13 Sep 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Debuts Latest 2012 Campaign Ad

By Gary Howard
'Trust' contrasts Paul's consistent conservatism with the record of another leading candidate LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today the release of its latest advertisement, "Trust." The sixty second spot emphasizes Paul's longtime conservative credentials and early support of Ronald Reagan, while pointing out Rick Perry's former chairmanship of Al Gore's presidential campaign.

"Congressman Paul has an unparalleled record of championing true conservative principles," said Ron Paul 2012 Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. "Dr. Paul's ideas of limited Constitutional government, sound money and balanced budgets have won the day."

"Other candidates are trying to parrot Dr. Paul's principles, but their records prove they cannot be trusted to live up to their rhetoric. Dr. Paul is the only candidate with the credibility and integrity to restore America now."

The ad also notes the similarities between the candidacies of Paul and Reagan, with both being attacked by the political establishment as "too extreme" and questioning their electability. Reagan, like Paul, was dismissed by the establishment elites. Congressman Paul was one of only four Congressmen to endorse Ronald Reagan against incumbent Gerald Ford and lead the Texas delegation for Reagan to the 1976 Republican National Convention.

The ad will appear in both broadcast and web format, with substantial air-time buys in New Hampshire and Iowa. The spot will also be sent to multiple conservative and TEA Party email lists and appear in banner ads across the internet.

Jesse Benton will be available for interview to discuss the ad and the contrast between Dr. Paul and Governor Perry's records.

Link to the ad here: http://youtu.be/PXNqcYh0MpA


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13 Sep 2011

Labor Day Overshadows Jury Rights Day

By Michael Elliott

The first Monday of September is always Labor Day which happens to be September 5th this year. Well, September 5th also happens to be Jury Rights Day. in commemoration of the William Penn case in 1670 which firmly established protection for the jury, and firmly established the right of the jurors to refuse to accept bad government laws. Labor Day tends to be more commonly recognized by Americans than Jury Rights Day. Labor Day is so popular with Americans, that there is sure to be a parade in town somewhere celebrating the holiday.

Members of the local Ron Paul meetup and the local Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA) are teaming up together to educate the large crowds that will be gathered together to watch East Moline's Labor Day parade this morning from 11AM - 1PM. The group will be both promoting Ron Paul for President and promoting Jury Rights Day via banners and signs. Although Labor Day overshadows Jury Rights Day, the groups believe this provides for a unique opportunity to promote the importance of jury rights in our system of government.

Rafe Thrasher, a Ron Paul supporter in Illinois said, "Ron Paul is a huge promoter and educator of jury rights, so it makes sense that we join forces with the local Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA) and help them promote Jury Rights Day in a Labor Day parade." The members of either group are brought together through the Illinois Liberty Alliance and can be contacted through the SuperLiberty.com website.

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Iowans For Accountability (IFA) is fighting to hold politicians accountable to we the people, and make sure government works for all of us, not just wealthy special interests and the well-connected. IFA is a Non-Party Political Organization (NPPO) that actively supports or opposes ballot issues or candidates, regardless of party affiliation and when necessary, IFA runs its own candidates. Michael D. Elliott is the IFA Chairman. Website: www.ScottcountyIFA.com
13 Sep 2011

Concerned Citizens Have a Voice

By Michael Elliott

The second edition of the Concerned Citizen newsletter has just been released over the weekend. Created by members of Iowans For Accountability (IFA), the first edition of the newsletter covered local political issues in Scott County, Iowa such as the 911 dispatching consolidation project, sustainable development, Fully Informed Jury Information (FIJA), had a suggested reading list, a schedule of local liberty meetings and government meetings, and even a local politician directory. 5,000 copies were printed and distributed. The second edition is now available to the public and can either be delivered or be picked up at the River Cities Reader building at 532 w 3rd st in Davenport. If you require delivery, please call Michael Elliott at (563)570-5395.

This second edition covers topics like the Bi-State Regional Commission, an open letter to the Scott County Grand Jurors, the IFA YouTube channel information, a new suggested reading list, and the new meeting schedules. These newsletters not only inform Scott county residents of important political issues in their local area, but also act as a way to give them a voice on various local issues that may not be covered by other media outlets in the Quad City Area. These newsletters are made possible by donations made out to Iowans For Accountability (IFA) which can be mailed to PO Box 514, Blue Grass, IA 52726 or dropped off at the River Cities Reader as listed above.

Both, the first issue and the second are available online as well. First addition is available here at http://www.scribd.com/doc/54185285/The-Concerned-Citizen-Vol-1-Issue-1, and the newly released second edition's link is here at http://www.scribd.com/doc/63923542/Scott-County-IFA-s-Concerned-Citizen-Sep-Oct-2011-Edition.

13 Sep 2011

Braley Statement on Labor Day

By Mark Noble

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) released the following statement on Labor Day, which falls on Monday, September 5:

"On Labor Day, we honor hard-working men and women who provide for their families and keep America strong. By doing this, we're celebrating the American dream - the promise that anyone can make it in America. In recent years, though, many Americans have lost their jobs and are struggling to achieve their own dreams. On this Labor Day, let us honor those who work hard every day, and also those who want to work hard but have been unable to find a job due to the recession. These are the Americans I will be thinking of this Labor Day."

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13 Sep 2011

SuperLibertyTV Goes Live!

By Michael Elliott

In a recent effort to keep the public better informed of the what goes on behind the scenes of the local liberty movement in the Quad Cities, the old SuperLibertyTV that used to broadcast shows on local access cable channel 19 a couple years ago has been revived and is getting more digitized now. By using the broadcasting website Ustream.tv in conjunction with the facebook social network, SuperLiberty is able to broadcast its meetings live, keep an archived record, and spread the information digitally around to its members, the local media, and on social networks.

A SuperLiberty meeting was broadcasted live online for the first time ever and available for anyone to watch and listen in. The live pilot broadcast was not publicly advertised so there were no actual live viewers present. However, the public is being encouraged to view the recorded file online for themselves at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17046018 if they are interested in what was covered during the SuperLiberty meeting.

Had there been online viewers present, they would have been able to actually interact with the Chairman during the meeting via a live chat feed feature and this, in effect makes the meeting reach beyond the walls of the Downtown Davenport Public Library basement film room for future broadcasts. "This is a great opportunity for folks who maybe cannot necessarily be physically present during our meetings,to still be able to watch, listen, and even participate in our meetings! I'm really excited about the potential this has in its future use." explained Michael Elliott, Founder and Chairman of both Iowans For Accountability (IFA) and SuperLiberty.

Stay tuned and plugged into the web for more from this local political broadcasting group as it utilizes the full potential of live broadcasting through the marriage of internet social networking and digital technology.

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Iowans For Accountability (IFA) is fighting to hold politicians accountable to we the people, and make sure government works for all of us, not just wealthy special interests and the well-connected. IFA is a Non-Party Political Organization (NPPO) that actively supports or opposes ballot issues or candidates, regardless of party affiliation and when necessary, IFA runs its own candidates. Michael D. Elliott is the IFA Chairman. Website: www.ScottcountyIFA.com
13 Sep 2011

Illinois National Guard Finishes Vermont Relief Efforts

By Katelyn Tye

Mission Complete, Troops Heading Home

SPRINGFIELD - September 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Army National Guard members assisting with Vermont flood relief operations have completed their mission and are heading home. Earlier this week Governor Quinn ordered Illinois National Guard helicopters and troops to active duty in Vermont after receiving a request for assistance from the state.

"The Illinois National Guard has again responded when the state and country has called on them," Governor Quinn said. "Our servicemembers are some of the greatest this nation has to offer.  Time and again, they show their dedication by answering the call to duty and we are proud of them."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to help another state in need," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "This shows we are prepared to assist, not just in Illinois, but throughout our country."

Approximately 95 members of the Illinois National Guard set up an operating base in Rome, N.Y., while their helicopters flew into Burlington, Vt. The Illinois Army National Guard assisted delivering food, water and other supplies to several towns in Vermont that were isolated by flooding.

"The Illinois National Guard has done amazing work here in Vermont. The towns I visited today that have been cut off by road for days were cheering when the helicopters started to arrive on Wednesday," said Maj. Gen. Michael D. Dubie, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. "We have stocked up the isolated towns and established rough road access to many that will soon support civilian vehicle traffic. A huge thank you to the entire Illinois team that made this happen."

During operations in Vermont, the Illinois National Guard provided the following air movements of critically needed supplies:

  • 58 pallets of water
  • 63 pallets of food
  • 4 pallets of blankets
  • 3 pallets of cots
  • 3 pallets of tarps
  • 1 generator
  • 16 passengers

The six UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, pilots and crew, ground support vehicles, and command and control staff were prepositioned in New York Aug. 29 to 30.  After completing needed operations today, they will head home and arrive in Illinois over the weekend.

Units that provided hurricane relief in Vermont include : Headquarters and Headquarters Company; 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria and elements of Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur; Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Chicago; Company C and Company D, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria; and 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion in Peoria.

"These Soldiers put aside their daily lives and commitments in a moment's notice to come to the aide of residents more than 1,100 miles from them on the East Coast," Enyart said.  "We also owe their families and employers a thank you for their support."This is the fifth time this year the Illinois National Guard has responded to assist others in need. More than 500 Soldiers were activated for the February winter storms. Approximately 500 Soldiers responded to the southern Illinois flooding this spring. The Illinois National Guard also sent one CH-47 Chinook helicopter with five crew members from Company B, 2nd Battalion 238th Aviation based in Peoria to help the South Dakota National Guard battle flood waters on June 3.  A UH-60 Blackhawk and four crew members with Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur, deployed to Omaha, Neb., in support of flood relief efforts June 21.

For video: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/124512/106th-avn-vermont-b-roll-and-interviews

13 Sep 2011

U.S. News Ranks Genesis Medical Center, Davenport "High Performing" In 5 Specialties

By Craig Cooper
22nd annual rankings recognize hospitals in 94 metro areas and 16 specialties

Washington D.C. - Sept. 2, 2011 - Genesis Medical Center, Davenport has been ranked as "high performing" in five medical specialties in U.S. News Media & World Report's 2011-12 Best Hospitals rankings, available online at www.usnews.com/besthospitals. The rankings, annually published by U.S. News for the past 22 years, are also featured in the U.S. News Best Hospitals guidebook, which is now on sale.

The latest rankings showcase 720 hospitals out of about 5,000 hospitals nationwide. Each is ranked among the country's top hospitals in at least one medical specialty and/or ranked among the best hospitals in its metro area.

Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was recognized as "high performing" in gastroenterology, gynecology, geriatrics, nephrology and orthopedics.

"Recognition from U.S. News in its annual report is highly sought by hospitals and health systems across the country,'' said Doug Cropper, President and CEO, Genesis Health System. "The recognition by an independent and credible source is affirmation that our system-wide focus on quality of care, patient safety and excellent patient outcomes is on the right track.

"The important message from recognition like this to our patients is that they can expect a high level of care and outstanding outcomes at Genesis."

The core mission of Best Hospitals is to help guide patients who need an especially high level of care because of a difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age. "These are referral centers where other hospitals send their sickest patients," said Avery Comarow, U.S. News Health Rankings Editor. "Hospitals like these are ones you or those close to you should consider when the stakes are high."

Covering 94 metro areas in the U.S., the regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. The regional rankings are aimed primarily at consumers whose care may not demand the special expertise found only at a nationally ranked Best Hospital or who may not be willing or able to travel long distances for medical care. The U.S. News metro rankings give many such patients and their families more options of hospitals within their community and in their health insurance network.

"These are hospitals we call 'high performers.' They are fully capable of giving most patients first-rate care, even if they have serious conditions or need demanding procedures," Comarow said. "Almost every major metro area has at least one of these hospitals."

Hard numbers stand behind the rankings in most specialties?death rates, patient safety, procedure volume, and other objective data. Responses to a national survey, in which physicians were asked to name hospitals they consider best in their specialty for the toughest cases, also were factored in.

The rankings cover 16 medical specialties and all 94 metro areas that have at least 500,000 residents and at least one hospital that performed well enough to be ranked.

 

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13 Sep 2011

Local Legionnaire hears President, top government leaders make their case to nation's veterans

By Randy Stalsberg
Minneapolis (Sept. 1, 2011) - Norma Seehusen was among more than 3,000 leaders of The American Legion attending the nation's largest wartime veterans organization's 93rd National Convention in Minneapolis.

Seehusen is a member of Post 588 in Pocahontas, IA and is active in programs that benefit veterans, their families and the children of this area. Highlights of the three-day gathering included addresses by President Barak Obama, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Gen. Eric Shinseki, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Al Franken and Rep. Michelle Bachmann, among others.

President Obama told Legionnaires that while the United States is in a time of fiscal restraint, that the restraint won't include cutting benefits of America's veterans.

"As a nation, we're facing tough choices as we put our fiscal house in order," the president said, getting a standing ovation from the crowd of thousands in the process. "But I want to be absolutely clear: We cannot, we must not, and we will not balance the budget on the backs of our veterans. And as commander-in-chief, I won't allow it."

Secretary of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said that VA and the Department of Defense "will spearhead a government-wide effort to reform the way members transition out of the military services. Every member will receive the training, education and credentials needed to successfully transition to the civilian workforce or to pursue higher education."

House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi told delegates, "In the weeks ahead ... Congress will take up the budget at a table of 12," Pelosi said. "I want The American Legion, and all of America to know - that the values of America's veterans will have a strong presence at that congressional table. I want to assure you that as we reduce the deficit, America's veterans will not be short-changed. Meeting the needs of our veterans ... is a value of the American people that we will protect in those negotiations.

"Supporting our veterans is a bipartisan cause," Pelosi said. "That's the beautiful part of it. It's a place we can all come together. America's veterans have earned our respect by their actions, their bravery and their valor, their willingness to step forward and serve on our behalf."

Among the major events preceding the Legion's 93rd National Convention in Minneapolis was a veterans hiring fair produced jointly by The American Legion and the United States Chamber of Commerce. Legion organizers praised the hiring fair as among the most productive of recent Legion-sponsored career fairs and credited the U.S. Chamber's participation, through its network of local and regional chambers of commerce, for its success. The Legion hiring event was the 19th in an initial series of 100 veterans career fairs to be co-produced by the U.S. Chamber and veterans' advocates nationwide as part of its 'Hiring our Heroes' initiative.

Kevin Schmiegel, vice president of veterans' employment programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, announced the impending rollout of three additional components in the organization's concerted campaign to employ military veterans. The official announcement of the program expansion will be made on Veterans Day, said Schmiegel, but Legionnaires were being given a "sneak preview."

Delegates to The American Legion National Convention also heard special reports from two dozen committees and adopted resolutions that will guide the organization's legislative and operational efforts for the coming year.
National Commander Jimmie L. Foster reported on progress made during his year as leader of the nation's largest veterans organization, praising Legionnaires for their successes in advocating for veterans, a strong national defense, Americanism and youth programs.

The convention ended with the election of Fang Wong of New York, a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer and Vietnam War veteran, as the new national commander.

Seehusen and other American Legion leaders left Minneapolis with a renewed sense of urgency in meeting the needs of today's military while helping other veterans and the nation. Issues high on the agenda for the coming year include : jobs for veterans, supporting our armed forces during the war on terrorism; reducing the backlog of VA disability claims and veteran homelessness, returning to the American people the right to protect the U.S. Flag from desecration and immediate enforcement of immigration laws with no amnesty.
13 Sep 2011

Quad City Arts presents "Studio Roll"

By Dawn Wohlford-Metallo

Studio Roll: Behind Closed Doors

WHERE: Quad City Arts Center Gallery, Rock Island

WHEN: Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 @ 2 pm 

COST: $50 per tour

On October 23rd, 2011 Quad City Arts takes off on "Studio Roll: Behind Closed Doors" a tour of three area artist's studios that the public doesn't have access to. A limited number of tickets are available for a seat on the "Go Loopy" art bus where guests will be treated to refreshments, trivia, music, socializing and beautiful fall vistas enroute to painter David Murray's Geneseo studio, painter Lee Kimball's Orion studio and Mark Fowler's glass studio in Rock Island. The five hour tour finishes up at Quad City Arts where guests can browse the gallery, enjoy coffee & desserts and finalize purchases-all for just $50 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Quad City Arts at 309-793-1213.

The Quad City Arts Center Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island.  Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees; Quad City Arts Partners; and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development and celebration of the arts and humanities. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 X108.

08 Sep 2011

IOWA CITIES JOIN IN 9/11 NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE

By Rick Martin

As the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches, Americans remember the day's tragic events. It will be a day of remembrance, but it will also be a day to commemorate those whose lives were lost and the people who risked their lives to help others.

Several organizations across Iowa have announced plans to honor the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks through service and volunteerism by rekindling the spirit of hope and community following that devastating day.

In 2009, the United States Congress passed bipartisan legislation, signed by President Barack Obama, formally recognizing Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Through the nationwide 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, several Iowa communities including Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Lamoni, Ottumwa and Waverly are joining groups around the country planning to commemorate 9/11 with community-based service programs.

9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Iowa events include :

  • Central Iowa

o   Fire Fest, hosted by the Des Moines Fire Fighters - Local 4

o   9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Community Walk, hosted by the Des Moines AmeriCorps Alumni Chapter

o   Stand Down Event, hosted by the Veteran's Association of Des Moines

o   Film screening of "Beyond Belief," hosted by the Des Moines AmeriCorps Alumni Chapter

o   60 Miles for 60 Cops: Des Moines Police Walk from Principal Park to the Capital, hosted by the Des Moines Police Department

o   Remembrance Event at the Central Library, hosted by the City of Des Moines

o   9/11 ceremony, hosted by the Governor's Office

o   The Flapjack 5K, 10K and Celebration Stroll, hosted by The Children's Cancer Connection

o   Blood drive, hosted by the LifeServe Blood Center

o   Community improvement projects in Maxwell, hosted by local Maxwell businesses

  • East Central Iowa

o   Commemorating 9/11...Ten Years Later, hosted by the Clinton Police and Fire departments

o   Stand Down event, hosted by the Veteran's Association of Cedar Rapids

o   Community-wide work day in Cedar Rapids, hosted by BRIGHTEN/AmeriCorps VISTA staff

o   Honor Their Memory by Being Better Prepared, hosted by the Davenport Volunteer Connection/Mayor's Office

  • Northwest Iowa

o   Tribute by postcard event for wounded soldiers, hosted by the Siouxland Volunteer Center and RSVP of Woodbury County

  • Southeast Iowa

o   Postcard thank you drive, hosted by the Wapello County United Way

  • Southwest Iowa

o   Food/Care package drive, hosted by the City of Lamoni

"Volunteering on Sept. 11 in honor of those who lost their lives and those who responded to the tragedy has become a tradition in Iowa and we are very proud of those who will give their time in service this year," said Adam Lounsbury, executive director of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. "We encourage all Iowans to take time this Sept. 11 to give back to their community like so many others have done in the spirit of this day."

Those interested in participating in one or more of the 9/11 Day of Service events can visit the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service Volunteer Solutions website for more information or to sign up for an event.

For more information on the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance initiative, visit www.911day.org to explore and support charitable causes of interest, find volunteer opportunities and post personal good deeds.

The 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance is an initiative led by HandsOn Network, the volunteer activation division of Points of Light Institute and MyGoodDeed in partnership with the 9/11 Memorial, Business Civic Leadership Center, AARP and the Mission Continues.

"Sept. 11 is an extraordinarily powerful motivator for engagement," said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute. "We must use this touchstone to unite and collaborate as never before to demonstrate that service and citizen engagement are essential to meeting the challenges before us."

ABOUT ICVS

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service was formed in 1978 to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and learning. For more information on the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and local volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteeriowa.org.

 

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