SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
November 5, 2010
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/2/10
In this edition:
*Happy Birthday Rachel!
*Election Day!
*The Socialist
*County Budget
*Homeless Children’s Trust
*Did You Know?
*Happy Birthday Rachel!
Happy Birthday to my daughter Rachel, who turns 19 on November 6th. I love you, Honey!
*Election Day!
Tuesday is Election Day! As readers know, I am a Democrat. While I am cautiously optimistic that Democrats will do well, my cautious optimism does not extend to the US Congress as a whole.
Regardless of who wins, the public is not well served by our current system. Self-preservation becomes the first order of business. Lobbyists and moneyed interests are second. Party considerations are third. All too often, the needs of the public fall to a distant fourth.
I think the time has come for all US citizens – left, center, and right – to call for term limits.
I used to oppose term limits. I dislike limiting the selections of the voters. But as I have grown older and more cynical, I see no other way to really affect change.
Term limits might artificially create some courage where currently little exists. Term limits do not seem to have diminished the Presidency nor the many Governorships that are subject to them.
I propose 4 terms (8 years) in the US House, and 2 terms (12 years) in the US Senate. That would allow a given individual to serve for 20 years. 20 years! That is a long time – plenty long for any one person to serve.
So, what do you think? Are term limits a part of the solution? If not, what suggestions do you have?
The Socialist?
Imagine young local politician, trying to build a grassroots movement. Here are some of the things he is saying:
While most politicians resist attacking the rich (because they want to avoid “class warfare”), this guy rips the rich constantly. He even tells them they are going to Hell!
While most politicians run from the term “socialist”, this guy literally advocates taking from the rich and giving to the poor.
While elected officials in Iowa City “pile on” the Southeast side, this guy moves there.
Instead of voting to restrict panhandling, this guy hangs out with the beggars in the Ped Mall.
Rather than supporting the arming of the UI Police, this guy stages a sit-in at Jessup Hall.
This guy helps to organize workers into unions, and argues for better wages for working people.
While most local politicians ran away from the Land Water Future bond initiative, this guy spoke out firmly for the environment.
Instead of throwing tax incentives at businesses, this guy advocates for a huge increase in human services funding.
This guy loudly promotes “Obamacare”… though he thinks it does not go nearly far enough. He prefers free healthcare for all.
Don’t think for a minute that this guy is a fan of Obama, however. He is extremely anti-war, and protests the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan every single day.
Could this guy get elected in Iowa City? Not in a million years! He would be labeled a Socialist, Communist, and a Liberal. He would be pilloried on the Press Citizen message boards. They would call his policies “job killing welfare”. Glen Beck fans would write letters attacking the socialist.
Who is the “candidate” I am describing? Jesus Christ.
Sure, Jesus was not a politician. That is not the point. The behaviors I mentioned above come right out of the New Testament; I simply changed the time and location.
Ironically, the actions I listed probably wouldn’t even be the topic of conversation. People would instead be criticizing the length of his hair.
But what DOES this mean? Most people in Johnson County claim to be Christians. Many wear it on their sleeves. Is there a log in our collective eye? To use a popular phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?”
*County Budget
The budgeting process has begun in Johnson County for FY12, which runs from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
Do you have items you would like to see in or out of the budget? If so, now is the time to let your voice be heard! The budget is not officially passed until March, but decisions made between now and then impact the bottom line.
Please feel free to contact me with any or all of your thoughts on the county budget.
*Homeless Children’s Trust
The Homeless Children’s Trust is holding its Second Annual fundraising concert Saturday, November 6, from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. @ Old Brick.
Tickets are $15; for advance tickets or donations – contact Mary Larew, 338-1212 or 337-2264.
The Homeless Children’s Trust is a division of HACAP, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, a United Way Agency.
*DID YOU KNOW? In 2009, Johnson County received 22,827 calls to 911. 83% of those calls came from wireless devices.
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.
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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 @ 5:10 PM
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