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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08 Sep 2011

Q&A: Agriculture and Washington with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

By Sen. Charles Grassley

Q:        What is the farm bill?

A:        About every five years, Congress passes a comprehensive farm and food policy bill, covering a range of programs and provisions.  The last farm bill, in 2008, contained 15 titles for commodity price and income supports, farm credit, trade, agricultural conservation, research, rural development, energy, and foreign and domestic food programs including food stamps and other food programs.  Most of the federal spending for programs in the 2008 farm bill went to four of those titles.  Nutrition accounted for 76 percent of the spending.  Crop insurance was nine percent.  Farm commodity support was seven percent.  And, conservation was seven percent of spending in the farm bill, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

 

Q:        What about the next farm bill?

A:        Debate over the 2012 farm bill is underway.  I'm a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, where several hearings have been held this year to prepare for new legislation.  In August, I held three town meetings that focused on priorities for the new farm bill.  Iowa farmers told me that they want crop insurance to be maintained even if other programs need to be reduced, given the federal budget crisis, because crop insurance is a necessary tool for managing risk.  Farmers also are concerned about disproportionate cuts to the agriculture budget.  As I've said, everything's got to be on the table in the effort to reduce deficits and control spending, but the agriculture budget should be treated fairly.

 

Q:        How can farm commodity support be justified to taxpayers?

A:        The safety net for American agriculture is a way to make sure the United States has continued access to the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world.  Without a reliable food supply, nothing less than social cohesion and survival is in jeopardy.  The food safety net needs to be effective, efficient and responsible.  I hope the upcoming farm bill will include a farm-program reform that I've sought for a long time.  My farm program payment limits initiative would put a hard cap and other safeguards on payments farmers can receive from the federal farm program, including requirements to make sure those who receive payments are actively engaged in the farming operation.  The farm program was not designed to help big farmers get bigger but, today, 10 percent of the biggest farmers collect nearly 70 percent of total farm payments.  That runs counter to the goal of the farm program, which is intended to help small and medium-sized farmers - who play an important role in producing America's food supply - weather the downturns in the agricultural economy.  The farm program needs to focus on these farmers because when a farming operation gets larger, it's in a position to withstand tough years on its own.  The trend in farm program payments going to big farmers also has a negative impact on the next generation of farmers.  When 70 percent of farm payments go to 10 percent of farmers, it puts upward pressure on land prices and makes it a lot harder for smaller and beginning farmers to buy ground or afford to cash rent, which helps them get a foothold in farming.

 

Q:        How else does Washington impact the family farm?

A:        Just like other businesses and employers nationwide, farmers face headwind from heavy-handed regulations out of Washington.  During my meetings with Iowans, I hear time and again from farmers fed up with the lack of common sense behind too many of those regulations, whether it's the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) trying to regulate the dust kicked up by the combine at harvest time or the U.S. Department of Transportation trying to treat locally-used farm vehicles like over-the-road semi-trailer trucks when it comes to licensing, permits and fees.

 

Farmers also need access the new market opportunities created by international trade agreements.  Congress is still waiting for a chance to pass long-readied trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama.  Lawmakers can't act until the President submits the agreements.  There's no doubt that Washington needs to open new doors for agriculture to overseas exports, to generate new economic activity and opportunity.

 

Iowa has a lot at stake in all of these areas.  Our state is the number one producer of corn, soybeans, pork and eggs.  Cow-calf operations in Iowa produce some of the finest beef cattle in the world.  Iowa dairy farms are integral to communities statewide.

 

Friday, September 2, 2011
08 Sep 2011

On 9/11 Anniversary, Remember Legacy of Those Lost

By Sen. Charles Grassley

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

A decade after vicious terrorist attacks killed thousands of innocent people and caused immeasurable grief to victims and survivors, America has shown the world that 9/11 may have changed life as we knew it, but it has not changed America's commitment to freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The national tragedy tapped an overwhelming sense of solidarity and sacrifice among Americans from across the country. Consider the selfless acts of courage and patriotism from the moment the hijackers commandeered three airplanes on that clear September morning 10 years ago: from the passengers aboard United Flight 93, to the first responders who reported to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the heroes who serve on the front lines from within the nation's military and from behind-the-scenes in our intelligence and counterterrorism operations. Thanks to the allegiance of public servants and private citizens, our men and women in uniform and our captains of commerce and industry, the United States of America continues to serve as a beacon of hope, freedom and opportunity to the rest of the world. Those who sought to undermine the exceptionalism of the American people underestimated the resiliency of the American people.

Just consider the recent protests across the globe, where after decades of oppression, the people of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya have thrown out autocratic regimes in the pursuit of self-government, economic opportunity, higher standards of living and personal freedoms. The 10th anniversary of 9/11 offers Americans and our friends around the world the opportunity to embrace the common threads that tie us together.

For more than two centuries, the United States has attracted millions of newcomers to live and work in the land of opportunity. Generations of Americans have scaled the ladder of economic and social mobility, enjoyed the freedoms of press, speech and religion, and embraced the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, risk-taking and innovation. Unleashing the power of the individual has served as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity for the last 235 years.

Along the way, the United States evolved as an economic, cultural and military leader in the world. The 9/11 terror attacks dealt a devastating blow to America and all of humanity. And yet, 10 years later, America still stands as the shining city on the hill. Despite the economic downturn, America still bears the promise of better days ahead. Despite high unemployment and unprecedented public debt, the American Dream still serves as the magical elixir that ultimately defines the nation's resiliency and bone-deep belief in the goodness of America.

That bone-deep belief in the goodness of America flows through the veins of those called to serve their country in the U.S. military, including one of Iowa's own hometown heroes who lost his life in the line of duty this summer. Jon Tumilson enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school in 1995.  A 35-year-old Navy SEAL from Rockford, he was one of 30 Americans killed in one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces since 9/11. Barbara and I were able to pay our respects to this fallen Navy SEAL at his funeral in August. The long-time Iowa Hawkeye football and wrestling fan left behind family members and loved ones, including his beloved Labrador retriever named Hawkeye. The black lab led family members into the school gymnasium for the service and proceeded to lie next to the casket of his owner. They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words. The image of Tumilson's dog lying next to the flag-draped casket brought three words to mind; loyalty, loss and love.

Let's honor the memory of the many Iowans who've died in military service since 9/11, and all the soldiers and veterans who have served their country to protect U.S. national security and preserve our American way of life.

May their sacrifice remind us of their bone-deep belief in America's goodness. As policymakers return to Washington, D.C. and Americans observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11, let's keep their legacy and love of country close to mind as we work to put America back on the right track towards economic growth and prosperity.

 

Friday, September 2, 2011
08 Sep 2011

Governor Pat Quinn Takes Clemency Action

By Alicia Anderson
CHICAGO - September 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today granted 74 and denied 99 clemency petitions. This action marks another step in a series of clemency decisions aimed at eliminating a backlog of more than 2,500 cases that built up during the previous administration.

The 173 clemency petitions acted upon by Governor Quinn are part of dockets ranging from 2004 through 2007.  Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has acted on 1,529 clemency petitions. Governor Quinn has granted 591 and denied 938 petitions. Those actions include granting 604 pardons and authorizing 11 people who had already received pardons to seek expungement of their convictions.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-7274.

###

08 Sep 2011

Nova Singers Announces 26th Season

By Nicole Andersen

Nova Singers, led by award-winning conductor Dr. Laura L. Lane, is celebrating its 26th season of bringing the finest choral music to audiences in Galesburg and the Quad Cities.  This season features some wonderful extras, in addition to the superb 20-voice ensemble that the region has come to know and love.  Nova opens the season on October 8th and 9th with Voices and Keys, a program consisting entirely of the stunning blend of piano and choir, including the dramatic and virtuosic Mid-Winter Songs by Morten Lauridsen.  As a special treat for A Nova Christmas in December, Nova is releasing its newest Christmas CD!  In February's Sun and Moon, Seas and Sky, Nova Singers returns to the simplicity of its 20 voices in a program that highlights the vast range of moods that the groups is able to create.  The season concludes in April with Drum Song, an exciting and unusual combination of voice and percussion, including everything from bass drum and cymbals to marimba and steel drums.

 

The full schedule of performances is as follows:

 

Voices and Keys, with Ashlee Mack, piano

Saturday, October 8, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, Galesburg
Sunday, October 9, 4:00 p.m., First Congregational Church, Moline

A Nova Christmas
Friday, December 16, 7:30 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport
Saturday, December 17, 7:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Galesburg

Sun and Moon, Sea and Sky
Saturday, February 11, 7:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, Galesburg
Sunday, February 12, 4:00 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport

Drum Song, featuring Nikki Malley, percussion

Saturday, April 14, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall, Knox College, Galesburg

Sunday, April 15, 4:00 p.m., First Congregational Church, Moline

 

SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - $48 for adults, $36 for seniors.

 

Subscribers to Nova's 2011-2012 Season receive four concerts for the price of three.

 

Individual concert tickets available at the door.  Adults $16, Seniors (65+) $112, Students Free.

Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share this fantastic listening experience with you.  Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the spirit and charm the singers impart to their music.  Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities for over twenty-five years, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.

For more information, call Nova Singers at 309-341-7038 or e-mail nova@knox.edu. Information is also available at www.novasingers.com.  Nova Singers' 26th season is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
08 Sep 2011

Iowa Army Ammo Plant jobs

By Sen Charles Grassley
Senator Chuck Grassley issued the comment below about the determination announced today by the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command that no additional review is needed in order to move production work from Milan, Tennessee, to Burlington, Iowa.

Senator Grassley has worked with others in the Iowa congressional delegation for the last three years to help prevent legislative roadblocks to implementation of this positive development for the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.  The decision to consolidate the work to Iowa was made by the U.S. Army based on a competitive process.

Grassley comment:

"This decision is tied to more than 100 new jobs at the ammunition plant in Burlington.  The Army's decision is a tribute to the Iowa workforce and the legacy of the Iowa plant.  At this point, there shouldn't be any more red tape to clear for the production line to start running, and that's very good news in Southeast Iowa."

 

-30-

08 Sep 2011

Braley Calls on Obama to Invest in Nation's Infrastructure

By Rick Martin

Populist Caucus Members Urge Obama to Include Infrastructure Bank in Job Creation Plan

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) called on President Obama to invest in our nation's infrastructure by developing a National Infrastructure Bank.  In a letter to the President, Rep. Braley urged the President to include the development of an Infrastructure Bank as part of his job creation plan he will be unveiling next week.  Four other members of the Populist Caucus signed the letter to the President.  The Populist Caucus has been advocating for the development of a National Infrastructure Bank for over a year and a half.  In February 2010, the Caucus endorsed legislation introduced by Vice Chair Rosa DeLauro to create a National Infrastructure Bank.

"A National Infrastructure Bank would create jobs and improve our country's aging infrastructure" said Rep. Braley.  "This plan would leverage both public and private dollars to improve our roads, bridges, tunnels and watersystems, creating jobs all across the country.  The plan also has a diverse coalition of support that includes both the business and labor communities.  It makes sense for the President to include this public-private partnership as part of his job creation plan."

A copy of the letter, which was signed by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Rep. John Yarmuth, Rep. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Peter Welch, is pasted below and available here: http://go.usa.gov/0YF

06 Sep 2011

Buffet of Liberty

By Michael Elliott

From the very conservative to the very liberal, the SuperLiberty group here in the Quad-Cities offers local residents essentially a buffet of local liberty groups in which to participate. The meetup.com online service offers the loose coalition of differentiating groups a local centralized location for each of the organizers an option to post their own groups activities and events on the SuperLiberty calendar. The SuperLiberty.com website displays 92 liberty leader members, 18 group reviews, 18 upcoming scheduled events, and 336 past events since December 2008.

Twice a month (the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, 10am at the Downtown Davenport Library Film Room) the organizers from each of the groups have an opportunity to come and represent their group at a sort of round table, in order to discuss their only common denominator, personal liberty from over reaching governments. The various groups represented in this local liberty alliance are; Iowa Society For Educated Citizens, Quad Cities Civil Liberties Watch Group (Formerly the local ACLU chapter), Tea Party of the QC, Campaign For Liberty, Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA), NORML, Articles of Freedom CC2009, Oath-keepers, Republic of the United States of America, and Iowans For Accountability (IFA).

It is here at these public meetings that folks can learn about each group and how they can become a part of the local action. Among the18 group reviews listed online, Veronica Deevers posted, "Being new, I just listened and absorbed so I could acclimate myself more quickly to the people and their knowledge base. This is a very well versed and educated group of people who are dedicated to restoring the republic. If you have ANY concerns about this county, ANY concerns about what kind of world you will be leaving your children or grandchildren, you MUST attend. Even if you do not feel like you are 100% up on everything...even if you do not know the Constitution or the Bill of Rights that well....COME. Learn! Be a patriot! Take up that sword of truth and put on the shield of valor. There is no better kind of high."

If you are an organizer of a local political group or just a concerned citizen in the Quad Cities and want to do more or learn more about the liberty movement locally, then this a good place to start.

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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

 

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