SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
October 16, 2009
Sullivan’s Salvos 10/20/09
Congratulations to President Obama on being honored with the 2009 Nobel Prize for Peace.
Frankly, I am not certain the President deserves this award. As much as anything, this award seems to be saying, “Thank you for not being George W. Bush.” It appears that the people at Nobel are making this award in anticipation of good things to come. They want America to return to a position of moral leadership in the world.
I sincerely hope they are correct. We just entered the eighth year of our war in Afghanistan. The objectives there, while once clear, now seem murky at best. It is time to go. We cannot win the “hearts and minds” through occupation.
Then there is the war in Iraq. My family is on our third sign opposing this war; two others completely wore out. The objectives there were never clear. We need to get out of Iraq as soon as possible.
Military leaders will ALWAYS believe that they can turn the tide and win the day. I wouldn’t want it any other way. They are always going to be supremely confident in their capabilities. It is up to the civilian leaders to decide when the fight is worth the cost. In these two cases, the costs are too great.
While there have certainly been American military interventions that made sense in a moral context, too many have not. I have seen a bumper sticker that says, “I’m already against the next war.” This sums it up pretty well for me. Good luck, Mr. President. Please prove the Nobel folks right!
The 25th Annual Iowa City Human Rights Breakfast is October 22 at 7:30 AM at the Hotel Vetro.
I love this event. I am so proud to live in a community that embraces these ideals, and demonstrates it by holding this type of event.
We need the Iowa City Human Right Commission now more than ever. My own personal experiences with racism in our community have shaken my faith a bit. It is good to see that hundreds of people are willing to publicly state otherwise. It is helpful to know that most people in this community truly value human rights.
Thanks to the Commission for their important work, and congratulations to all the deserving winners.
The Johnson County Democratic Party is holding its annual Fall BBQ Saturday, October 24 from 2 to 6 PM at the Hills Community Center in Hills.
For more info, see: http://jcdems.org/wp.
The Johnson County Heritage Trust is holding its annual “Under a Cider Moon” fundraising event Saturday evening, October 24 at The Celebration Barn, 2501 Sugar Bottom Road in Solon.
The following items are available for auction:
*A dinner for 6 with wine at the home of Paul Weller and Sara Rynes in North Liberty. After dinner presention by Linda and Robert Scarth, authors of the book "Deep Nature".
*MidWest One has donated a Times Roman "T" that is 5' tall and 8"-10" deep from the previous Iowa State Bank and Trust West Branch location.
*Minnetta Gardinier will provide a bird's eye view of the Johnson County Heritage Trust properties from her 1978 Cessna Cardinal Classic airplane.
*The Cedar Rapids Rough Rider Hockey Team has donated a Luxury Suite for up to 20 people with 2 VIP parking passes.
*A week for 2 at Dave Parson's Grand Cayman Condo.
*Friendly Farms' locally grown flowers to be delivered 6 consecutive weeks to your home!
*Also available for auction will be original artwork by Dick Sjolund and Marcia Wegman, 2 airline tickets to Las Vegas, golf packages, dinner parties, tickets to Riverside, Englert and Old Creamery Theatres, certificates to local nurseries, fly fishing excursions, restaurants and oh so much more!
For more information on this event or the efforts of the Johnson County Heritage Trust, see http://www.jcht.org.
The 2009 11th Annual Pat Meyer Vision Award for outstanding commitment to end domestic violence will be presented to Mary Ann Pedde, Advocate with The Domestic Violence Intervention Program. For many years, Mary Ann has advocated for the rights of victims, worked to improve the environment where victims seek support, and educated our community about the impact of violence against women.
The award will be presented Thursday, October 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Iowa City Public Library, Room A. Congratulations, Mary Ann!
I-Renew’s Residential Solar Hot Water Workshop is October 24th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of solar liquid collector systems for heating domestic hot water.
Lone Tree is holding a pumpkin carving contest October 27, with a special performance by bluesman Kevin B.F. Burt. Entry forms and more information available at www.lonetreeiowa.com.
Government is GOOD! How do I know? Because Medicaid exists to provide healthcare for our poorest citizens. Thousands of children and people with disabilities get the medical care they need because of Medicaid. Brought to you by your GOVERNMENT!
DID YOU KNOW? Kalona is the largest Amish community west of the Mississippi River.
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.
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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 7:13 PM
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