be no sustainable economic recovery without the recovery of the American middle class.  Without good-paying jobs with reliable benefits, families will continue to fall behind, and the economy will lag as consumers struggle to survive on shrinking budgets.

As Congress finally turns its focus to how to create jobs and rebuild our economy, we must understand that as the middle class goes, so goes our economy.

Today's report follows a series of Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearings I've convened to examine the state of the middle class.  We've solicited input from economists, the business community, and everyday Americans struggling to maintain a middle class lifestyle.  In Iowa, members of my staff have been visiting all 99 counties to gather testimony and insights into the challenges facing middle class families, and I have followed up by holding forums this August in Newton, Mason City, Cedar Rapids, and Council Bluffs.

To read my report, entitled "Saving the American Dream: The Past, Present, and Uncertain Future of America's Middle Class," and learn more about my HELP Committee hearings and my forums in Iowa, click here:  http://harkin.senate.gov/help/middleclass.cfm

The report shows that the middle class is facing stagnant wages while household costs continue to rise:

  • Average hourly wages declined by 1% from 1970 to 2009, while home prices have increased 97%, gas prices by 18%, health costs by 50%, and public college by 80% after adjusting both wages and costs for inflation.
  • The average family of four needs an annual income of $68,000/year just to cover basic costs, but in 2010, half of all jobs paid less than $33,840, and 9 of the 10 fastest-growing sectors in the American economy pay less than $35,000/year on average

While there is no silver bullet to repair the damage done to the middle class by 40 years of poor policy choices, I believe there are several steps the federal government should take to create jobs in the short term and restore our middle class and economic vitality in the long term:

  • Help 25 million unemployed and underemployed Americans get good jobs and become taxpayers again by investing in education, innovation, and a national program to rebuild our nation's schools, highways, bridges, and water infrastructure.
  • Restore balance to the tax code by removing the tax benefits received by the very wealthy and large corporations from the 2001 and 2003 tax bills.
  • Remove the provisions in the tax code that encourage American companies shifting jobs overseas.
  • Raise and index the minimum wage to improve wage standards throughout the economy and ensure working people aren't left out when our economy grows.
  • Give workers the same rights as corporate CEOs to negotiate their salaries and benefits from a position of strength, not weakness.
  • Update the federal laws governing the pension system so that they can once again provide the basis for a secure retirement.
06 Sep 2011

BP Awards Camp Courageous $6,250.00 Grant

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA-BP Petroleum in collaboration with their BP Fueling Communities Program, local BP stations, and Fauser Energy Resources has awarded Camp Courageous a grant in the amount of $6,250.00.  Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with special needs.  Run on donations, without government support, formal sponsorship, or paid fund raisers, this year the camp will serve 6,000 campers.

Camp Courageous' relationship with Fauser Energy Resources began in 1981, when Don Fauser visited Camp Courageous as a board member of the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa.  During that visit the Petroleum Marketers decided to take Camp Courageous under their wing, at a time when the camp was struggling to survive.  Since then the camp has grown from serving hundreds of campers to serving thousands of campers, is open-year round, has grown from 40 acres to 200 acres; and from 5 buildings to over 20.

"Don Fauser, and his son, Paul, have been actively involved in the success of Camp Courageous for over 30-years. They are a good and carrying family of incredible integrity...and those exceptional traits pour over into their work.  Camp Courageous feels very fortunate to have BP Petroleum and Fauser Energy Resources come together to make this wonderful gift possible," said Charlie Becker, Camp Director.
06 Sep 2011

The Old Creamery Theatre opens Boeing Boeing Sept. 15

By Shelley Klimes

Amana (Sept 2, 2011) - Fasten your seat belts! The Old Creamery Theatre is taking off with its Fall farce, Boeing Boeing, on the Main Stage beginning Sept. 15.

It promises to be a bumpy ride as Bernard, a successful architect in Paris, juggles three flight attendant girlfriends. Bernard's elaborate planning to keep the women apart is no match for the newer, faster Boeing jet that lands all three women in town at the same time. You'll howl at the elaborate measures Bernard, his housekeeper - a sassy and reluctant accomplice - and his innocent friend Robert take to try and keep Bernard's three little secrets from bumping into one other.

Written by Marc Camoletti, translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans, Boeing Boeing won a 2008 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. The cast consists of Jessica Bradish of Des Moines, John D. Smitherman of Philadelphia, Marquetta Senters of South Amana, Sean McCall of Marengo, Deborah Kennedy of East Amana and Jackie McCall of Marengo. Directed by James Fleming, Boeing Boeing runs through Oct. 16 and is rated Theatre PG-13.

Tickets are $27 for adults and $17.50 for students. Show times are Wednesdays Thursdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Group and student rates are available.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox
28, our 2011 season media sponsor.

02 Sep 2011

Treasurer Fitzgerald Encourages Iowans to Observe College Savings Month

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (09/01/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that Iowa has joined other states in declaring September as "College Savings Month" in an effort to increase awareness among families about the importance of saving for their children's higher education expenses.

College Savings Month is a time when families are encouraged to explore the benefits of saving through a 529 plan like College Savings Iowa. Studies have shown that children who have money saved for school are almost four times more likely to attend a four-year college than those with no account.* This makes saving ahead of time one of the most significant things families can do to help make college a reality for their children. By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, parents can make their savings work for them.

"I want families to know it's never too early to start planning for their child's future education," said Fitzgerald. "As a way to raise awareness about the importance of saving for higher education, College Savings Iowa is giving away a free $1,000 account. I encourage Iowans to register today for a chance to win and jump start their college savings." To register, visit www.myiowa529plan.com.

College Savings Iowa is an affordable, tax-advantaged option for families who are saving for their children's higher education. It takes just $25 to open a College Savings Iowa account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,865 per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2011 and there no income or residency restrictions.**

Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, go to www.my529iowaplan.com or call 1-888-332-7545.

*From the Center for Social Development study: The Role of Savings and Wealth in Reducing "Wilt" between Expectations and College Attendance. William Elliott III and Sondra Beverly, 2010.

**Adjusted annually for inflation if withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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02 Sep 2011

Civil War Soldier Cemetery Walk

By Lynn Bartenhagen

The Muscatine Art Center and Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department are cosponsoring Civil War Soldiers Greenwood Cemetery Tours on Sunday, September 25 and Saturday, October 1, 2011. 

The 1 ½ hour narrated tours (walking or bus) will include visiting the gravesites of many of the soldiers buried in Greenwood Cemetery that are also represented in the exhibit Muscatine & the Civil War: A Sesquicentennial Commemoration being held at the Muscatine Art Center. Among others, participants will learn about Muscatine soldiers Charles Knoblauch who owned a saloon in Muscatine before enlisting, and Abraham Hare, who established the first hat factory in Muscatine before becoming a Colonel for the Union Army.  

Sunday, September 25  - deadline for registration Sunday, September 18 
Tour times: 12:30PM & 3PM  
Saturday, October 1  - deadline for registration Saturday, September 24 
Tour times: 10AM, 12:30PM & 3PM  

Registration is $5.00 for adults. Seniors (age 65+) and youth 16 and under are free.  All participants MUST pre-register.  Register for one of the times listed above and indicate whether you would like a walking tour (maximum enrollment 15) or a bus tour (maximum enrollment 19). 

To register contact Katy Doherty, Program Coordinator at kdoherty@muscatineiowa.govor call 563.263.8282.   

On the day of the tour participants are asked to meet in the Cedar Street parking lot of the Muscatine Art Center at least 15 minutes before the tour departs. Busses will be provided by MUSCABUS and are handicapped accessible.  The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 5PM, Thursday from 10AM to 7PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5PM Admission is FREE.
02 Sep 2011

All Party and No Tea

By Michael D. Elliott

Unfortunately, this year, the Tea Party Express rally was not very representative of the traditional tea party rallies of the past. From being exclusive rather than inclusive to not covering anything of tea party value, this rally was more about shoulder rubbing with politicians and entertainment than anything of tea party substance.

There was singing and dancing, but no talk of tea party action steps to take now. There was a comedy show, but no education of liberty ideas or announcements of future local meetings people could attend to become more involved. There were introductions of politicians, but no hard questions asked to make sure the politicians are keeping their promises to the people. In fact there was a lot of entertainment and political recognition, but no representation or speakers from any of the local liberty organizations. In fact, the local groups were required to seek permission to be present and were not slated to speak as was previously promised.

Although advertised as a public event at Leach Park in Bettendorf, members of Iowans For Accountability (IFA) were confronted and told that they could not participate or setup tables at the event without prior approval of Mike Martin. "I was in shock since in all the years I have been involved in the liberty movement, I have never been told that I needed to beg permission to participate in a public tea party event," said Michael Elliott, the chairman of Iowans for Accountability (IFA) who decided to not set up at all and left before the event got started.

Cindy Deirks, a local tea party organizer, recently returning back after an illness and death in the family, was told today that she is no longer needed because there are new owners of the Tea Party of the QC. "I don't understand why someone would try to claim they own the local tea party movement. Everyone who is fighting against out-of-control government is an owner, not just one or two people." Cindy explained.

If this is what is to be expected under the "New Owners" of the tea party movement in the Quad Cities, then there may be more events that are as John Riley, an attendee, put it, "All party and no tea."

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