CLINTONCOUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWSLETTER

"Democrats believe in responsible government, fair taxes and opportunities for everyone to use their God given talents to achieve to the maximum of their abilities and leave the World a better place."  (Senator Tom Harkin)

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August 15, 2005

COMING EVENTS

THE CLINTONCOUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE WILL MEET

Tuesday, August 16 at 7:30 P.M. in the

Democratic Headquarters at 224 22nd Place.

Sunday, August 21:   The Bethel A.M.E. Church is sponsoring a brunch

buffet at the Frontier from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. to give Clinton residents a chance to meet Carl E. Officer, mayor of East Saint Louis.  Mr. Officer is rooted in the values of generosity, compassion and civic duty.  For more information about the retreat and to make reservations call Vince Jetter at 242-0732.

LABOR DAY PICNIC

Sunday, September 4  12:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Free beverages!  Free food!  Free prizes!  Fun for the entire family!Eagle Point Park Lodge.

Sponsored by the Clinton Labor Congress

IN MEMORY OF MOE CROUSE

"Uncle Buck"

We were saddened to hear of the death of Moe Crouse.  We extend our sincere sympathy to his family for their great loss.  Moe was very active in civic affairs.  He served on the City Council from 1999 to 2003.  While he was chair of the Clinton County Democrats (1995-1999) he started the CountyHall of Fame and dinner which continues to be one of our major annual events.  Moe and his wife Louise were active workers for the Democratic Party for many years.  He was a member of the Teamsters Union and served as president of the Clinton Shrine Club.  Watch for announcements about a planned memorial service which will be held at the Community Congregational Church,

SENATOR TOM HARKIN VISITS CLINTON

Senator Harkin toured the new JeffersonElementary School Friday.  He was instrumental in obtaining one million dollars in Harkin Federal grants to help finance its construction.  Later in the afternoon he met with a large group of Democrats at our Headquarters.  The following are among his most important comments:

v      The more President Bush tours the nation speaking to groups about

private social security accounts the lower his ratings.  Maybe we should pay his travel expenses to make more "speeches".

v      The stem cell research issue has split the Republican Party.  Even

Majority leader Bill Frist has disagreed with the President.  This research promises to lead to better treatments for many of the ailments.

Both South Korea and Singapore spend more money on this type of research than the United States.

v      The War in Iraq is a tragedy.  In addition to the 1,800 young

Americans who have been killed, there are 12,000 more severely injured many of whom would have probably died in previous wars.  Bush is so bull headed he won't admit that errors were made.  We need to send a message in

2006 by electing a Democratic Congress.

v      Senate Harkin expressed his gratitude to the voters of Clinton

County who gave him a 60% plurality in the last election.

v      Republican Party statement:  We believe in small government and

less taxes because we believe that you can spend your money better than the government."  The Republican Party has been successful in selling this attitude to many Americans appealing to their selfish interests.  Is this all there is?

v      Democrats believe that everybody is entitled to climb the ladder of

success and make the best use of their talents.  If they can't get on the ladder, government should provide a ramp and a safety net until they can make use of their own energy and initiative.

v      We believe that we have the responsibility to provide a better

world for everyone's grandchildren, not just a few chosen wealthy individuals.

v      Next August many older Americans will be surprised when their

Medicare prescription drug coverage runs out.

v      The energy bill provides tax incentives to produce more energy.

Seventy percent is allocated to the oil, gas and coal companies.  Thirty percent is allocated for renewable energy sources.  However, the bill will result in the doubling of the production of ethanol and provide tax credits to small co-ops to develop wind turbine fields.

v      Senator Harkin thinks that the Patriot Act will be renewed.

However, he is concerned about provisions that will enable law enforcement agencies to obtain information without showing just cause and obtaining court orders.

v      The following comments were heard from well educated and wealthy

advisors to the President:

o        "We had to get rid of Saddam Hussein because we can manage Iraq's

oil better than he could."

o        "Iraq is a civil war ready to happen and we can't do a thing

about it."

o        "We have put ourselves right in the middle of a hornet's nest."

Watch for information about Senator Harkin's annual steak fry in Indianola.  Former Senator John Edwards will be the main speaker.

Shaking Hands: Iraqi President Saddam Hussein greets Donald Rumsfeld, then special envoy of President Ronald Reagan, in Baghdad on December 20, 1983.

Shaking Hands with Saddam Hussein:     The U.S. Tilts toward Iraq,

1980-1984   National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 82