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                                                                                                                                 CLINTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWSLETTER

“We are committed to a very definite program in the advancement of the economic, industrial and spiritual welfare of our people. Our aim has been the advancement of human progress with industrial progress. We have attempted to create work security with reasonable wages and humane conditions of employment; to provide better homes and bring to the family life of our country new comforts and a greater happiness.  We are determined to carry on for the attainment of this objective.”    

–President Franklin Delano Roosevelt--

http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org

September 2, 2007

 

LABOR DAY CELEBRATION AND PICNIC AT THE LODGE

Sunday, September 2 - noon – 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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE FOOD:

Phone Bob Krajnovich or Charlie Smith or just show up at 11:30 to volunteer.

SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS WILL BE AT THE PICNIC FROM

1:40 TO 2:30 P.M. (approximately)

 

Representative Tom Schueller’s

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Friday, September 7 – 4:30 – 7:00 P.M.

To be held at the Schueller home

503 West Platt Street, Maquoketa

 

SENATOR TOM HARKIN’S STEAK FRY

Sunday, September 16 – 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Indianola Balloon Field in Indianola

Special Guests:  Senator Joe Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd,

Senator John Edwards and Governor Bill Richardson

 

RIDE THE BUS AND SAVE

Clinton County Democrats are planning to charter a bus to the Harkin Steak Fry. 

You receive a ten dollar per ticket discount when they’re purchased with a group that’s riding the bus.  Instead of paying $30 per ticket it will be $20.  The bus will be about $25.  If you drive your car it will cost you about 40 cents per mile or $160. for the round trip.  Besides, the bus is more fun.
If you would like to go on the bus, phone Jean Pardee at 242-8111 or email her at jmpardee@mchsi.com

 

HARVESTING CLEAN ENERGY RENEW ENERGY EXPO 2007

Saturday and Sunday, September 8 & 9

Solon High School, 600 West Fifth Street, Solon, Iowa

Learn about solar energy, wind power, community-based energy development, green building, renewable energy, renewable fuels, financing your home energy project, energy efficiency and technology.  Learn more about the Expo by going to the website of Iowa Renewable Energy Association  www.irenew.org  email:  irenew@irenew.org or phone 319-643-3160.

 

POLLY’S CORN BOIL DRAWS INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION TO

CLINTON ON THE MISSISSIPPI

 

The eyes of the world were focused on Clinton last week when more than a thousand people braved the rain and cool weather to see and listen to the Democratic candidates for President.  The world learned that Clinton County Democrats are serious about their responsibility in selecting the next President, are well informed, are interested and actively involved and give all candidates equal and fair review.  The world also learned that many big things such as ethanol production and wind power are important items in Iowa.

 

Fifteen news agencies covered the event:  Italian TV, KWQC TV 6, CBS 4 News, the Des Moines Register, the Associated Press, the Quad City Times, WVIK-FM, Newsday, WQAD, Iowa Independent, KROS, the Clinton Herald, the National Journal,

the Rocky Mountain News and ABC News.

 

Clinton benefited greatly by the attention focused on the area because of this huge event.  People were fascinated by our beautiful ball park and river front.  Everyone associated with the event was pleased.  The Clinton Baseball Club profited from the rent paid by the Polly Bukta Campaign committee and the concessions.  The Visitors’ Bureau was happy with the very favorable publicity.

 

 

 

 

THE HILLARY CLINTON CAMPAIGN OFFICE NEEDS FURNITURE

 

The Clinton Campaign has an office on the second floor of the Wilson Building.  It is staffed by

Joe Coralla and Katie Berry.  They are in need of desks, tables and chairs.  You may contact them at:  563-242-1371 (office),  joseph.coral@gmail.com   kberry@hillaryclinton.com

 

 

 

DO WE CARE ABOUT PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD?

 

v      Millions of people are struggling with hunger because of severe weather and disease.

v      Droughts, floods and cyclones have ravaged farmers’ fields, destroyed crops, displaced entire families, killed livestock and placed millions of vulnerable people in Africa on the brink of starvation.

v      In sub-Saharan Africa five million children die every year from preventable causes, including hunger.

v      Millions of people in southern Africa have lost their harvests.

v      Across the Sahel vulnerable families are bracing for food shortages, hunger and epidemics of malaria, tuberculosis, cholera and meningitis.

(These statistics are from Catholic Relief Services.)

 

COMMENT:  Shouldn’t we do more to help?    In the United States we have a President whose top priority when ’elected’ was to give big tax cuts to his wealthiest supporters.  Many of the wealthiest people in the United States have transferred their assets (more than $100 billion) to tax havens such as the Cayman Islands to avoid paying any taxes at all.  Doesn’t being a citizen come with the responsibility to provide for the general welfare?

 

 

THE COMEDY OF GEORGE W. BUSH CONTINUES

Recently President George W. Bush compared the quagmire in Iraq to Vietnam.  Historians were aghast.  His supporters were dumbfounded.  Later Mr. Bush tried to explain his way out of the comment, saying that he wanted to broaden the "intellectual discussion" of Iraq by placing it in a wider historical context.   Mr. Bush plans to give another history lesson this week.

 

 

 

 

                                                 CLINTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWSLETTER

“People care about eradicating poverty and disease around the World.  Polls show that Americans worry about the United States’ image overseas and that reversing poverty in poor countries is a way to restore it.”  (Bono - U2 singer)

http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org

September 10, 2007

 

SENATOR TOM HARKIN’S STEAK FRY

Sunday, September 16 – 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Indianola Balloon Field in Indianola

Special Guests:  Senator Joe Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd,

Senator John Edwards and Governor Bill Richardson

 

RIDE THE BUS AND SAVE

Clinton County Democrats have chartered a bus to the Harkin Steak Fry. 

You’ll receive a ten dollar per ticket discount when they’re purchased with a group that’s riding the bus.  Instead of paying $30 per ticket it will be $20.  The bus will be $25.  For $45. per person you will have a pleasant ride on the bus with your Democratic friends and a ticket to the Steak Fry.  If you drive your car, it will cost you about 40 cents per mile or $160. plus $30. per person for the tickets.

 

The deluxe bus has state of the art accommodations which include wide comfortable reclining seats with lots of leg room, a rest room. six TVs, VCR, CD and DVD.  We will start loading at Democratic Headquarters at 7:30 A.M. and depart at 8:00.  We’ll plan to leave Indianola for the return trip at 4:30 P.M.

 

If you would like to go on the bus, phone Jean Pardee at 242-8111 or email her at jmpardee@mchsi.com

 

 

 

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA IS RETURNING TO CLINTON

Wednesday, September 12

Durgin Center at Ashford University

Doors will open at 12:30 P.M.

Senator Obama will be making a major speech on international policy that should receive international attention.

 

 

SENATOR FRANK WOOD FUND RAISER

Wednesday, September 12 --- 4:00-5:30 P.M.

at Lancers in Eldridge

with Senator Barack Obama. 

 

WHEN DEMOCRATS VOTE,

THE WORKING PEOPLE OF AMERICA BENEFIT.

 

 

 

JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY ACTION PICNIC FOR JOHN EDWARDS

Wednesday, September 12 at 6:00 P.M.

Chancy Park – 22nd Place and Camanche Avenue

  • Enjoy an outdoor community gathering of supporters to kick off the beginning of fall.
  • Get the latest updates on the National & Iowa campaign.
  • Learn ways to get involved to ensure we send John Edwards to the White House in November 2008!
  • AND OF COURSE GREAT FOOD!

Tuesday, September 18 – 7:00 P.M.

The Clinton County Democratic Central Committee will meet at Democratic Headquarters.

 

 

Tuesday, September 11

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

All six school districts in Clinton County will be voting for candidates for local school boards.  This is a level of government that directly impacts all of us.  Show your appreciation for those citizens who are willing to contribute many volunteer hours to serve their communities and fulfill their responsibilities as citizens.  The Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) which includes twenty-two school districts in parts of six counties has an important bond referendum on the ballot.

Let’s demonstrate that Democrats support education!

v      The referendum is needed at this time to assist the colleges in upgrading their efforts in workforce education, technology, math and science.  It is also needed to increase outreach into the eastern Iowa geographic area for structural improvements to buildings that are in some cases at least forty years old.

v      This is the first time in EICCD history that it has asked voters for approval of a bond referendum.  The referendum must receive a 60% majority of the votes cast district-wide.

v      The referendum requests that the district be allowed to issue $33 million in bonds over a ten year period.  The levy will not be renewed at the end of that period.  The cost to residential property assessed at $100,000. will be approximately $1.27 per month.

 

BONO’S ONE CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT GLOBAL POVERTY

Senator John Edwards praises ONE Vote '08's effort to fight global poverty.  He promises to make global poverty a bigger issue in the 2008 presidential campaign.  "It's simply wrong that billions of people around the globe live on less than $2 per day.  Fighting global poverty is the moral thing to do and it's also the smart thing to do for America, because it will make us safer and more secure. ONE Vote '08 has taken an important step to bring attention to this issue and to rally support for fighting global poverty.  We don't have to accept a world where billions of people are struggling to survive and instability and extremism thrive. By taking bold steps to reduce global poverty we can help to replace hopelessness and radicalism with education, opportunity, and democracy."

For additional information about the Edwards Campaign contact Jane Miller, Clinton County Staffer, 563-324-9514  jmiller@johnedwards.com

 

 

                                                                                                   CLINTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWSLETTER

“Statecraft is about clarity, communication, intensive engagement, and knowing how to apply leverage.  It is time to restore it to U.S. foreign policy.”  -- Ambassador Dennis Ross, a former Mideast negotiator and author of ‘Statecraft and How to Restore America's Standing in the World”

September 14, 2007

 

RIDE THE BUS AND SAVE

TO SENATOR TOM HARKIN’S STEAK FRY

Sunday, September 16 – 1:00 – 4:00 P.M.

Indianola Balloon Field in Indianola

Special Guests:  Senator Joe Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd,

Senator Barack Obama, Senator John Edwards and Governor Bill Richardson

There are still a few seats left on the bus.  Phone Jean Pardee at 242-8111 or email her at jmpardee@mchsi.com

 

PICK UP AND DEPARTURE TIMES AND LOCATIONS

Maquoketa:       7:00  A.M.         Old Wall Mart Parking Lot (now Tysons)

Clinton:             7:45  A.M.         Democratic Headquarters across from Chancy Park

DeWitt:             8:15  A.M.         BP Gas Station near four lane Highway 30.

Davenport         9:00  A.M.         Steeplegate Inn near Interstate 80 and Highway 61

We will leave Indianola at 4:30 P.M. after the Steak Fry.

 

Tuesday, September 18 – 7:00 P.M.

The Clinton County Democratic Central Committee will meet at Democratic Headquarters. 

We hope that all precinct representatives will be there. 

All visitors are welcome.

 

Thursday, September 20 – 5:00 P.M.

“Stop the Hate Walk”

Sponsored by the Clinton Peace Coalition.

The walk will begin at Clinton Community College and end at Ashford University.  This is a chance for residents of Clinton of all ages to come together to witness the need for peace in our world.  For more information contact the Clinton Peace Coalition at the YWCA in Clinton or go to the website:   www.PeaceDayNetwork.org

 

Friday, September 21 –   PEACE DAY

Twenty Four Hour Prayer Vigil at The Canticle

home of the Clinton Franciscans

midnight Thursday through midnight Friday.

 

Since 2001, the United Nations General Assembly has encouraged the observation of a worldwide twenty-four hour vigil for peace and nonviolence in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world.  For more information or to schedule a time

call The Canticle at 563-242-7903 Ext. 2483 and ask for Sister Mary Luke Sondgeroth.

 

 

 

REPUBLICAN JOKE OF THE SUMMER:   Fred Thompson

 

The Republican Party thinks that Fred Thompson will be their savior.  As an actor you would think that he would be an inspiring speaker.  Yet, he mumbles and stammers as badly as GWB.  He is honest though!  He opposes every Federal program that will protect ordinary people, educate all of our people and protect our Federal lands from exploitation by big corporations.  He supports privatizing public programs and resources.  He favors war over diplomacy.  As a loyal Republican he represents the interests of the richest one percent of the population.  He doesn’t try to fool us as to what his program would be.

 

LET US WAGE WAR!

 

Based upon their extensive experience in their fantasy cyberspace world where they were brave combat soldiers, George, Karl, Dick and Donald favor waging war rather than negotiating peace.  Anybody who disagrees with them is an unpatriotic sissy, political poser or come-lately lightweight.

 

“Giuliani and the Republicans keep trying to convince us that only they are tough enough to fight terrorists and keep us safe. I seem to recall that on 9/11 the terrorists boarded planes in a state that had a Republican Governor and did their worst damage in a city that had a Republican mayor and a state that had a Republican Governor--all while a Republican was in the White House.”   -- James Harrison Cohen, NEW YORK CITY in Time Magazine (9-17-07)

 

TOPICS THAT NEED NATIONAL DEBATES AND SOLUTIONS,

but have been ignored by the Bush/Cheney Administration.

 

Global investment in infrastructure is soaring, but not in the U.S.   According to a new report by the Urban Land Institute, a think tank, the nation is falling behind in critical areas, like maintenance.

 

MASS TRANSIT:  Few cities have good public transit, and higher fares can't pay all the bills. Chicago needs $6 billion just for subway repairs.

 

DAMS:  Some 3,500 dams in the U.S. are unsafe. It will take $30 billion to bring all 79,000 dams into full safety compliance.

 

RAILWAYS:   Forget bullet trains. The U.S. is decades behind global standards and will need $250 billion over 20 years to catch up.

 

WATER:  The EPA estimates that an additional $300 billion to $500 billion will be needed to repair and upgrade wastewater systems.

 

AIRPORTS:  Crowded and inefficient, U.S. airports will require a $14 billion annual infusion just to keep pace with basic needs.

 

ROADS:  Experts say 97% of roads need improvement. Meanwhile, traffic jams in some big cities tripled over the past 25 years.  (Based on an article in Time Magazine 5-28-07)

 

HARD ROCK MING REFORM:   The law governing hard rock mining has been on the books since 1872 when Ulysses S. Grant was President.  The 1872 mining law has resulted in a giveaway of our natural resources. The law was enacted to encourage Americans to head west. It was passed after the 1849 Gold Rush but carries the legacy of that era. Under the law, Americans can go onto federal land and prospect for hard-rock minerals—gold, silver, copper, uranium, etc. If they find a valuable deposit, they can then "claim" the land and continue mining without paying much further. Originally if miners wanted to acquire the land, they could "patent" it for a fee of $2.50 to $5 an acre. Federal land belongs to all Americans and should benefit all of us.  (You may learn more about this subject by going to the story that appeared in the July 2, 2007 print edition of U.S. News & World Report.)

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     CLINTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWSLETTER

“No one wants to deal with ‘root causes’ they are so complex.  If we continue to indulge ‘the absurd fantasy of a benign Western world threatened by monsters who hate its essential goodness’ as opposed to its policies, strategies and culturewe will merely prolong and strengthen, not curtail, the war on terrorism.” 

‘The Inferno Machine – A History of Terrorism” by Mathew Carr

http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org

September 24, 2007

 

On this date in 2001 President George W. Bush in a press conference with the Prime Minister of Canada triumphantly announced, “Border relations between Canada and Mexico have never been better.”

 

COMING EVENTS

 

LISTENING POST MEETING CONCERNING HEALTH CARE

Wednesday, September 26 – 10:00 A.M.

Clinton City Hall  -  611 South 3rd Street

CONDUCTED BY SENATOR ROGER STEWART

This is a chance to ask questions or contribute your opinions or ideas on improving health care.

Everyone is invited and welcome.

 

THE PATH OF NONVIOLENCE

Sunday, October 7  --  1:00-4:30 P.M.

at the Vista Grade, 2141 16th Street NW, Clinton

Sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Francis and the Clinton Chapter of Pax Christi

and featuring Jesuit Priest Father John Dear

international voice for Christian nonviolence.

For more information go to the following website:  www.clintonfrancisans.com

 

CLINTON COUNTY DEMOCRATS’ HALLOWEEN PARTY

Tuesday, October 23  at Remington’s

 

CAUCUS TRAINING

Saturday, November 3 – 10:00 A.M.

Supervisors’ room in the County Administration Building

The training session is open to everyone who would like to attend.

 

THIRD ANNUAL BRUCE, BLUES & BBQ

Sunday, November 4 in Davenport with Senator Hillary Clinton

Sunday, November 11 in Dubuque with Senator John Edwards

Sunday, November ___ in Waterloo with Senator Barack Obama (?)

 

 

 

HOPE IS ON THE WAY

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEPTEMBER MEETING OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

 

We appreciate the many precinct representatives who attend the monthly meetings of the Central Committee, contribute ideas, plan events, support the candidates and help build a stronger Clinton County Democratic Party.  Following is a very brief summary.  The more detailed minutes will be posted on our website.  As you can see from the summary we had many Democrats at the meeting.

 

 

Ø       Wanda Wyatt introduced Joshua Meyer, candidate for mayor who discussed his plans for street improvements, police, fire and library facilities, TIF districts, parks and improving communication between the city leaders and residents of the city.

Ø       Katie Berry and Joe Corallo talked about Hillary Clinton’s speech at the Harkin Steak Fry.  Hillary spoke of the third phase of a universal health care plan.  Everyone should have the same health care coverage as members of Congress.  Senator Clinton has received the endorsement of General Wesley Clark.

Ø       Tara Chadwick spoke on behalf of Senator Joe Biden.  She is the Senator’s regional field director and worked in Clinton during the 2006 election.

Ø       Staffer Dave Koch said that the community action picnic in Chancy Park for the Edwards campaign on September 12 was very successful with about forty Democrats attending.  The steelworkers, transportation workers and carpenters unions have endorsed Senator Edwards.  Edwards says that changes in the health care system are opposed by the big pharmaceutical and health care corporations.

Ø       Staffer John Keig described the large and spirited march for Barack Obama at the Harkin Picnic.  There were many young people involved.

Ø       Travis Levitt told about the very favorable remarks made about Governor Richardson by Des Moines Register columnist David Yepsen.  Richardson is gaining in the polls.  So far he has held events in 71 of Iowa’s 99 counties.  Richardson is a man with tremendous experience in international affairs.  He wants all troops out of Iraq in six months.

Ø       State Representative Tom Schueller praised the enthusiastic staffers that are assigned to our area by the Presidential campaigns.  He said that he’s having a tough time making up his mind because we have six really great candidates any of whom would be outstanding Presidents.  Tom thanked everyone who attended his ice cream social on September 7 and made it a huge success.  Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller was the main speaker at the event.  Watch for Tom’s night of bowling in November.

Ø       County Supervisor Dennis Starling discussed increased efficiency and friendliness in the Court House.  He promised that the County would stay within its budget. The County recently had a human resource person evaluate the County employees and listen to their grievances.

Ø       State Senator Roger Stewart said that it was obvious at the Harkin Steak Fry that Iowa is at the center of the universe.  The President of the United States is the most powerful leader on Earth and Iowa will have a major voice in who will be the next President.  Roger said that the Legislature is emphasizing worker training and will probably pass the prevailing wage bill in the next session.

Ø       Brian Kramer from SensibleIowans.org presented the details of a drawing they are conducting.  He drove a weird looking school bus with one turned upside on top to the HQ parking lot.  The sign read:  The Federal Budget is Turned Upside Down.

Ø       Connor Anderson announced his candidacy for Councilman at Large for the Clinton City Council.  He talked about the need for leadership in the City and determining priorities for spending the tax money that will be coming from the ADM projects.

Ø       Eric Van Lancker will announce his candidacy for County Auditor after the November 2007 election.  Larry Kness will be his campaign manager and Steve Thacker his campaign treasurer.

 

 

 

 

T SHIRT SEEN IN NEW MEXICO:

Across the top in bold letters:   HOMELAND SECURITY

Then under a photo of Geronimo and three other Apache chiefs:

FIGHTING TERRORISM SINCE 1492