SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
November 27, 2007
*You meet a nice young man, and go on a couple dates. There is nothing wrong with him, but there is no spark between you. Do you keep going out with him, or move on?
*There are two jobs advertised Director and Assistant Director. You feel you are qualified to hold either position. For which job do you apply?
*Down three points with 10 seconds to go. Fourth down and goal from the one.
You can play for the tie, or go for the win. Which do you choose?
The common theme in each of these situations is that the opportunity exists for something great to happen, and it will not happen by playing it safe.
This is how I view the upcoming Iowa Caucuses. Our world is at a critical juncture. This is no time for the status quo. We need to think big and reach for the stars.
That is why I support Illinois Senator Barack Obama. We have an opportunity for greatness. We have a chance to really make the world a better place. We can forever change the course of history.
Or not. It is up to you. Do you want to settle for less? Or do you want to achieve all that is possible? For me, there is no question.
I urge you to support Barack Obama at the Iowa Caucuses.
I know many people like the idea of a female President. Many who feel this way have worked hard on women's issues, and waited for a long time.
Well, they haven't waited longer or worked harder than Jean Lloyd Jones, Gert McQueen, Mary Jo Small, Mori Costantino, Joyce Carmen, Doris Myers, Valerie Kemp, Pauline Taylor, and Sue Dvorsky.
These are but a few names from a long and distinguished list of local women supporting Barack Obama for President. I urge you to contact any or all of them, and find out why they support Obama.
You may have followed the recent action during the Iowa City Council race when candidate Terry Smith tried to turn candidate Mike Wright's use of the term "activist" into a pejorative. I later found it amusing when the Gazette endorsed Matt Hayek, noting he came from a family of "activists."
I'll admit it - I consider myself a community activist. Perhaps that is why I took exception with Terry's derision of the term.
What does it mean to be an "activist?" In my mind, it means you do not sit back during the political process. You write letters to governments, and letters to the editor. You organize. You call & E-mail others, urging action. You attend every forum you can. You try to convince others of your point.
I think Smith was attempting to create a connection between the term activist and some type of fringe liberalism. I understand his action as a campaign tactic, but activists are clearly not of one political viewpoint.
Locally, there are several right of center activists. Royce Phillips, John Balmer, Dan & Donna Holman, Mike Thayer, and Tim Borchardt all are or have been local activists, and none could be considered a liberal. They are activists because they feel strongly about local issues and act upon those feelings.
Similarly, some people are activists on certain issues. Terry Dahms is a trails advocate. The Reverend Bob Welsh advocates for seniors. American Legion Commander Mike Hull advocates for local Veterans. Doctor Richard Dobbyns advocates for healthier alcohol use in our community. None of these people has a cause that is inherently liberal or conservative; they simply advocate for their beliefs. As an elected official, I can assure you these folks are activists!
I have gotten to know Terry Smith over the past couple years, and I like him. He is a really good guy who does a lot of good work in this community. But frankly, I am disappointed in him for deciding to criticize activists. I understand what he was attempting to do politically, but the fact is, we NEED activists! For one thing, Terry loved the work of the activists that helped shoot down public power!
More importantly, regardless of the issue, we do not need less people speaking out, we need more. It takes some guts to put yourself out there. You automatically open yourself up to criticism. Whether I agree with my fellow activists or not, I hope they keep agitating!
Donations and volunteers are needed for the Homeless Children's Trust Christmas Party on Saturday, December 1 at the Moose Lodge in Iowa City.
HACAP will provide money for each parent to shop at K Mart while the children are entertained. We will provide music, clowns, balloon animals, face painters, dancing, and the Hawkeye Football team will autograph posters. Lunch will be donated by the Bread Garden, and Santa Claus will appear at 12:30 to hand out goodie bags. We need volunteers to help with gift-wrapping, shopping with the parents, kitchen help, monitoring children at the party, and filling stockings Friday afternoon.
Donations may be dropped at Hawkeye Harley Davidson, Senior Center, K Mart, Hills Bank and Trust on Gilbert, Hy-Vee on Waterfront, Kirkwood, and International Automotive Components.
DID YOU KNOW? An average of over 55,000 vehicles pass through the intersection of I-80 and First Avenue in Coralville every day.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website - www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan's Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod @ 1:25 AM
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