Public Policy from Cid

Tough Saturday for Iowans: The Hawkeyes lose first game of season, while later HR 3200 passes U.S. House, ouch!

2009-11-08T12:11:00.005-06:00

Iowa 10

Northwestern 17

The Hawkeyes lose four turnovers in the second quarter and QB Ricky Stanzi to injury to eventually fall to the Wildcats 10-17 at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The beginning looked good, as Iowa opened up with a 10-0 lead. But, instead of taking what the defense would give, short passes, the Hawkeyes were forced to punt, then turned the ball over, and eventually allowed Northwestern to take full control of the game with ball control, field position and mistakes by the Hawkeyes.

‘Cost us a TD and a QB’ - The Gazette

IOWA CITY — On Ricky Stanzi’s right, Iowa had a tackle, tight end and an H-back. Then, the ball was snapped...

Cidsports: Sadly, the tight end and H-Back may have gave away the play with the
pre-snap conversation!

Northwestern 17, Iowa 10: The Fifth Quarter - DesMoinesRegister.com
Iowa players said after Saturday's 17-10 loss that the redshirt freshman from Keokuk had few to no game reps with the No. 1 offense. On the bright side, ...
Final: Northwestern 17, Iowa 10 - ESPN
Big Ten: Iowa's perfect season ruined by Northwestern - Los Angeles Times
Northwestern topples No. 8 Iowa 17-10 - Chicago Tribune

Later on Saturday, the U.S. House passed a revised H.R. 3200 by a vote of "220 to 215 vote on HR 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act, was taken late Saturday evening, and fell largely along party lines, although 39 Democrats voted no and one Republican – Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana – voted yes, according to C-SPAN."

The country has been hit by a “difficult economic shock” over the last year.
He said huge government spending efforts like the stimulus bill haven't helped,
and said the government was on an “unsustainable” course - Rep. John
Boehner (R-Ohio), the House minority leader

House passes health care reform bill Saturday - Lake County News - Elizabeth Larson
A summary of HR 3962 provided by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce states that HR 3962 would include sliding scale affordability credits, ...

When the smoke cleared last night in the House of Representatives, the score
was Speaker Pelosi 220 and the American People 215 - The Examiner

President lies and Pelosi swears to it. Illegal aliens get benefits in ... - The Examiner
It is also worth noting that in its preliminary score of HR 3200, CBO found that in 2019 there would be “about 17 million nonelderly residents uninsured ...

In its preliminary score of H.R. 3962, the Congressional Budget Office noted
that, in 2019 there would be “about 18 million nonelderly residents uninsured
(nearly one third of whom would be unauthorized immigrants).” Thus, unless the
number of illegal immigrants is projected to be fewer than 6 million individuals
in 2019—nearly half the illegal immigrants currently estimated to be in the
U.S.—the CBO score presumes illegals would have health coverage, raising further
questions as to whether or not said coverage would be taxpayer-funded - The
Examiner

Iowans in the Second District re-elected Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) in November 2008. He was among the 220 House members who vote for the bill. His opponent in November 2008, Dr. Marrianette Miller-Meeks does not support this type of Health Care Reform. Dr. Miller-Meeks has been busy at Tea Parties and at Health Care Forums discussing how health care reform should be shaped.

Loebsack pleased with vote on health care bill - Burlington Hawk Eye
"A lot of things, we've actually improved since it was (the earlier) HR 3200." Among the improvements are the provisions Loebsack and his fellow Iowa ...

Tough Saturday for Hawkeye fans and those concerned about the direction Health Care Reform is taking in Washington D.C. QB Ricky Stanzi joins RB Adam Robinson and OL Dace Richardson with ankle injuries and likely the rehab room for the rest of the regular season.

The Hawkeyes will face a tough road in Columbus next Saturday for the Big Ten title and the right to represent the Big Ten Conference in the Rose Bowl.

On the Health Care Reform front, taxpayers and Americans will face a tough battle as the Health Care debate moves the U.S. Senate, where hopefully long-term impact and fallout from the House plan will be thoughtfully debated and overturned.

peace

Received the following Election Day e-mail from Ron Corbett's campaign

2009-11-03T17:42:00.002-06:00

Please vote! and a big THANK YOU.

Today is the day. Please make the effort to vote.

I look back over the last eight months and think how fast the time has gone. Many people have worked hard on this campaign. It was a team effort that we all hope will end in success at 8:00 p.m. tonight. Thanks to everyone who helped along the way.

The polls close at 8:00 p.m. You are invited to an election party starting at 7:30. We will meet at the IBEW 405 Hall at 1211 Wiley Blvd., SW. They will have a big screen to watch the results as the precincts report. You are welcome to send this email around and invite others. We have received many endorsements, but the biggest endorsement is the endorsement of the people. Please take the time to vote.

Paid for by Corbett for Mayor

Happy All Saints' Day: It's November 1, 2009

2009-11-01T19:15:00.006-06:00

Per the Gazette, 23% of the public 'Don't know/no answer' who they would vote for on the November 3, 2009 Municipal Election in the City of Cedar Rapids. More on the story titled:
Poll: Corbett leads Fagan in Cedar Rapids mayoral race - The Gazette

The City of Cedar Rapids has an interesting election on Tuesday. Will the voters support candidate Brian Fagan, who is lock, stock and barrel with City Manger Jim Prosser or will they go with a new direction, candidate Ron Corbett? Mr. Prosser is a proponent of the Carver Governance Model, which Fagan has taken too, as well. James Prosser - Lyle, IL - KCRG-TV
Mr. Prosser came from a consultants position to become our City's first city manager and he has been a strong proponent in the use of consultants in the roughly 3-1/3 years he has been in Cedar Rapids.

In the District 3 council race, The Gazette has an article titled Opponents decry McGrane’s District 3 campaign flier. It's certainly interesting to see an incumbent who is At-Large step down and face an incumbent in a District race. That is exactly what is happening as incumbent District 3 council member faces current At-Large council member Pat Shey.

The Shey campaign dropped literature off to District 2 voters on Sunday in Cedar Rapids. Two other candidates are on the ballot in District 3, including Kathy Potts.

Voters in Cedar Rapids and else where in the State of Iowa will conduct municipal elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Polls in Cedar Rapids are open from 7 am to 8 pm.

If elected, he will ask the City Council to put City Manager Jim Prosser under a
90-day assessment “to see how he performs.” - Ron Corbett

Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates debate city manager’s merits - The Gazette

Common ground: Mayoral candidates excelled as young football players - The Gazette

One candidate was a Division III all-American running back (Ron Corbett)
One candidate was a third-team all-State defensive lineman (P.T. Larson)
One candidate was a first-time all-metro selection (Brian Fagan)

Big disparity in mayoral campaign contributions - The Gazette

McGrane leads in council campaign contributions - The Gazette

Hawkeye Labor Council endorses Corbett for mayor - The Gazette

Labor council endorses Corbett for Cedar Rapids mayor - The Gazette

In State of Iowa government news, a special election will be held on November 24, 2009 for House District 33 in Cedar Rapids, which includes SE and SW Cedar Rapids voting precincts.

Running-Marquardt (Dem.) vs. Thurston (Rep.)

Democrats nominate Running-Marquardt in House 33 - The Gazette

Iowa GOP: Chairman Strawn congratulates Republican candidate in House District 33 -IowaPolitics.com (press release) - Danielle Plogmann
... like Josh getting involved to try and change the direction of his community and our state.” Thurston, 27, works at Cargill West in Cedar Rapids and is a ...

Finally, what about Health Care reform and a public option?

Harkin predicts public option will be law - The Gazette

Does the public really want the Federal Government to move more and more into the operations of 1/6Th of the United States economy?

peace

Final Weekend before Tuesday's Municipal Election in Cedar Rapids

2009-10-30T22:55:00.005-05:00

Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates debate city manager’s merits - The Gazette
Posted on Oct 30, 2009 by Rick Smith.

We would suggest that Mr. Jim Prosser's being named the state’s “City Manager of the Year” a year ago was due to his lobbying efforts on behalf of Cedar Rapids and all municipal governments throughout the State.

BizPac Endorses Cedar Rapids City Council Candidates - KCRG-TV
By Rick Smith, Reporter

Don't forget to Vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in Cedar Rapids
A run-off election will be held on December 1, 2009, if necessary

peace

District 1 Debate between three candidates for Cedar Rapids City Council

2009-10-22T23:36:00.004-05:00

Incumbant Kris Gullick
Tim Pugh
Ryan Russell

"Pugh called revenue diversification “a slippery slope,” and he said property
taxes have continued to increase even with a new franchise fee on heating bills
and a new local-option sales tax. Gulick said the property-tax increase for the
most part was needed to fix the streets." - Rick Smith of The Gazette

District 1 City Council candidates talk taxes, streets - The Gazette

District 1’s Gulick faces challengers Pugh, Russell; says city can’t afford new City Hall on its own - Rick Smith, The Gazette

REPLAY LIVE COVERAGE: Cedar Rapids District 1 Candidate Forum - The Gazette
The Gazette’s Todd Dorman will provide live coverage of tonight’s Cedar Rapids City Council District 1 candidate forum. The forum, which starts at 7 p.m., is being held at Pierce Elementary School, 4343 Marilyn Dr. NE.Cedar Rapids District 1 Candidate Forum

Polling the Candidates - The Gazette
Last night, during a forum for five candidates running for two at-large seats on the Cedar Rapids City Council, the hopefuls were asked who they support in the hotly contested race for mayor.Three candidates, Chuck Swore, Donald Karr and Nick Duffy said they support Ron Corbett.Swore said he’d love to have Corbett’s top rival, council [...]

Are New Taxes and Revenues coming to Cedar Rapids? Yes, if a couple of current City Council members have their way. The two in question (Chuck Wieneke and Tom Podzimek) are not up for re-election on November 3, 2009, but do they carry the same views as the current members who are up for re-election?

The following article highlighted the following:

"Podzimek also asked City Manager Jim Prosser about
establishing a system of payment, in lieu of taxes, that would attempt to raise
revenue from hospitals, churches, colleges, non-profits and others "not
contributing to this system" because they are exempt from paying property
taxes."
"Prosser emphasized that the meeting was intended only to offer
a forecast of budget challenges ahead. Among those: a 3 percent drop in property
value because of flood damage, an expected 6 percent increase in personnel costs
and increased contributions to employee pension plans."

peace

Mayor Candidate Corbett says not going to let Massive Yard Sign Thefts "Slow Campaign"

2009-10-19T18:23:00.004-05:00

The following is an e-mail received from Corbett Campaign today.

For immediate release.

October 19, 2009

Contact: Ron Corbett, 319-573-5050

Corbett Says Massive Yard Sign Theft Won't Slow Campaign

Cedar Rapids - Responding to the theft of hundreds of his campaign yard signs over the weekend, Cedar Rapids mayoral candidate, Ron Corbett, said today that his campaign will not be slowed or intimidated by this deliberate effort to hurt his candidacy.

"Yard signs use a lot of time and money in a campaign, that's why it's so
disappointing to see that hundreds of our signs have been stolen from yards
during the dark of night," said Corbett. "We don't know who did this, but
our message is simple: this campaign will not be slowed by those who think they
can prevent the voice of the people from being heard."

After dark Friday, vandals took to the streets to remove Corbett for Mayor signs from yards all over town. The campaign estimates that between 200 and 300 signs were taken, about 1/3 of the posted signs. "

We are asking for people to keep an eye out for the signs so that we can recover
them if possible. We are hoping that a business or homeowner will find
them disposed of somewhere and if so, we may be able to salvage some of them,"
said Corbett.

Anyone who finds the signs are asked to call 319-573-5050 or visit the campaign Web site at

www.RonCorbett.com

to send a message.

"The most disappointing part of this is that for many citizens, hosting a yard
sign or putting up yard signs is one of the ways people participate in the
election process. It's too bad that vandals would want to take away this
small part of democracy," concluded Corbett.

Paid for by Corbett for Mayor

Forward email

peace

We received the following e-mail from a friend recently

2009-10-11T17:28:00.005-05:00

Ain't this the truth?

If a *conservative* doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a *liberal *doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a *conservative* is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a *liberal* is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a *conservative* sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy.
If a *liberal *wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a *conservative *is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a *liberal* is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a person of color is *conservative*, they see themselves as independently successful.
Their *liberal *counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection.

If a *conservative* is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A *liberal* wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a *conservative* doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
*Liberals* demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a *conservative* is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A *liberal *non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it’s a foreign religion, of course!)

If a *conservative *decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A *liberal* demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a *conservative *slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed.
If a *liberal *slips and falls, he grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor and then sues.

If a *conservative* reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A *liberal *will delete it because he's "offended".

Of course, the use of labels has become far too common for Americans. At times it may have a place to a limited degree, but we are far better as individuals to get to know one another than define one another through use of a label.

Conservative vs. Liberal Beliefs - Student News Daily.
Conservative vs. Liberal Beliefs - We all want the same things in life. We want freedom; we want the chance for prosperity; we want to be the best we can be ...

Conservative Liberal - Eric-Odessit
But if you are a Humanitarian and a Liberal — in the real, not the prostituted sense of these words — you will say with us that Man, each single, solitary, ...

Conservative Democrats, Liberal Republicans Hard to Find - Gallup.com
Sep 2, 2009 ... Six percent of Americans are white conservative Democrats; 11% are white moderate/liberal Republicans. Nearly half of Americans (48%) fit ...

peace

Did you catch the Heritage Foundation update on Senate Finance Committee Health Care Bill?

2009-10-01T19:33:00.006-05:00

This was a note on October 1, 2009 on Facebook from the Heritage Foundation on Obamacare: Day Six In The Senate Finance Committee

The Senate Finance Committee continued its mark-up of the America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009 on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

President Barack Obama made a couple of very high-profile promises concerning key issues that have emerged during the August recess and in contentious congressional town hall meetings. In his September 9, 2009 address to Congress and the nation in a special session of Congress, the President said that Americans could be assured that in his version of health care reform, there would be no federal funding of abortion nor the use of taxpayer funds to cover illegal immigrants.

In the key policy decisions of the Senate Finance Committee, those promises counted for little.

Protection of the Rights of Conscience (Hatch Amendment C13)

As noted, President Obama told Congress and the nation that, “no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place”. In that spirit, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) presented two amendments to remove any uncertainty and reinforce the President’s very public commitment. Sen. Hatch’s first amendment would have protected federal conscience laws; it would have prohibited discrimination against medical professionals who did not want to practice or participate in abortion and protect the right of conscience of physicians and other health care professionals, as well as officials of health care facilities, organizations, and insurance plans. Countering Senate Democrats who declared the amendment unnecessary, Sen. Hatch said the bill’s language was ambiguous, and he sought to erase all doubt in the Committee’s intentions regarding the issue. The Committee voted against Sen. Hatch’s amendment 10-13. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) voted with Senate Democrats against the amendment, while Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) voted with Hatch and Senate Republicans for the amendment.

Federal Funding for Abortion (c-14)

Sen. Hatch’s second amendment would have prohibited federal funds from being used for elective abortions or to subsidize insurance plans that cover abortions. Hatch provided that nothing would stop insurers from offering supplemental policies for abortion—but plans funded or subsidized by the federal government could not provide abortion. Sen. Hatch’s amendment also provided exceptions to this law in the cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother. Hatch’s rationale was to codify official promises made on both sides of the aisle that taxpayer dollars would not fund abortions. Though the Hyde Amendment already provides for such a restriction on the use of taxpayers’ money, it must be passed every year. Sen. Hatch’s amendment would have also written the President’s promise into law. The Hatch amendment failed in the Senate Finance Committee 10-13. Senators Snowe and Conrad also crossed party lines again in their votes.

Using Taxpayers Dollars to Cover Illegal Immigrants (Grassley Amendment C8 )

In his address on health care, President Obama also stated that, “…there are those who claim that our reform efforts would insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false. The reforms…I’m proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally.” This statement ignited South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson’s controversial outburst.

To secure the President’s commitment, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced an amendment that would require proof of citizenship in order to access federal health programs. Sen. Grassley’s amendment would have required proper identification in applying for Medicaid benefits: Medicaid applicants, or the guardian of an applicant under the age of 18, would present government-issued identification at the time of application for Medicaid or CHIP benefits. Sen. Grassley’s amendment failed by a vote of 10-13. It was a party line vote, with Senate Democrats voting against the Grassley amendment.

Increased Consumer Costs. (Enzi Amendment C4, Grassley Amendment F1, and Hatch Amendment F17)

The President has said repeatedly that he would oppose middle class tax increases, and that, as a result of health reform, the typical American family would see a $2500 annual reduction in their health premium costs. Nonetheless, the Senate Finance Committee “mark” contains various taxes, which would be tantamount to middle class tax increases. These include taxes on insurance companies based on their market shares, taxes on drug manufacturers, taxes on medical device manufacturers, and taxes on clinical laboratories. Economists know, of course, that such additional taxes are passed on to consumers through higher insurance premiums and higher costs for drugs and medical devices. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) proposed amendments to protect Americans against these proposed tax increases.

Sen. Enzi’s amendment would have required that- before implementing the bill’s new insurance rating rules, each state’s State Insurance Commissioner would have to certify that insurance premiums would not rise for a majority of residents. This amendment failed by a vote of 10-13 along a party line.

Sen. Grassley’s offered an amendment to strike the bill’s additional fees on health insurance plans. Title VI of the Chairman’s mark imposes a fee of $60 billion on insurance providers, which would be apportioned among all health insurance providers based on their market shares. The Grassley amendment was also defeated on a party line vote.

Finally, Sen. Hatch offered up an amendment that would have required the Government Accountability Office to certify that consumers would not pay the higher taxes imposed on health insurers, manufacturers of drugs and medical devices, and clinical laboratories. During the debate , Chairman Baucus expressed the novel belief that such annual fees would be borne by companies, and that they would not be passed onto the consumers. In that spirit, Sen. Hatch’s amendment would have codified the Chairman’s good intentions. The Committee nonetheless voted, along party lines, against the Hatch Amendment by a 10 to 13 vote.

The Senate Finance Committee, once again, has given ordinary Americans another insight into the gap between official Washington’s promises and the reality of the health care legislation being developed in Congress. Based on the President’s clearly stated intentions, on such matters as illegal immigration and taxpayer funding of abortion, it is obvious that the White House Office of Congressional Relations needs to do a better job communicating them to the Senate.

Other links on the Senate Finance Health Care discussion:

A look at the Senate Finance health care bill -The Associated Press
The Senate Finance Committee pushed ahead Wednesday on a comprehensive health care bill. The panel hopes to finish the legislation by week's end. ...
Senate Panel Expects to Finish Thursday on Health-Care Bill - Washington Post
America Wants to See Health Care Bill - FOXNews
US Sen Panel Approves State Health Insurance Plan Measure - Wall Street Journal

Point of Information: Two Paths to a Public Option in Health-Care ... - Washington Post
Two amendments considered, and defeated, Tuesday by the Senate Finance Committee both aimed to get to the same place -- creating a government-sponsored ...
Senate Dems will push public option - Politico
Rockefeller: Time for Insurance Companies to Spend Money on Actual ... - Daily Kos (blog)
An Attempt to Force Insurance Companies to Dedicate More Cash to Care - The Washington Independent

peace

Is Inflation in our future after Economic Crisis and Election of Mr.Obama?

2009-09-21T23:50:00.002-05:00

The Monday, September 21, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled, Fed faces test on inflation. For more on the Federal Reserve, please read Public Interest Institute's brief titled The mythology of Fed control of the economy.

peace

So, we have 17 candidates for 6 Council positions in Cedar Rapids for November?

2009-09-18T19:24:00.005-05:00

Three for Mayor, five for two At-Large positions, choices in District 1 and 3, but District 5 incumbent stands unopposed as Cedar Rapids prepares for 11/3/09 City Election.

17 hopefuls file for 6 C.R. Council seats - The Gazette

http://www.neighborhoodnetworknews.com/ doesn't list all candidates, but interviews are found on Robin Kash's web site. As of today, web site only lists 15 of 17 candidates for City Council.

Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates’ first impression - The Gazette

Who's on the Ballot in Cedar Rapids? - KCRG ‎
Incumbent Kay Halloran is not running for re-election due to health concerns. City Council district 1 is between incumbent Kris Gulick, Ryan Russell, ...
Cedar Rapids Mayoral Candidates' First Impression - KCRG

Other News of Interest ...

Grassley believes Obama distorted his comments on health care - The Gazette

Sen. Chuck Grassley said Thursday President Obama distorted his comments this summer about the Democrats’ health care reform proposals and that he resents it. Grassley, R-Iowa, recalled that he was asked at a town hall meeting in August about the draft bill, including whether it would insert a bureaucrat in place of a physician in advising a patient about end-of-life planning. Grassley said he merely commented that the draft bill should not “determine whether you’re going to pull the plug on grandma.” Then-Gov. ...

Iowa Department of Economic Development Director resigns - The Gazette

The surprise resignation the state’s economic development director apparently stemmed from questions about the use of tax incentives lawmakers approved to stimulate the film industry in Iowa. The resignation of Mike Tramontina as director of the Department of Economic Development (DED) was announced by Gov. Chet Culver’s office late Friday afternoon ...

Republican Party of Iowa: Governor misleads Iowans about state ... - IowaPolitics.com (press release) - Danielle Plogmann
Governor Culver's statement is deceptive and misleading. Due to the receipt and expenditure of one-time federal stimulus money to backfill shortfalls in ...

peace

Remembering the Constitution on Constitutional Day: September 17Th

2009-09-17T18:23:00.003-05:00

The Thursday, September 17, 2009 online edition of The Mason City Globe Gazette features an article titled, Free Constitution Day forum Thursday at NIACC. To commemorate Constitution Day today, please read Public Interest Institutes's briefs titled We Have Free Speech, For Today and Three Cheers for Washington: Remembering the Nation’s First Chief on Constitution Day.

September 17 is Constitution Day - Examiner.com
September 17 is Constitution Day, The day we commemorate the establishment of the United States Constitution. The document that created the government that ...
More than 200 years later, Constitution remains current - SDSU Collegian
Constitution Day - Monroe Evening News
It's Constitution Day - Scottsboro Daily Sentinel
Duluth Weekly - Mount Vernon News

First Lady Rendell Leads Virtual Lesson on Constitution Day -Reuters
First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell today helped celebrate Constitution Day by teaching a civics lesson via the Internet with ...
State officials honor 222-year-old document in an educational event - Altoona Mirror

How the poll on the Constitution was conducted - The Associated Press The Associated Press-National Constitution Center Poll on views of the Constitution was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media from Sept. 3-8. ...
Constitution Center Poll Finds Americans Adhering to Basic Values - KYW1060.com
Poll Shows Most Americans Oppose Bailouts - NPR
POLL: Most Americans opposed gov't stake in private companies - The Associated Press

On Constitution Day, the document lives on in political debates -Christian Science Monitor
In many ways, views about the Constitution are reflected in the debate over how President Obama is handling the issues of the day. By Patrik Jonsson Staff ...

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One local Senator says Public Option is coming to America

2009-09-14T22:00:00.004-05:00

The Monday, September 14, 2009 edition of The Des Moines Register features an article titled, Harkin says Congress will pass health bill with public option. For more on the issue of health-care reform, read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled Let the Market Work, Government Won't.

*** ***

Locally, who will step forward and run in Cedar Rapids? The City Council isn't attracting candidates as the Thursday, 5 p.m. deadline nears.
Where are all the candidates for Cedar Rapids council? - The Gazette

Update on Tax Abatement due to Flood of 2008

Tax abatements not going gangbusters yet - The Gazette

Pro-family group launches effort to undo Iowa same-sex marriage ruling - The Gazette

At-large City Council candidate Nick Duffy endorses project labor agreements for big city building projects; says council majority sided with developers over the public in a home development by Ellis Golf Course - Rick Smith's Gazette Blog

The City of Cedar Rapids will conduct a General Election for six seats on the City Council, including the Mayor, on November 3, 2009. A run-off election will be held, if a majority is not obtained in the General.

peace

RIP - Walter Cronkite: America's Most Trusted Man in America

2009-09-10T18:22:00.003-05:00

The Thursday, September 10, 2009 edition of The Washington Post features an article titled, "Cronkite, Icon of Truth and Trust, Hailed at Memorial." For additional information on the topic read, the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled "The Most Trusted Man in America."

It's hard to trust anything these days with the expansion of government at all levels.

peace

The Path to Recovery is Limited Spending and sticking to the Constitution

2009-09-02T23:50:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday, September 2, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, U.S. economy gets lift from stimulus. For more on economic policy ideas read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled, Follow the Constitution rather than Keynes.

peace

As we close out the month of August in Eastern Iowa

2009-08-31T19:30:00.003-05:00

The right decision ... cut your loses as Roy Marble is terminated ...

Former Hawkeye Roy Marble loses youth post after arrest - The Gazette
Former University of Iowa Basketball star Roy Marble has been terminated from his ...

We need help in Cedar Rapids post-Flood Gov. Chet ...

Fong wants Culver to make some noise - The Gazette

A New York Times progress report on flood recovery in Cedar Rapids caused a ripple in the 2010 race for governor. After reading the Times’ story -- “After Iowa flood, feeling just a bit ignored,” Cedar Rapids Republican Christian Fong criticized Gov. Chet Culver’s comment that Iowa was “not making a lot of noise” about the flood that caused an estimated $8 billion damage across the state and as much as $6 million damage in Cedar Rapids-Linn ...

Federal Stimulus funds are not hitting the local market as well as elsewhere ...

Linn County coming up short in federal stimulus funds - The Gazette
Just like in real estate, location appears to be key to cashing in on the federal stimulus program. Take Monona County in western Iowa, for example. It’s home to 8,966 people who own 16,383 vehicles — cars, trucks, trailers, buses and mo-peds. Of the $47,035,324 Monona County is getting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, $46,333,400 is from the federal Department of Transportation for road projects. Linn County, where 208,574 people live and own 254,000 vehicles, already has spent its $962,000 ...

Yes, even Firefighters will have to get off the streets for MDA ...

Cedar Rapids panhandling ordinance passes first reading - The Gazette
Beggars on Blairs Ferry Road will soon be a thing of the past. A new ordinance, approved unanimously by the City Council Wednesday night, would outlaw panhandling on the city’s right of way, or soliciting money from anyone in a motor vehicle. The new ordinance will apply even to firefighters raising money with boots in the street for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Aggressive panhandling would also be forbidden. Beggars who won’t take no for an answer, touch the people they ask for money, ...

peace

State Spending outpaces State Revenues in most States

2009-08-31T19:13:00.003-05:00

No sooner had state lawmakers around the country gone home after spending
months plugging ...

The Monday, August 31, 2009 edition of The Washington Times features a story titled, State, local services hit as revenues fall. For more on the importance of cutting taxes to raise revenue, read Public Interest Institutes's brief titled, Historical success of tax cuts.

Other reviews of state spending vs. state revenues across the USA.

Conn. and Pa. state budgets still in limbo -The Associated Press
Erik Arneson, a spokesman for the Senate Republicans in Pennsylvania, frames the debate as a choice between cutting spending to match revenues, ...
What Now for State Budget? - Industrial Laser Solutions
Pennsylvania lawmakers begin to make concessions to pass budget ... - The Patriot-News

Mo. cuts $7 million from tourism budget -Bizjournals.com

Missouri has had to cut spending and lay off workers as tax revenue dropped and shoppers pulled back on spending. The state expects nearly $7.4 billion in ...
Your letters, Aug. 30, 2009 - St. Joseph News-Press

It's time to bring back the virtue of limited spending.

peace

Do you agree with the following suggesting from a friend?

2009-08-31T11:46:00.004-05:00

A friend passed on the following quote recently ...

My friend commented: "This is probably the five best sentences you'll ever read. This is one paragraph that should be in every book, in every school room, in every city, in every state, in our great Union. Our educators should make a lesson plan on this one statement and beat these words into every head, in every class, in every state, in these United States of America."

Profound short paragraph:

“You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy
out of prosperity. What one person receives without working for, another
person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to
anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because
the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets
the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get
what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of
any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." - Adrian
Rogers

Another famous quote from Adrian Rogers is

"You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

peace

Choice is important, whether it be Health Care or our K-12 systems of Edcuation in the USA

2009-08-28T17:27:00.004-05:00

Choice is important in both Health Care and in Education in the USA.

The consumer is often best protected when there is competition in the marketplace and options for the consumer to select.

The Friday, August 28, 2009 edition of USA Today features a story titled, L.A. school board OKs school choice plan with private operators. For more on the issue of school choice, read the Public Interest Institutes's brief titled School Choice in America and Iowa: The Time for Change is Now.

peace

Is Limited Spending a concept that has been forgotten?

2009-08-26T22:12:00.004-05:00

A good read is from By Ken Washer, DBA, CFA, Associate Professor of Finance at Creighton University.

Earning, Saving and Giving: Have We Lost Our Way? - Creighton University Magazine

The Christian theologian and founder of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, preached: “Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.” He encouraged hard work in “honest industry,” along with limited spending. Wesley argued that to not use your money to support a good cause is to simply “throw it away.” ...

The Wednesday, August 26, 2009 edition of The Washington Post features a story titled, "Deficit Projected To Soar With New Programs." For more on the issue read, "Cutting Federal Spending Must Be a Top Priority."

Limited Government is a formula for success. It starts with limiting government spending.

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What's up on the Health Care discussion: VA pamblet and Budget Strains

2009-08-24T23:01:00.006-05:00

Page 21 is a bit creepy. I'm not defending or complaining at this point. I'm
just saying why are enough people concerned that the VA book was pulled from the .gov website and we're hearing that section is being removed from HR3200? ...I finally found the book online (thanks Deb) - and I kept a copy. - A person on Facebook wrote

Your Life, Your Choices -www.docstoc.com
Your Life Your Choices Planning for Future Medical Decisions: How to Prepare a Personalized Living Will Your Life Your Choices Planning for Future Medical Decisions: How to Prepare a Personalized Living Will Authored ...

The Monday, August 24, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, Budget pain spreads to energy-rich states. For more on economic recovery policy ideas, read Institute Brief: The American Option.

In the State of Iowa, newcomer Christian Fong, the Western Iowa native, who is a businessman here in Cedar Rapids, released his first radio advertisement that was critical towards the use of bonds by the current governor. In speaking engagements, Fong often speaks about the dangers of generational debt.

“As governor I would end the use of taxpayer money to fund lobbyists and
veto any budget that is not balanced.” - Christian Fong

Fong begins statewide radio ad campaign; Dems cry ‘foul’ - The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS – Republican gubernatorial hopeful Christian Fong is on the airwaves with a statewide radio campaign. ...

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What's local in Cedar Rapids: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2009-08-24T22:35:00.004-05:00

Cedar Rapids airport commissioners go green with netbook computers - The Gazette
The Eastern Iowa Airport is using technology to replace reams of paper, the latest in a series of green moves. ...

Sorry, but how are accrued property tax calculations considered quirky? The system hasn't changed over, forever ...

Cedar Rapids leaders: We were wrong on tax abatement period - The Gazette
We got it wrong.
That was the message out of City Hall on Thursday after city officials acknowledged that a council decision this week to recommend a partial abatement of property taxes for flood victims was premised on a faulty understanding of a quirky basic of local government — property taxes. ...

A look back at August 2006, when our first City Manager arrived in Cedar Rapids.

"I'm not coming in here to run the show. I play a role. My role isn't more
important than anyone else in this organization." - City Manager Jim Prosser

Jim Prosser's Plan for Cedar Rapids KCRG-TV9 Cedar Rapids, Iowa ... - KCRG
CEDAR RAPIDS -- Jim Prosser is now Cedar Rapids first City Manager. ...

It would be interesting to poll how people look at the City Manager's role in the City of Cedar Rapids today or even before the Flood of 2008.

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Display the American Flag on September 11, 2009 in honor of 9/11

2009-08-24T11:30:00.005-05:00

Received the following e-mail this morning and thought we would pass it on to our readers ...
We have a little less than one month and counting to get the word out
all across this great land and into every community in the United States of
America .

If you forward this email to least 11 people
and each of
those people do the same ... you get the idea.

THE PROGRAM:

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed
outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every
individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth
anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor
those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who
continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad
to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in
American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood
shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but
disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't
take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the
fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all
kinds.

So, here's what we need you to do .

(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Take
a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide
you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans
should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a
priority on this day.

Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America!

We have a lot of challenges today. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, our community is trying to rebound from the worst natural disaster in the City's history. Some have called it the 5Th worst natural disaster in U.S. history. The Economy has been very weak locally, nationally and worldwide.

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The U.S. Federal Government needs to promote limited spending

2009-08-20T22:52:00.005-05:00

"The large deficit and the grim longer-term fiscal outlook also will
continue to play a big role in the debate over domestic priorities, such as
health-care overhaul." - The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, U.S. deficit projection trimmed for 2009. For a historical example of the importance of following constitutional government, read Institute Brief: Governing by the Founder's Constitution: The Presidency of Warren G. Harding.

Attempts are being made to stimulate demand by channeling resources into areas
that government planners consider socially beneficial. For example, a bonus is
given to individuals who trade in their “clunkers” for sub-compact fuel
efficient cars. In the end, such programs will prove futile and result in a
misallocation of resources. - Fred Buzzeo

An Analysis of Production and Consumption Based Economic Stimulants - The Market Oracle
The answer is clear: The government should return money to its rightful owner, the taxpayer; eliminate excessive spending and budget deficits; and encourage ...

I believe in letting the free market correct itself and letting competition
rather than the government decide "winners" and "losers." I’m doing everything I
can to prevent the Washington, D.C., mindset of government growth and spending
sprees from infecting our state. - State Sen. Luann Ridgeway (Mo.)

Stopping excessive spending not easy - Sun Tribune
The 2010 budget amounts to a 3 percent increase in spending — yet our income (tax revenue) is down 4 percent. Your federal tax dollars came back to us via ...

Of course, the spending spree by the Federal Government can cause difficult challanges to state and local budgets. Federal stimulus money is only short-term.

peace

Pass the Ketchup and Mustard, but can we please hold and stop the Rationing of Health Care path

2009-08-19T22:32:00.006-05:00

"Although administration officials are eager to deny it, rationing health care
is central to President Barack Obama’s health plan. The Obama strategy is to
reduce health costs by rationing the services that we and future generations of
patients will receive." - Martin Feldstein

The Wednesday, August 19, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal features a story titled, ObamaCare Is All About Rationing. For more on health care reform, read Institute Brief: A Healthcare Prescription for Iowa.

Ketchup / Catsup History
Original ketchup contained no tomatoes

"But do Americans really want government bureaucrats
dictating access to care based on their perception of one's worth to society?
This question goes to the heart of the problem with rationing: A stranger far
from the scene decides who gets care and who doesn't. The person making these
decisions knows neither the patient nor the health care provider, yet he or she
is charged with the responsibility of allocating scarce resources among a
demanding population rather than providing the best possible care." - Ken
Connor

Ken Connor: Elderly should keep a close eye on health debate - Tallahassee Democrat

A Washington Times editorial on Aug. 18 criticized the claim that private
insurers “ration” care: “There
is no more rationing by private insurance companies than there is rationing at
the grocery store. In a private system, consumers can buy more
expensive health insurance plans if they want better benefits. Similarly, in a
grocery store, if you want more food, you pay more money. There is no rationing
in either case.”

CNN Devotes Six Minutes to Health Care 'Rationing' Proponent -Business Media Institute
At one point in the segment, Roberts asked why rationing is a “dirty word” in the health care debate when it already “goes on all the time in the corporate ...

A key component in a quality health care system is choice. Here are recommendations from the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center:

Create Value
Improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction with U.S. health care. Decrease medical errors, costs and waste. Read details.

Coordinate Care
To increase value, patient care services must be coordinated across people, functions, activities, locations and time. Patients must actively participate in this process. Read details.

Reform the Payment System
Change the way providers are paid in order to improve health and minimize waste. Read details.

Provide Health Insurance for All
Provide guaranteed, portable health insurance for all individuals, giving them choice, control and peace of mind. Read details.

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It's grassroots: Americans are concerned about Washington D.C. Health Care Reform talk

2009-08-18T23:20:00.002-05:00

About 60,000 senior citizens have quit AARP since July 1 due to the group's
support for a health care overhaul - AARP spokesperson

The Tuesday, August 18, 2009 edition of USA Today features a story titled, AARP loses members over health care stance. For more on health care reform, read Institute Brief: Deafness is Treatable, If You're Listening.

peace